Liquor 102 - Main Categories
There are countless options to choose from, when it comes to alcoholic beverages. When I say countless, I really mean it. But most people stick to just a few types that they love or they are locally available. So, let's take a closer look at the main categories of alcoholic beverages, and later in other posts I talk about each of them extensively.
Beer
First up, we have beer. Beer is made by fermenting grains, barley, wheat, or rye. It's the oldest known alcoholic beverage, dating back to ancient Egypt and Mesopotamia. Way older than coffee, can you believe it? Beer comes in a variety of styles, including lagers, ales, pilsners, and stouts. It is made using yeast that ferments at warm temperatures and results in a more complex flavor profile. More on this in future posts. Make sure you subscribe!
Lager, on the other hand, is a specific type of beer that is brewed using yeast that ferments at lower temperatures, resulting in a cleaner, crisp flavor with less yeast character. Lagers are typically lighter in color and have a smoother, less bitter taste than ales. Additionally, lagers are typically aged for longer periods, giving them a more refined flavor.
Wine
Wine is made by fermenting grapes and is often associated with class, some kind of bougie-ness, and sophistication. Red wines are made from red grapes, while white wines are made from white grapes. There are also rosé wines, which are made from a combination of red and white grapes. Wine can also be classified by region, such as French Bordeaux or Italian Chianti. There are several methods and processes that are being used to make wines. For me personally, wine is like trying to understand a whole new language, like French – it's sophisticated, complex, and there's always more to learn, again, like French!
Spirits
Here comes my favorite part! Spirits are made by distilling fermented fruits, grains, or vegetables. Common types of spirits include whiskey, vodka, tequila, gin, rum, etc. Let's take a sip into the world of spirits and discover some of the most popular types together: Tequila is made from blue agave and is known for its strong, earthy flavor. Whiskey on the other hand is made from fermented grains and is aged in oak barrels, giving it a rich, smooth taste.
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Vodka typically made from fermented grains, such as rye, wheat, corn, or barley. The grains are mixed with water, and yeast and/or enzymes are added to convert the carbohydrates in the grain into sugar. Gin, my favorite one, is made from juniper berries and has a distinct, botanical flavor. Rum is made from sugarcane and is often associated with tropical drinks. As I said, we are just taking a sip!
Liquors
In a general sense, the term liquor and spirit are interchangeable. However, the term, liquor, also refers to sweet, flavored spirits that are often used in cocktails. Common types of liqueurs include triple sec, cointreau, disaronno, and cognac. They are typically added to cocktails to enhance the flavor or to add a touch of sweetness. And of course, shots are always welcome!
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So, there you have it! The main categories of alcoholic beverages. Of course, there are countless variations worldwide, but hopefully, this gives you a better understanding of the different types of drinks available.
So, tell me, what's your drink of choice? Do you prefer a cold beer, a smooth glass of red wine? rose?, a tangy mixed drink, or something with a little extra kick like a shot of tequila? And while you're at it, I'm always looking for new drink recommendations, so feel free to share your favorites! Cheers! 🍻
And remember, always drink responsibly, because there's nothing worse than having a good time, and then finding out that you're the designated driver!
