Distilled alcoholic Beverages are made from fermented grain mash or fermented fruit juice. During the distillation process , the mash or juice is heated, giving off vapours of alcohol. Distillers collect the vapours and cool them to form liquid. The flavor of spirits depends on the kind and how much grain, fruits and yeast are used. Other factor that affect the flavor are the fermentation, distillation and aging process. Alcohol percentage in distilled beverages is called proof.

Kinds of Distilled Alcoholic Beverages :

a. Whisky - an alcoholic liquor distilled from grain, such as corn, rye or barley.

Most whisky is a mixture of different kinds of whiskies made from different grains.

It is aged from 6 years or more. Flavor and color (amber color) develops through aging process. Whiskies alcohol content ranges from 80 to 100 proof. It can be served straight, on the rocks(with ice), or mixed with water, carbonated water and cocktails.

• Scotch whisky is famous for its smoky flavor. Scotch whisky is made from a mash that consist primarily of barley. and containing approx 40 to 50 percent ethyl alcohol by volume.
• Bourbon is a whisky that is made from the USA, it is made from a mash consisting primarily of maize and rye.

b. Vodka - alcoholic liquor distilled from fermented wheat, rye, corn or potatoes mash. It alcohol content ranges from 80 to 100 proofs. Vodka is not aged, has no color, odor and taste. Vodka is usually mixed w/ cocktails and other beverages.

c. Liqueurs - a sweet alcoholic beverage often with a brandy base, it is also called cordial. It comes with different color and flavors like blackberry, orange, chocolate, peach etc. Liqueurs contain atleast 2 1/2 % sugar. Alcohol content ranges from 25 to 110 proofs. Liqueur are served neat, on the rocks, or mixed with cocktails.

d. Gin - strong alcoholic beverages made from distilled rye or other grains flavored with junifer berries. Alcohol content ranges from 80 to 94 proof. Gin can be mixed with wine called Vermouth to make martini. It can also be mixed with lime juice, tonic water, or other beverages.

e. Rum - is distilled from fermented molasses or sugar cane. Rum color depends on the aging process, color is white or amber. Alcohol content is atleast 80 proof. It is usually mixed with orange juice, lime juice, cola and other beverages.

f. Brandy - distilled from wine or from fermented fruit juices. Brandy is aged from 2 - 8 years. Brandy made from grape wine is atleast 80 proof and flavored brandies made from fruit juices are atleast 70 proof. Brandy is usually served neat, or mixed with another spirits like liqueur.

g. Tequila - a drink famous in mexico, is distilled from fermented juice of the maguey plant.

h. Aquavit - a strong clear Scandinavian liquor made form potatoes or grain mash and flavored with caraway seeds.