What are Distilleries, Cider Houses, Breweries, Wineries, and Meaderies?
Distilleries
Spirits are a very large category of alcoholic beverages. The term is used to describe any alcohol that the fermented mash undergoes a distillation process to make it far stronger and more potent than other types of alcohol. Although you can add tonics, sodas, and cordials to any type of alcoholic beverage, this is far more commonly done with spirits due to their significantly increased Alcohol by Volume (ABV) and heady taste. You can also buy spirits that have already been pre-mixed with tonics or sodas. Spirits are measured by Alcohol by Volume (ABV) or Proof, which is the equivalent of ABV times 2.
Whiskey
Whiskey (or Whisky) is derived from fermented grain mash such as barley, corn, rye, and wheat. It is then distilled and aged in Oak Barrels.
Whisky contains between 40% and 68% Alcohol by Volume (ABV) (80 to 134 Proof) but is normally in the mid-40s (80 Proof).
Vodka
Vodka originated from Russia, Poland, and Sweden, is a clear spirit, usually made from fermenting potatoes then distilling the mash.
In the US, vodka contains 40% Alcohol by Volume (ABV), (80 Proof).
Rum
Rum originated from just about every Sugar Cane producing region of the world for centuries back in history is a liquor made by fermenting, distilling then usually Aging sugarcane molasses or sugarcane juice. Despite being made from sugarcane, it is not always sweet. Its flavoring comes from the barrels where the rum is aged.
Rum contains anywhere between 40% and 55% Alcohol by Volume (ABV), (80 to 110 Proof).
Tequila
Tequila originated from Mexico is a distilled beverage made from the blue agave plant.
Tequila can contain anywhere from 38% to 55% Alcohol by Volume (ABV), (76 to 110 Proof).
Gin
Gin is typically made from fermented juniper berries before being distilled. But it is now available in an incredibly wide range of flavors.
Gin contains between 36% and 50% Alcohol by Volume (ABV), (72 to 100 Proof).
Cider Houses
Cider is an affordable alcoholic beverage. It is made from fermented apples and like wines, can be dry or sweet. Ciders have a slightly higher percentage Alcohol by Volume than beers, with an ABV between 4.5% and 7%.
Breweries
Beer is typically the most affordable adult beverage, It is also is one of the oldest and most widely consumed alcoholic drinks in the world. Beer is brewed from cereal grains, most commonly from malted barley, maize, and though wheat.
There are several main types of beer covered here.
Brown Ales
Historically brown ale was brewed from 100% brown malt. It usually has a relatively mild bitterness and a hoppy flavor in the background to accent the malt flavor. Alcohol by Volume (ABV) is from 3.3 to 5%.
Pale Ales
In contrast to brown ales, pale ale is typically fermented with predominantly pale malt, which gives its paler color. Pale ales have an equally malt and hops taste. Alcohol by Volume (ABV) is about 5%.
Lager
Technically, lager is also a type of beer but is fermented slightly differently from other beers. Lagers can be pale, amber, or dark. Most lagers have around 6% Alcohol by Volume (ABV) or slightly more.
Wineries
There are 3 main types of wine, Red, White, and Rose.
Wines are derived from fermented grapes and have Alcohol by Volume (ABV) from 5% to 23% with the overall ABV averaging 12%.
Red Wine
Red Wines are made by fermenting Red and Purple Grapes.
The main types of Red Wine are Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Malbec, Pinot Noir, Shiraz, and Bordeaux.
White Wine
White Wines are made by fermenting Green Grapes.
The main types of White Wine are Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Pinot Grigio, and Riesling.
Rose Wine
Rose wines are made by fermenting a wide variety of grapes, is pink in color, almost a cross between red wine and white wine.
Champagne
Champagne is a French sparkling wine, specifically from the Champagne region of France. It is generally notably more expensive than regular wine.
Alcohol by Volume (ABV) of champagne is approximately 12%.
Mead
Mead is made by fermenting honey mixed with water, and sometimes with added ingredients such as fruits, spices, grains, or hops. Alcohol by Volume ranges from about 3.5% ABV to more than 20%.