LIQUOR

1. “LIQUOR’S” Liquor (or a spirit) is an alcoholic drink produced by distillation of grains, fruits, vegetables, or sugar, that have already gone through alcoholic fermentation. Other terms for liquor include: spirit drink, distilled beverage or hard liquor. The distillation process concentrates the liquid to increase its alcohol by volume. As liquors contain significantly more alcohol (ethanol) than other alcoholic drinks, they are considered "harder" – in North America, the term hard liquor is sometimes used to distinguish distilled alcoholic drinks from non-distilled ones, whereas the term spirits are used in the UK. The terms "hard liquor" and "hard alcohol" are often differentiated but are equivalent under US law; the term ethanol itself has no significance under US law. Liquor is a distilled beverage. It is typically consumed for the psychoactive effects of alcohol. It may be consumed on its own (“neat”), typically in small amounts. In undiluted form, distilled beverages are often slightly sweet, bitter and impart a burning mouthfeel, with a strong odour from the alcohol; the exact flavour varies between different varieties of liquor and impurities they impart. Liquor is also frequently enjoyed in diluted form as flavoured liquor or as part of mixed drinks. Acute consumption of liquor causes severe alcohol intoxication, known as alcohol poisoning which can be fatal. Consistent consumption of liquor over time correlates with health problems such as poor nutrition and malnutrition, mental health issues including depression and addiction to other substances such as toxic chemicals. The term "spirit" (singular and used without the additional term "drink") refers to liquor that is clearly a spirit. Fruit brandy, for example, is also known as fruit spirit. Liquor bottled with added sugar and added flavourings, such as Grand Marnier, Frangelico, and American schnapps, are known instead as liqueurs. Liquor generally has an alcohol concentration higher than 30%.

2. Beer and wine, which are not distilled, are limited to a maximum alcohol content of about 20% ABV, as most yeasts cannot metabolise when the concentration of alcohol is above this level; as a consequence, fermentation ceases at that point. Liquor is a term for an intoxicating liquid that is reportedly intoxicating. Liquor can also be the name of an alcoholic beverage made from fermented grain and water, wine, or beer. The most common type of liquor is naturally occurring fermented alcohol, which includes whiskey and other distilled beverages. Early evidence of distillation comes from Akkadian tablets dated c. 1200 BC describing perfumery operations, providing textual evidence that an early, primitive form of distillation was known to the Babylonians of ancient Mesopotamia. Early evidence of distillation also comes from alchemists working in Alexandria, Roman Egypt, in the 1st century. Distilled water was described in the 2nd century AD by Alexander of Aphrodisias. Alchemists in Roman Egypt were using a distillation alembic or still device in the 3rd century. “BOOZEHOUSE WHISKEY” Glenfiddich 21-Year-Old Reserve is a Speyside whisky that has been aged for 21 years in American oak barrels which have previously held bourbon and other spirits. This gives the whisky an overall sweetness and fruity aroma. The rich colour of this wine-coloured whisky is amber with ruby highlights. It has a soft, sweet fruit and vanilla aroma, hints of spices and dried fruits on the nose with notes of vanilla, sherry wood, muscatel raisins, cocoa powder on the palate. On reflection water tones out a lot of these flavours but this is one of our favourites."

3. If you’re a fan of peated whiskies, then Lowland is going to be your favourite whisky region. Most of the distilleries in this area do only small amounts of pleating themselves, creating single malt’s flavours that are much more mellow than other parts of Scotland. The best part is that they retail at a discount price so you can finally afford to experiment with some peat! Campbeltown is home to some of the best distilleries Scotland has to offer. Springbank is one of them, and their Spring Bank 21-year-old is a perfect example. With Malt Whisky critics claiming it has an extremely smooth taste and smokiness which comes from the peat used in its distillation, along with a hint of sweet caramel that brings it all together perfectly. Talisker 8-Year-Old Special Release 2020 is a mellow mixture of malt, barley, and yeast flavours that make a smooth transition into the mouth. There is an emphasis on peat smoke through the nose with good spice notes and sweet malty flavours. Finish is very long with the smoke coming out in overtones throughout this finish. This is an excellent example of good quality scotch whiskey made in the distillery’s highest category of Islay cask strength.