Spirits are distilled alcoholic drinks, which have a higher level of ABV (alcohol by volume) and are made by fermenting naturally sweetening ingredients such as fruit and grain. Some familiar types of spirits might be rum, whiskey, Brandy or Gin.

The significance of spirits pours beyond them, from being a warming beverage in clinking glasses to being a symbol of hospitality and socialising across cultures and in multidimensional fields such as the culinary world. In honour of the fascination and appreciation the whole world possesses over spirits, this article will enlighten you on what spirits are and the key types with their signature characteristics.

What Are Spirits?

What is generally known as alcohol or liquor is made when yeast triggers a fermentation process on sugars found in fruits, vegetables and grains, producing ethanol, which can follow some steps such as ageing and filtration. The easiest example would be wine, which is made by fermenting fresh grape juice and allowing the drink to mature.

What sets spirits apart from alcoholic beverages such as wine and beer is distillation and the fact that there are added sweeteners like in liqueurs, resulting in a much shorter shelf life. Distillation is the process where the fermented liquid is heated to facilitate the separation of the alcohol from the fermenting liquid. Then, the alcohol vapour is collected and called down to a purified liquid, which is then aged and filtered into a bottle. Due to this process, spirits can have an ABV of 20% to 80%, making them hard liquor.

History

Because sugars and yeast are easily found, most ancient civilisations had developed their own different types of spirits in the same way. Arabs used wine to distil, while the Chinese used rice beer; rice and sugarcane were utilised by the East Indies back in the day. Back then, grapes, honey and sweet beverages were used to make spirits.

The Key Types of Spirits and Their Unique Traits

Vodka – The Versatile Spirit

Generally associated with Europe, the origin of vodka is often a touchy subject between the Russians and the Poles, each claiming to be responsible for the first distilled vodka around the 9th century. In the past, people used fruit and herbs to disguise the taste of alcohol, and it was reported to have been used for medicinal and religious purposes.

This clear spirit is made from grains or potatoes and has a flavour profile ranging from slightly sweet to lightly picante, depending on the base ingredients. It is made by mixing the fermentable base with yeast and water (vodka mash) and fermenting it for around 2 weeks, followed by straining and distilling the liquid. Sometimes, botanicals are added to flavour the vodka during this step.

Because the flavour of vodka (Check out vodka brands) pairs well with so many things, it is highly versatile among various types of spirits. Common ways to consume are neat shots or cocktails like Moscow Mule, Bloody Mary and Cosmopolitan.

Gin – The Spirit with Botanicals

Made with a range of grains like rye, wheat and barley, Gin is infused with botanicals like juniper berries, orris root, orange peel and coriander, resulting in a quiet, aromatic flavour profile with herbal undertones. The juniper berries in gin give the drink a signature crisp pine taste. It is famous for cocktails like Gin and tonic, negroni,  and French 75.

The process of making gin begins by fermenting and extracting alcohol from the base, followed by distillation and finally adding the botanicals. The botanicals can be either steeped for up to 48 hours or vapoured to release the essential oils. Different types include London Dry, Old Tom, Sloe, Geneva and New Western Gin. It is believed that the distillation of these types of spirits originated in Sicily, where monks used to preserve medicinal plants like juniper, which to this day is growing in Salerno.

Whiskey – The Barrel-Aged Wonder

Whiskey is made by combining grains like barley with water and yeast and mashing them together to release the sugars, which produce the liquid called wort. Once the wort is fermented, it is distilled and aged in wooden barrels. These types of spirits made by only using barley are called single malt whiskies somehow, many whiskies are made with a mix of different grains like corn and rye.

This spirit originated around 1000 years back when monks migrated from Europe to Ireland and Scotland, where grapes were scarce to make beverages like wine; they ended up using grains, resulting in whiskey. There are varieties of these types of spirits, such as scotch, Irish whiskey or bourbon. It can be enjoyed neat, on the rock, or in cocktails like a whiskey sour, highball or a classic old-fashioned.

Brandy – The Fruit-Derived Elegance

Brandy, commonly made by distilling wine or fermented fruit juice, possesses a sophisticated flavor profile ranging from fruity and sweet to rich and smoky. The spirit is typically aged in oak barrels, which imparts distinct colors and additional complexity to its taste.

Originating from the early distillation practices of ancient Mediterranean civilizations, brandy became particularly renowned in regions like Cognac and Armagnac in France. Popular varieties include Cognac, Armagnac, and fruit brandies such as apple brandy (Calvados). Enjoyed neat, warmed slightly, or as a luxurious addition to cocktails like Sidecar, Brandy Alexander, and Brandy Sour, brandy remains celebrated for its elegance and versatility.

Rum – The Sugarcane Classic

Made primarily from molasses or sugarcane, rum can taste from fruity and sweet to spicy, which makes it a great pairing for many dishes around the world, like rum-fruit cake, glazed workshops and rum ice cream. Different types of rum;  dark rum, spiced rum, light rum and aged rum, are used to make cocktails such as Mai Tai and Dark’N Stormy.

The early version of rum was mentioned in the Caribbean Islands, where molasses was made, later spreading the manufacturing to Colonial America and Asia. Rum grew in popularity so much that by the 18th century, it became the national drink of America.

Tequila and Mezcal – The Agave Twins

Both Tequila and Mezcal are types of spirits made from the agave plant largely grown in Mexico; it is known for its cultural significance and as a symbol of good health and prosperity. Mezcal is a distilled drink made from any type of agave plant in the Western parts of Mexico.

Tequila, on the other hand, is a distilled drink made from leaves of the blue agave plant only.  Tequila aged in wooden barrels is loved for its fresh, bright and floral notes, while mezcal has a smoky underpinning with a rough finish. These flavour profiles are often enjoyed in cocktails such as Margaritas, Tequila Sunrise and Honey Trap.

Factors to Consider When Choosing Different Types of Spirits

To get to the good part, which is sipping and indulging in these types of spirits, one has to go through the selection process. Here are the factors that are essential to consider when selecting the various types of spirits that will quench your curiosity and your thirst.

• Taste preferences

Not everyone has the same taste in types of spirits. Depending on your preferences or the person you are getting the beverage as a gift for, the choice of spirit may vary. Some people prefer sweet floral notes, while some seek rustic or spicy notes.

• Purpose of use

Is it for casual drinking, making cocktails, or cooking specific dishes or desserts, or is it a formal or informal event where you intend to serve the liquor? The answers to these questions will inch you closer to choosing the right one among the types of spirits.

• Alcohol by volume (ABV)

Spirits already have a higher ABV compared to other types of alcoholic drinks. However, there are differences in ABV among divergent types of spirits that can be a deciding factor for you. Types of spirits that have higher ethanol levels are better for diluting or mixing with other drinks, while low-ABV drinks may taste better.

Tips for Beginners

Storing different types of spirits

• Store types of spirits in a dark place with low humidity and temperature on the cooler side, as high temperatures can cause the alcohol to evaporate, destroying the spirit.
• Types of spirits with cream ingredients, eggs, or wine-based will do better in the refrigerator.
• Keep your spirits organised by either flavour profiles or ABV for ease of use.
• Avoid exposure to strong chemicals or direct sunlight for a prolonged period of time.

Serving various types of spirits

• Serve drinks like whiskey, aged rum and tequila at room temperature or “on the rocks” and vodka and gin chilled.
• Mix types of spirits that are high in versatility (vodka, light rum) with liquids such as ginger beer or water.
• Use appropriate glassware for different types of spirits to enhance the presentation and preserve the flavour while indulging.

Exploring Spirits Responsibly

Everything is good in moderation. While the irresistibility of these spirits is tempting, it is extremely important to savour these luxuries mindfully; engaging in healthy practices. The US Department of Health and Human Services advises women to have no more than 1 drink (1.5 ounces of spirits) and for men a maximum of 2 drinks (3 ounces) per day.

Discover Premium Types of Spirits with 3elixir Singapore

As a passionate retailer and distributor of premium quality alcoholic beverages in Singapore, our goal is to provide you with the right divine beverages for the right moment, to create nostalgic memories and to be a part of your life celebrations. No celebration or event is too big or too small not to say cheers to, so explore our collection of spirits that will brighten your special days.

A Wrap on the World of Spirits

Deriving symbolism and social significance from a rich history rooted in ancient civilisations and a long line of distilling processes, spirits have gained quite the demand today. Different types of spirits, such as vodka, rum, gin, whiskey, tequila and mezcal, have their own unique characteristics in the way they are made and enjoyed worldwide, adding to the diversity. Considering factors like preferences and purpose is essential, as much as responsibly consuming these exquisite flavours to cherish the moment.