Alcohol Distillation and Its Impact on Craft Cocktails

Alcohol distillation is the second major step in spirits production. Following fermentation, the resultant liquid is then subjected to alcohol distillation in order to separate and concentrate its alcoholic components. This is possible thanks to an obscure property of physics: since alcohol (in your vodka, gin, rum whiskey etc) boils at lower temperatures than water; its vapor can then dissipate first before condensing into clearer, higher proof liquid.

Once the vapor has been condensed into liquid form, it undergoes fractional distillation for further purification to create the different varieties of liquor we enjoy drinking today. Reflux ratio controls both final alcohol content as well as energy used during distillation process.

Craft distillers take great pains in procuring only the highest-grade ingredients; from handpicking botanicals and working with local farmers for grains to being meticulous with orange zest and honey choices. While one would assume this meticulous care would lead them to sipping on cocktails made by themselves, most distillers instead enjoy sipping an old faithful glass of vodka from time to time as their secret guilty pleasure.

While the final result of distillation is often neutral spirit, many brands also add flavorings such as fruit juice, spices or other natural elements into their products to produce liqueurs that can be enjoyed as shots, mixed into cocktails or simply poured over ice. Liquor makers are expanding their market presence with offerings like whiskey with unusual barrel finishes and seasonal gins as well as other unique products to meet customer demands.