Distillation is a process that separates alcohol (ethanol, also called ethyl alcohol or grain alcohol) from fermenting juices of grains, fruits, or vegetables. Distilled spirits (or, simply, spirits or liquors) are the alcoholic drinks formed by distillation. For example, the distillation of grapes results in wine, and the distillation of wine results in brandy, a spirit. Other distilled spirits include whiskey, rum, gin, and vodka. Distilled spirits are from 30 to 100 percent grain alcohol (60 to 200 proof), and the rest is mainly water.

See Also

Alcohol: History of Drinking; Beers and Brews.