Kichankuli
JF-Expert Member
- Dec 18, 2008
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The process of making hard liquor involves the distillation of grains, most commonly, as well as fruits and vegetables that have been fermented. Wine and beer are also made from fermented products, but they are set apart from hard liquor by their alcohol content. Hard liquor, also known as hard alcohol, has a high concentration of alcohol. There are a variety of hard liquors that are distinguished by the product they are made from and how they are distilled.
Gin
Gin is a dry alcohol that is made from fermented juniper berries. It is clear in color and is commonly mixed with tonic water to form a standard gin and tonic. It is also the base alcohol in martinis. When purchasing gin, look for a proof around 80, which means the alcohol content is 40 percent.
Rum
Rum is distilled from sugar cane. It is aged in oak barrels to form its golden color. There are two types of rum: dark and light rum. Light rums are both light in color and flavor. Dark rums are distilled in a longer process, which gives them a bolder flavor and color. Light rum is usually added into mixed drinks; dark rums are usually taken straight up, without any added liquids. Rum can be used when cooking and baking. It makes a pleasant addition to sauces and baked goods, the most famous being rum cake.
Tequila
Tequila usually comes from Mexico, as it is made from the agave plant, which is native to the region. Tequilas that have not been aged as long are commonly used as a base ingredient in margaritas. Those that have aged longer have a more developed flavor. These tequilas are known as anejo, and usually taken as a shot.
Vodka
Vodka is a clear liquor that has no taste other than from the alcohol. It can be made from a number of products, from grain to molasses. It can be taken as a shot, but is a common mixer in cocktails and mixed drinks. The most famous vodka cocktail may be James Bond's vodka martini, served "shaken not stirred." Vodka is popular throughout the world, but is particularly popular in Russia for its warming effect in cold weather.
Whiskey
Whiskey was first made in a monastery. It was distilled by monks in the early 1400s. It is distilled from fermented grains and usually aged in barrels made of oak to impart the characteristic flavor. Unlike some other hard liquors, there are a number of types of whiskey. Scotch whiskey, Irish whiskey and American whiskey, including bourbon, all have distinct flavors. Whiskey can be used as a mixer or taken straight up.
Read more: Hard Liquor List | eHow.com Hard Liquor List | eHow.com
Gin is a dry alcohol that is made from fermented juniper berries. It is clear in color and is commonly mixed with tonic water to form a standard gin and tonic. It is also the base alcohol in martinis. When purchasing gin, look for a proof around 80, which means the alcohol content is 40 percent.
Rum
Rum is distilled from sugar cane. It is aged in oak barrels to form its golden color. There are two types of rum: dark and light rum. Light rums are both light in color and flavor. Dark rums are distilled in a longer process, which gives them a bolder flavor and color. Light rum is usually added into mixed drinks; dark rums are usually taken straight up, without any added liquids. Rum can be used when cooking and baking. It makes a pleasant addition to sauces and baked goods, the most famous being rum cake.
Tequila
Tequila usually comes from Mexico, as it is made from the agave plant, which is native to the region. Tequilas that have not been aged as long are commonly used as a base ingredient in margaritas. Those that have aged longer have a more developed flavor. These tequilas are known as anejo, and usually taken as a shot.
Vodka
Vodka is a clear liquor that has no taste other than from the alcohol. It can be made from a number of products, from grain to molasses. It can be taken as a shot, but is a common mixer in cocktails and mixed drinks. The most famous vodka cocktail may be James Bond's vodka martini, served "shaken not stirred." Vodka is popular throughout the world, but is particularly popular in Russia for its warming effect in cold weather.
Whiskey
Whiskey was first made in a monastery. It was distilled by monks in the early 1400s. It is distilled from fermented grains and usually aged in barrels made of oak to impart the characteristic flavor. Unlike some other hard liquors, there are a number of types of whiskey. Scotch whiskey, Irish whiskey and American whiskey, including bourbon, all have distinct flavors. Whiskey can be used as a mixer or taken straight up.
Read more: Hard Liquor List | eHow.com Hard Liquor List | eHow.com
