Spirits can be made from any organic substance that can be fermented to create alcohol. Most alcoholic beverages are made by fermenting fruit or grain-based solutions. A still extracts alcohol from a fermented liquid by boiling it and then condensing the alcohol vapors, which evaporate from the boiling liquid at a lower temperature than water. For example, an 8% alcohol by volume (ABV) wine or beer distills into a 20% ABV distillate when it is run through a typical simple pot still. The alcohol content can be further increased by additional redistillations that further concentrate the alcohol and reduce the total volume of liquid.
Spirits are measured by alcohol content. Different scales are used in different countries. Most countries use alcohol by volume (ABV), also known as the Gay-Lussac system, which expresses alcohol content as a percentage of the total liquid volume of the beverage. A 40% ABV spirit contains 40% alcohol. In the United States, the proof scale of measurement is used, with the proof of a spirit being double the ABV. Thus a 40% ABV spirit is 80 proof. A degree symbol is customarily used when expressing proof.
As the general population begins to demand more from alcoholic beverage producers, the flavors and varieties of vodka, gin and other spirits is multiplying rapidly. Frankly, glassware won't affect the taste and flavor of every alcoholic beverage that you enjoy. Some kinds of alcohol just don't have the flavor complexity and variety of tastes of wine, scotch or beer. Still, there's nothing like enjoying a your favorite spirit in a beautifully designed crystal glass with good friends and loved ones.
Spirits are measured by alcohol content. Different scales are used in different countries. Most countries use alcohol by volume (ABV), also known as the Gay-Lussac system, which expresses alcohol content as a percentage of the total liquid volume of the beverage. A 40% ABV spirit contains 40% alcohol. In the United States, the proof scale of measurement is used, with the proof of a spirit being double the ABV. Thus a 40% ABV spirit is 80 proof. A degree symbol is customarily used when expressing proof.
As the general population begins to demand more from alcoholic beverage producers, the flavors and varieties of vodka, gin and other spirits is multiplying rapidly. Frankly, glassware won't affect the taste and flavor of every alcoholic beverage that you enjoy. Some kinds of alcohol just don't have the flavor complexity and variety of tastes of wine, scotch or beer. Still, there's nothing like enjoying a your favorite spirit in a beautifully designed crystal glass with good friends and loved ones.
