What’s your drink of choice when you want to unwind? Do you go for a glass of red wine at the end of the night? Maybe you prefer something a little stronger, like a glass of brandy or whiskey.
Many people love a good drink from time to time, but do you know about the process that makes those beverages? Brewing alcohol is a fascinating process. Once you understand it, you may even be able to make your favorite drink yourself.
So, if you’ve ever asked, “How is alcohol made?” find the answer here! In this guide, we’ll give you the essential information you need.
How is Alcohol Made? It Starts with Fermentation
Many of us hear and use the word “fermented” with a minimal understanding of its meaning. Fermentation is a metabolic process that causes microorganisms to work in such a way to change food and beverage flavor.
Sometimes fermentation occurs to increase flavor, preserve food items, or provide extra health benefits. The name comes from the Latin word “fervere,” which refers to boiling.
Fermentation happens when there is an oxygen deficiency for beneficial microorganisms. These organisms obtain their energy through fermentation processes.
As this process occurs, beneficial microbes break down sugars and starches into alcohols and acids. When this happens, food becomes more nutritious and preserving it for longer times.
The Role of Yeast
The vital ingredient for alcoholic drinks is yeast. Yeast ferments the sugars in various foods, producing different alcoholic spirits.
For instance, fermented sugar in grapes results in wine. Likewise, the sugar in malted barley produces beer. Drinks like cider and vodka come from sugar in apples and potatoes, respectively.
Difference Between a Brewery and Distillery
By this point, you have an idea of how alcohol comes into being. However, you may wonder about the difference between brewhouses and distilleries. Don’t both of these places produce alcoholic drinks?
Not exactly. First, let’s start by asking, what is a distillery? These places distill alcohol into a type of alcoholic spirit.
A distillery on such spirits as whiskey, rum, vodka, and other types of spirits. Typically, a distillery produces beverages with higher levels of alcohol. When you purchase a whiskey with a sixty-proof rating, a distillery created it.
Brewing alcohol, however, follows a different process and aim. A brewhouse produces beer through a variety of processes. Some of those include:
- malting
- milling
- mashing
- boiling
The most significant difference between brewhouses and distilleries is the strength of the alcohol produced. While distilleries create stronger spirits, breweries create beer, a much lighter alcoholic drink.
Making Your Own Alcohol
If you were wondering, “How is alcohol made?” then we hope you’ve found your answers. When you understand the processes for making alcohol, you can even try making some of your own.
For instance, a beer boiling process is an excellent way to make beer at home. Find your favorite drink and try making it yourself.
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