Alcoholic Beverages

Alcoholic beverages comprise a large group of beverages that contain varying

amounts of alcohol (ethanol). Alcoholic beverages produced on an industrial
scale include beer, wine, and distilled spirits such as brandy, whisky, rum, gin,
vodka.

Alcoholic drinks are typically divided into three classes—beers, wines,

and spirits—and typically their alcohol content is between 3% and 50%.

Alcohol is a depressant, which in low doses causes euphoria, reduces anxiety. In

higher doses, it causes drunkenness, stupor, unconsciousness or death. Long-
term use can lead to an alcohol use disorder, an increased risk of
developing several types of cancer, cirrhosis of liver and physical dependence.
It may also effect on genes.

Alcohol concentration

The concentration of alcohol in a beverage is usually stated as the percentage

of alcohol by volume (ABV, the number of milliliters (ml) of pure ethanol in
100 ml of beverage) or as proof. In the United States, proof is twice the
percentage of alcohol by volume at 60 degrees Fahrenheit (e.g. 80 proof = 40%
ABV).

Name of Alcohol Source Type

beverage concentration
Wine 12% Grape juices Non distilled
Beer 4 -6% (3.8%) Malted Barley Non distilled
Whisky 40% Grains Distilled
Rum 40% Sugar cane Distilled
juice,
molasses
Brandy 40% Fruits(apple, Distilled
grapes)
Gin 40% Juniper berry Distilled
Vodka 40% Potato, Distilled
(grains)

Types of Wines
Still wines- Wines are mostly of this type. They retain none of the carbon
dioxide produced during the fermentation.

Sparkling wines- Wines containing considerable amounts of carbon dioxide

produced during the fermentation.

Carbonated wines- Wines artificially carbonated.

Dry wines- Wines containing little or no unfermented sugar.

Sweet wines- Wines containing sugar which is left after fermentation or added.

Fortified wines- Wines in which distillate of wine has been added and contains
19 – 21 % alcohol by volume. (The vapour in a distillation that is collected and
condensed into a liquid.)

Table wines- Wines having low content of alcohol and little or no sugar.

Dessert wines- Fortified, sweet wines.