How is alcohol made?

Most people know alcohol as a substance that can be an aid to a good time that can quickly become a devastating force if misused or drunk in excess.  Despite the fact that many people know the difference between a mixed drink, a shot, wine, and a beer, most people are unaware of how alcohol is actually made which is an interesting process.

Alcohol is scientifically referred to as ethanol and is made through a process titled fermentation.  During this process yeast is placed in a vat of sugar and water which breaks the liquid down into two elements: carbon dioxide and ethanol.  In order for fermentation to be a success there can be no air present in the solution.

Once fermentation is complete the carbon dioxide is released into the air leaving just water and ethanol behind.   Spirits that are distilled from this point, such as rum, gin, scotch, vodka, and whiskey are distilled after the process of fermentation which strains the water out of the ethanol making it more pure.

During fermentation different types of sugar are processed which creates the various types of alcohol.  For example, sugar from crushed grapes will result in wine, sugar cane is used for rum, malted barley is used for beer, and a variety of beets, molasses, potatoes, and grain is used to create vodka.

How a beverage is fermented will determine the final alcohol content of a beverage.  This is known as the proof which is usually found on the outside of the bottle listed as alcohol per volume.  The proof is always twice the actual content of alcohol in the substance thus a drink that is made with 11% alcohol is 24 proof.  One drink is usually defined as a 12 ounce can of beer, a 1.5 ounce shot of liquor, or a 5 ounce glass of wine since each contains ½ ounce of pure alcohol.

After alcohol is made it is often preserved with formaldehyde and kept in air tight bottles since air will ruin the proof of the alcohol which is why many open bottles of distilled liquors are considered a waste after opening.

3 Responses to “How is alcohol made?”

1. rosie says:

   May 28, 2010 at 7:26 pm

   I hate alcohol. It is the most nastest.
2. Michael says:

   April 9, 2012 at 2:56 pm

   This is very interesting; the thought that one is drinking ethanol after the process of fermintation or spoiling, and then preserved by formaldehyde.
3. Michael says:

   April 9, 2012 at 2:59 pm

   And the one thing that stops or hurts any process of the alcohol taking its true effect is the one most wonderful and natural thing we all need the most; AIR!!!