What is Liquor?
Liquor, also known as spirit, is a distilled alcoholic beverage made from sugar sourced from grain, fruit, or vegetable. The ingredients used undergo fermentation and distillation to reduce the water content and harvest alcohol with a higher ABV (alcohol by volume) content. Generally, all liquor has at least 30% ABV and no added sugar or flavouring. Alcohol brands like American schnapps and Grand Marnier are called liqueurs because they have added flavours and thus a sweeter flavour. On the other hand, beer and wine are in different categories of types of alcohol because they are not distilled and contain a more limited ABV level. Drinks such as flavoured vodkas or fortified wine are also different types of alcoholic beverages.
The distillation process is an integral part of making liquor. It allows the conversion of fermented grain (or other ingredients) into a product with lesser water and a higher concentration of alcohol.
Why Is Liquor Called a Spirit?
Middle Eastern alchemists used the term “spirit” to refer to the vapor produced when transmuting lead into gold. Like the alchemical process, the alcohol distillation process also involves collecting the vapor of the fermented ingredients.
According to Middle Eastern alchemists, the vapor is the spirit of the original material.
Another interesting fact is that all types of liquor are considered ‘hard’ because they contain higher levels of ethanol than other types of alcohol. In North America, for instance, the term hard liquor helps differentiate distilled drinks from the non-distilled varieties.
There are several ways of classifying spirits. For instance, you can organize the alcoholic beverage based on its ingredients, appearance, or distillation process. In this article, we will simplify our hard liquor list by classifying the beverage based on its appearance.
This means we are working with just two classifications:
· Dark spirits — Brandy, Whisky, Liqueurs, and Cognacs
· Clear liquor — Vodka, Tequila, Gin, and Rum
All liquor starts as a clear solution. Distillers can darken the alcohol by adding flavours or aging it in oak.
VODKA
Vodka is the simplest of all types of liquor, and it’s a perfect blend of water and ethanol. It contains fermented grains, corn, sugar, potatoes, fruits, or roots that are later distilled to create a solution with higher alcoholic content. Sometimes, the spirit undergoes several distillation processes to achieve the purest form of vodka.
Multiple distillation processes ensure distillers achieve a highly concentrated solution. It is then mixed with water to achieve the desired ABV and ensure balance and drinkability.
Vodka from different brands may have a distinct taste based on the flavouring and production method. However, the majority of vodka drinks are odourless and tasteless. Distillers can use a copper pot still or column still, although the latter, which uses fractional distillation, is the most popular method.
Making vodka involves a filtration process that helps to remove impurities from the solution. Again, how this process is handled may differ from one distillery to another.
Some experts filter the solution before distillation, while others do this after distillation. Then again, some distilleries forego the filtration process, especially if they distil the solution several times to harvest vodka in its purest form.
Contrary to popular belief, Vodka is not Russian. History places its origin in Poland before it travelled east.
The clear spirit has a neutral flavour profile, although some brands have a hint of citrus, peppery, or creamy taste. This hard liquor is a top choice for making flavoured cocktails because it has an ABV of at least 40% and doesn’t have a heavy impact on the taste of other ingredients.
GIN
Gin is the UK’s favourite distilled spirit. Its base comes from grain, and falls into the clear liquor category, although it can gain a dark hue by aging.
Another aspect that makes it distinct is its distillation with a careful mix of botanicals that give the drink its outstanding flavour. Gin contains juniper berries as part of the ingredients, a component that gives it a piney and floral flavour.
The process of making Gin is not so different from that of brewing vodka, at least during the initial stages. Distillers begin by fermenting the neutral grains and water, followed by the distillation process. The main difference is that when making gin, distillers use a unique array of botanicals to give the final product a distinct flavour profile.
Again, the spirit goes through multiple distillation processes to remove impurities. Even though gin is not as neutral-flavoured as vodka, its herbal flavours come in handy when making cocktails.
Gin is one of the healthiest types of alcohol because of its low-calorie content, botanical properties, and juniper berries. These berries are a super fruit with anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects. Moreover, they are known for their antibacterial and antifungal properties, not to mention that they promote heart health and lower the risk of diabetes.
It’s typical for gin to fall in and out of favor, especially with more trendy types of liquor topping the drink charts from time to time. However, many manufacturers are pretty experimental and often come back with new gin brands with exciting flavor profiles.
One of the best varieties of gin that never goes out of fashion is the London Dry gin.
TEQUILA
If you’re looking to have a wild night or one packed with bad decisions, all you need is a few tequila shots. The drink can have an alcohol content of 40%, compared to wine with about 12%, and a bottle of beer roughly 5%.
So, what makes tequila so popular?
First, tequila is made from at least 51% blue agave plant juice. The popular alcoholic drink is only produced in Jalisco, a state in Mexico. They say it isn’t tequila if it’s not from Mexico!
The production process involves extracting juice from the Blue Weber Agave plant and fermenting it using yeast. Distillers then distill the solution in column and pot stills twice to create raw tequila.
Some tequila brands don’t require maturation, and others go through a time of aging. For instance, Blanco doesn’t require aging while Joven goes through an aging period of only a few weeks. On the other hand, popular tequila brands like Anejo undergo a maturation period of up to 3 years. Even though tequila is a clear spirit, maturation gives the liquor a dark hue.
RUM
Rum is the Quintessential Caribbean Drink
If you are familiar with the history of rum, perhaps the image that comes to mind when someone mentions the drink is that of ships, pirates, and sailors. Most of the stories surrounding the alcoholic beverage are myths, although a good chunk of the dark and romantic tales is genuine.
Rum types of hard liquor are produced by distilling sugar cane or molasses. Distillers then age the solution in used oak barrels to give it its distinct splash of flavours. The maturation process is fast compared to other types of spirits because the drink is brewed in parts of the world that enjoy warm and tropical climates.
Rum is a clear spirit, although it can be darkened by adding tropical fruit, vanilla flavour, caramel, or spice. Clear varieties of the drink have a cleaner flavour profile and a softer feel, while the dark spirits have loads of aromas and flavours.
Some distillers use the charcoal filtration process to harvest clear rum even after it’s aged. Filtration also gives the drink a smoother profile free of harsh flavours.
Here are some of the popular types of rum that have a unique look and flavour profile:
· Full-Bodied Dark Rum: You should choose this variety if you want to drink rum in its darkest form. The darker hue is caused by a more extended maturation period in barrels.
· Best Full-Bodied Rum: Plantation Original Dark Rum
· Medium-Bodied Dark Rum: This variant has a golden hue caused by maturation. The colour is also caused by caramel and molasses during the fermentation step.
· Best Medium-Bodied Rum: Atlantico Reserva
· White Rum: White rum is a clear spirit with a mild flavour. It’s perfect for making some of the best cocktails, such as mojitos.
· Spiced Rum: As the name suggests, this rum has a distinctly spicy flavour profile created by using additives such as cinnamon, anise, and pepper.
BRANDY
Brandy may not fall on the list of the best types of liquor for mixing cocktails, but the drink has its unique edge.
You can think of this alcoholic beverage as distilled wine because it is made from fermented grapes. Of course, French brandy is called Calvados and is made from apples. You can also find brandy brands made from apricots or cherries.
After distillation, the fermented solution matures in wooden casks to create a distinct aroma, texture, and flavour. The length of the aging process and the ingredients used makes different brands differ in their quality and taste profile.
Brandies that undergo a lengthier maturation period tend to have a mellower and more oaky flavour.
Moreover, distillers blend brandy from different barrels to create a well-balanced taste. They then add water to the liquor to control the ABV percentage and achieve drinkability. The majority of brandies will have at least 40% ABV.
Spanish brandy is another popular liquor and boasts a more powerful flavour than its French counterparts. It is also distilled using a different method called the Solera system. It sees the initial mash transferred in different amounts from barrel to barrel until it reaches its final form. These include sherry casks and wine barrels.
COGNACS
All Cognacs are brandies, although not all brandies are cognacs.
Cognacs are brandies produced using white grapes specifically harvested from Cognac, France. Colombard, Ugni Blanc, and Folle Blanche are the three main grape varieties used in brewing Cognac.
Moreover, the fermented solution is double distilled in a copper pot still and taken through a maturation period of at least 2 years in oak barrels. Because of the strict regulations, distillers must adhere to when producing Cognac, authentic brands will always have authenticity and quality guaranteed stamps.
LIQUEURS
Liqueurs are Spirits Too. Liqueurs are also classified as a variety of liquor. They are dark distilled spirits made using neutral grain liquors.
The distilled spirit is sweetened by adding sugar and could also create an interesting flavour using fruits or herbs. Liqueurs have higher sugar content and a lower ABV compared to other hard distilled spirits.
The main methods employed to add sweetness or flavour to liqueurs include:
· Extraction
· Distillation
· Infusion, or
· Smoking
Generally, liqueurs are just neutral base types of distilled spirits paired with different flavours. Most brands have a sweet and creamy taste and can be served with or as dessert. While they are superb when consumed neat, they are also perfect for mixing cocktails.
Mixed Drink Suggestions
If you are looking to dive into the world of mixed drinks and cocktail recipes, then you need to be prepared, because there is a lot more to it than just combining drinks and hoping for the best. There is an art to the creation of the perfect mixed drinks.
Below you will find some popular drinks that use base liquors and combine them with fruit flavours and liqueurs to create everything from classic to modern cocktails.
Brandy Alexander
Take equal measures Brandy, crème de cacao, and cream. Combine in a glass, add some ice and serve with a little bit of nutmeg for flavour.
Vodka Martini
The ultimate liquor cocktail, drunk by spies the world over. Take 2 parts vodka, add half an ounce of dry vermouth, and add some bitters, garnish with a slice of lemon or some olives. Shake or stir based on your own preference.
Tequila Sunrise
Combine a double shot of tequila with a dash of grenadine some triple sec, a juiced orange, and half a juiced lemon. Pour over some ice and enjoy whenever the mood takes you.
Whiskey Sour
Whiskey and sour mix are a classic combination and creates many great-tasting cocktails. The traditional whiskey sour involves a generous helping of bourbon, a slightly less generous dose of lemon juice, some Angostura bitters, some sugarcane juice – sugar syrup – and half an egg white for the finishing touch.
Vodka Tonic
Vodka, add tonic, and there you have it. A classic cocktail. The best thing is that these days, you get vodka flavoured with every fruit imaginable, giving you so much more freedom to explore different tastes. You can also add a desk of different fruit juices yourself to experiment even further.