Did you know that spirits are nothing but the base liquors you often come across? To your knowledge, there are six base liquors or spirits out there. Brandy, whiskey, vodka, tequila, rum, and gin are the primary spirits NZ available.
Although all of them use the same distillation methods, each has a unique flavor. Additionally, every one of them comes in different styles in different categories. These spirits form the base of most of the cocktails on the bar menu.
Spirits NZ makes it to the most significant number of liquors out there to form flavourful liquors. When you know the essential characteristics of the various types of alcohol, you will understand much better about spirits available in New Zealand.
So, have a look at the various types of spirits out there.
Vodka
Vodka is nothing but distilled alcoholic beverage, originally from Europe, and has different varieties from Sweden, Russia, and Poland. It is made of water and ethanol, forming one of the most versatile spirits in the liquor world. The primary reason for this is its neutral alcohol + ethanol taste blends with any flavour profile.
Vodka is the spirit that can be distilled from anything but the most popular distillation methods include rye, corn, wheat, and potatoes. Believe it or not, vodka can also be distilled from grapes, beets, and other such bases.
Brandy
Another spirit called Brandy is derived from the Dutch word brandewijn, which means “burnt wine”. Burnt wine is what brandy is, quite literally. It is distilled wine made by mashing fruits. Apples and plums are used to make brandy.
It is made of fruit typically out of the label and is called apple brandy, plum brandy, etc.; and are usually aged 3-20 years before being taken out of the barrel and contain 40% to 60% alcohol. Brandy is traditionally packaged in glassware called snifter.
Whiskey
Whiskey is a distilled liquor made by mashing grains. Whiskey is further found in different forms in different regions. The most popular styles of whiskey are Canadian Whisky, Scotch Whiskey, Rye Whiskey, Bourbon, Japanese Whisky, Tennessee Whiskey, and Irish Whiskey.
Common whiskey brands are Crown Royal, Maker’s Mark, Woodford Reserve, Jack Daniels, etc. Whiskey also makes excellent cocktails, and some of the remarkable flavours of whiskey are Old Fashioned, Whiskey Sour, and more.
Tequila
Tequila is made from fermented agave. It tastes sweet and piquant. However, the flavour of tequila depends upon the place where the agave was grown. While some tequilas are kept in barrels and casks, others are blended. Additionally, tequila has a robust reputation more than that of the spirits.
Gin
Gin is derived from grains. Usually, the unflavored gin has a dry flavour to it. It consists of juniper, citrus, and sometimes, even malt wine. It all depends on the process of gin production. Many gins taste sweet, and some come with a hint of spices or fruits.
ALSO READ – How to Selection of Wines for Occasions?
Wrapping Up
Whether you want to elevate the standards of your home bar or make a liquor cabinet, you probably want to mix up the choices to create a variety. When you understand how base liquors are completed, you can analyse the cocktails you would like to make while mixing the various spirits NZ has to offer.
Experimenting with the spirits and trying them both in mixed and straight forms can help you understand the different flavours.
