Category: Distillation

According to nutrition data, unflavored vodka contains zero carbohydrates. This surprising fact often confuses people, especially since vodka is made from carbohydrate-rich ingredients like potatoes, wheat, or grains. So, how can vodka have no carbs and what happens to all those starches during production? The answer lies in the meticulous process of fermentation and distillation.

While rum is famously produced from sugarcane, a common misconception suggests whiskey is made from the same sweet crop. In reality, the answer to 'is whiskey made of sugar cane?' is a definitive no, as traditional whiskey relies on fermented grain mash.

According to reputable industry sources, the base spirit for Hendrick's Gin is indeed derived from wheat, a fact often overlooked in favor of its more unique botanical notes. However, this is only the beginning of a complex and unusual production journey that includes a double distillation process and signature infusions.

The only type of alcohol safe for human consumption is ethanol, which is produced through the fermentation of sugars. Other forms, like methanol and isopropyl alcohol, are toxic and are used for industrial purposes rather than in alcoholic beverages. Understanding this distinction is crucial to comprehending what is used in alcoholic drinks.

The majority of whiskey you see on shelves is a rich amber or golden brown, but surprisingly, the distilled spirit that comes out of the still is actually colorless. The iconic hue of whiskey is not an inherent trait, but is instead developed during the maturation and aging process inside wooden barrels.

Irish Poitín, the unaged spirit often referred to as Irish moonshine, can trace its history back to the 6th century, long before Irish whiskey was produced. A traditional, potent drink, what is the Irish alcohol made from potatoes is a question that reveals the rebellious and storied history of Poitín, though it was historically made from various ingredients, including potatoes.

According to nutritional data, a standard 1.5-ounce shot of plain, 80-proof vodka contains zero grams of sugar, carbohydrates, or fat. This surprises many people who know that vodka begins as sugary or starchy ingredients like grains or potatoes. The answer lies in the incredible science of fermentation and distillation that purifies the spirit into a sugar-free state.

According to Coeliac UK, official guidance confirms that all distilled spirits are gluten-free. This means that despite being produced from gluten-containing grains like barley, Scottish whisky is gluten free and safe for most individuals with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity.

While methanol is a natural byproduct of fermentation, commercial whisky production methods are specifically designed to remove it, ensuring the final product is safe. The presence of harmful levels of methanol in alcohol is typically a concern with illegally produced, unregulated spirits, not professionally distilled whisky.

Scientific studies indicate that beverages with higher levels of congeners, which are chemical impurities, tend to produce more severe hangovers, making the purity of your drink a valid concern. To determine which alcohol has the least impurities, one must examine the production methods, from fermentation to final filtration, which drastically influence the final product's chemical makeup.