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Types of Spirits
Whiskey, rum, gin, and more
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Distillation
From Raw Materials to Spirits
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History
Spirits Through the Ages
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Legislation
Denmark & the EU

BASIC KNOWLEDGE

What is liquor?

Spirits is a general term for alcoholic beverages in which the alcohol has typically been concentrated through distillation. Production often begins with a fermented liquid made from, for example, grains, fruit, sugarcane, potatoes, or other agricultural raw materials.

The raw materials, fermentation, distillation method, and any subsequent aging have a significant impact on the character of the finished product. That is why different types of spirits can vary greatly, even though the basic principle behind their production is the same.

FROM RAW MATERIALS TO THE BOTTLE

How is spirits produced?

The production process varies from product to product, but many types of spirits go through some of the same basic steps.

01

Raw Materials

Production can begin with, among other things, grains, grapes, fruit,
sugarcane, molasses, potatoes, or other raw materials.

02

Fermentation

Yeast converts sugar into alcohol and, at the same time, produces a number of
substances that can contribute to the beer’s aroma and character.

03

Distillation

The fermented liquid is distilled to concentrate the alcohol
and to select the desired components of the distillate.

04

Aging & Bottling

Some types are aged in wooden barrels, while others are bottled without further
barrel aging. Finally, the product is adjusted and bottled.

TYPES OF SPIRITS

DIFFERENT TYPES OF SPIRITS

Raw materials, production methods, origin, and aging all contribute to creating the various categories of spirits.

Whiskey

Whiskey is made from grain and is typically aged in wooden barrels.
Raw materials, distillation, barrel type, origin, and aging all influence
the final product.

Rum

Molasses is produced from sugarcane products, such as molasses
or sugarcane juice. Production methods and storage vary considerably.

Gin

Gin is a type of spirit in which juniper berries play a central role in
its flavor profile. A wide variety of other botanicals may also be used.

Vodka

Vodka is made from fermented raw materials and is typically
associated with a relatively neutral character compared to many other
categories of spirits.

Cognac & Brandy

Brandy is produced by distilling wine or other
fermented fruit products. Cognac is a regulated type of brandy
from the Cognac region of France.

Tequila

Tequila is produced in specific regions of Mexico from blue agave (
) and is subject to specific rules regarding origin and production.

Liqueur

Liqueurs are sweetened spirits that can be flavored with, among o
, fruit, herbs, spices, coffee, or other ingredients.

ALCOHOL CONTENT

What does % vol. mean?

The alcohol content of a bottle is usually expressed as the percentage of alcohol by volume—often written as “% vol.” or “ABV.”

A spirit labeled as 40% vol. therefore has an alcohol content of 40 percent by volume. The alcohol content varies among different products and categories.

In a nutshell

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ABV = Alcohol by Volume
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The alcohol percentage is listed on the bottle
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The strength varies by product
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A higher % vol. indicates a higher alcohol concentration

BARREL AGING

What does a wooden tray do?

For spirits that are aged in barrels, the wood can have a significant impact on their color, aroma, and character. During aging, a series of chemical processes take place between the spirit, the wood, and the surrounding environment.

The type of wood, size, age, and previous use of the barrel, as well as the aging period and climate, can all affect the result.

The dish can affect

🪵 Color
Aroma
Grade
Aging
Characteristics of the aging environment

STORAGE

How should liquor be stored?

Most bottles of liquor should be stored upright, tightly sealed, and protected from direct sunlight and extreme temperature fluctuations.

Unlike wine, ordinary bottled spirits do not continue to age in the same way once they have been bottled.

Best Practices

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Store the bottle upright
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Avoid direct sunlight
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Avoid large temperature fluctuations
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Keep the bottle tightly closed
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Keep alcohol out of the reach of children

THE HISTORY OF SPIRITS

FROM EARLY DISTILLATION TO MODERN SPIRITS

Fermented alcoholic beverages have existed for thousands of years. Distillation developed later and made it possible to produce beverages with a higher alcohol concentration.

EARLY HISTORY

Fermentation

People have been producing fermented alcoholic beverages
for thousands of years.

THE MIDDLE AGES

Distillation

Distillation techniques were further developed and spread throughout Europe,
where distilled alcohol found a variety of uses.

1600–1800

Well-known categories

The production and trade of rum, gin, whiskey, brandy, and other spirits
grew in various parts of the world.

TODAY

Global Production

Today, spirits are produced all over the world, from large international
producers to small local distilleries.

🇩🇰 DENMARK

Alcohol & Legislation

Alcohol and spirits are regulated products in Denmark. Among other things, there are rules governing sales to minors, marketing, labeling, food safety, and alcohol taxes.

Regulations are subject to change, and you should always check the current requirements at with the relevant Danish authorities.

🇪🇺 EU

Protected Alcohol Categories

The EU has common rules governing the definition, description, presentation, and labeling of spirits. Among other things, these rules establish requirements regarding when certain designations may be used.

This means, for example, that categories of alcoholic beverages and geographical designations may be subject to specific requirements regarding raw materials, production, alcohol content, and geographical origin.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION

Alcohol should be enjoyed responsibly

Alcohol affects the body and can be associated with serious health risks. Heavy alcohol consumption increases the risk of a number of diseases and injuries.

This guide provides general product and background information and should not be considered medical advice.

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions About Alcohol

What is spirits?

Spirits are alcoholic beverages in which the alcohol has typically been concentrated through the distillation of a fermented liquid.

What does 40% vol. mean?

It indicates the beverage’s alcohol content by volume. A spirit with 40% vol. has an alcohol content of 40 percent by volume.

What is the difference between whiskey and rum?

A fundamental difference is the raw material. Whiskey is made from grain, while rum is made from sugarcane products. In addition, production methods, origin, and aging vary.

What is the difference between brandy and cognac?

Brandy is a broad category of spirits. Cognac is a specific type of brandy that must meet specific requirements and come from the designated Cognac region in France.

Does liquor improve with extended aging in the bottle?

Regular spirits do not continue to age after bottling. Proper storage, on the other hand, can help protect the product from unnecessary changes.

How should spirits be stored?

Most bottles should be stored upright, tightly sealed, and protected from direct sunlight and extreme temperature fluctuations.

J-WARE GUIDES

MORE KNOWLEDGE. BETTER OVERVIEW.

We’re constantly expanding our guides with product knowledge, the history of , and practical information.