Everybody who has been to a grocery shop knows there are many types of alcohol. Distilled alcohol can make them more dangerous.
What is Alcohol?
For thousands of years, humans have been drinking alcohol. Alcohol can be both a chemical drug and a psychoactive drug. A hydroxyl group is a pair of hydrogen and oxygen atoms that replaces the hydrogen atom in a hydrocarbon to create alcohol. Secondary alcohols are created when alcohols bond with other atoms. These are the three main types of alcohol humans use daily: methanol (or isopropanol) and ethanol (or ethanol).
These are the Three Types of Alcohol
Ethanol is the only alcohol humans can safely consume. The other two types of alcohol are used for cleaning and manufacturing purposes only. They cannot be used to make drinks. Methanol, also known as methyl alcohol, is used to manufacture fuel for cars and boats. It is also used in the manufacture of antifreeze, paint remover and windshield wiper fluid. It is also known as isopropanol or isopropyl alcohol and is used for cleaning and disinfecting. Methanol and isopropanol can be poisonous for humans. Our bodies convert them into toxic substances, which can cause liver disease. Even a small amount can cause death from rubbing alcohol or methanol.
Ethanol, also known as ethyl alcohol, is the most popular type of alcohol consumed by more than two billion people every day. Ethanol is made from yeast fermentation, sugars and starches. People have been drinking ethanol-based beverages such as wine and beer for centuries to alter their feelings. But ethanol can also have negative effects on the body. Although the human liver can metabolize ethanol, it is only possible to metabolize small amounts.
Ethanol can be toxic and causes damage to the liver, brain and other organs. Ethanol can also affect coordination and judgment, which can lead to a decrease in the function of the central nervous system. Binge drinking or other forms of alcohol abuse may lead to debilitating alcohol dependence.
Distilled and undistilled alcohol
There are two types of alcoholic beverages: undistilled and distilled. Undistilled beverages are also known as fermented drinks. Fermentation refers to the chemical conversion of sugar into alcohol by yeast or bacteria. Both wine and beer are fermented, undistilled alcoholic beverages. Wineries ferment grapes for wine, while breweries ferment barley, Wheat, and other grains to create beer.
Following fermentation, distillation is a process that produces alcohol. This process transforms fermented substances into ones with higher alcohol content. Distillation is a process that concentrates alcohol by separating it from water and other components. Distilled alcoholic beverages include liquors and spirits. They have a higher alcohol content than undistilled beverages. A distilled alcoholic beverage will generally have higher alcohol content.
Alcohol by volume (ABV) and alcohol proof are two alcohol concentration measures. Alcohol by volume refers to the amount of ethanol per 100ml (or 3.4 fl.oz.). In a solution, alcohol proof is the alcohol percentage divided by 100 milliliters (or 3.4 fl.oz.). A drink with 50% ABV will have 100 proof.
Different Types Of Alcoholic Drinks By Alcohol Content
There are many alcoholic beverages, some with more alcohol than others. Higher alcohol concentrations can lead to alcohol poisoning and drunkenness.
Undistilled drinks
Beer
The most widely consumed alcoholic beverage in the world is beer. Beer is the most consumed alcoholic beverage globally, following water and tea. Beer is the most ancient alcoholic beverage in history. A standard beer, whether it is a lager, an ale, or a lager, contains between 4% and 6% ABV. However, some beers contain higher or lower levels of alcohol. Light beers, for example, only have 2% to 44% ABV, while malt liquors have 6% to 88%.
Wine
Another popular and old alcoholic beverage is wine. Standard wine contains less than 14% ABV. Champagne, the most famous sparkling wine, has an alcohol content of 10% and 12%. Some wines can be “fortified” by adding distilled alcohol. Fortified wines include Madeira, Marsala and Vermouth. They typically have around 20% ABV.
Cider from Hard
Hard cider is made from fermented apple juice. Hard cider usually contains 5% ABV.
Mead
A mixture of water and fermented Honey, mead has between 10% and 14% ABV.
Sake
Sake is a well-known Japanese beverage made from fermented rice and has approximately 16% ABV alcohol content.
Distilled Drinks (Liquors & Spirits)
Gin
Gin is a spirit made of juniper berries. It can contain anywhere from 35% to 55% ABV.
Brandy
Brandy can be described as distilled wine. Brandy can have anywhere from 35% to 60 percent alcohol. Cognac is a well-known brand with a 40% ABV.
Whiskey
Whiskey is made from fermented grains. Whiskey’s ABV ranges between 40% and 50%.
Rum
Rum is a distilled beverage made from fermented sugarcane and molasses. It has an average alcohol content of 40% ABV. Rum can be “overproof” if it contains at least 57.5% ABV. Overproof rum usually exceeds this limit, reaching 75.5% ABV (equivalent to 151 proof).
Tequila
Tequila can be described as a type of liquor. Tequila’s main ingredient is the Mexican agave. Tequila has a 40% alcohol content.
Vodka
Vodka is a spirit made mostly from fermented potatoes and grains. It has a 40% ABV standard in the United States.
Absinthe
Absinthe is a spirit that is made from various herbs and leaves. Although there is no evidence to support the notion that absinthe may be a hallucinogen, it does contain a high alcohol level. While some forms of absinthe are 40% ABV, others can have up to 90% ABV.
Everclear
Everclear is a spirit made from grain and contains a high alcohol level. Everclear has a minimum ABV of 60%. However, Everclear can have as high as 75.5% or 95% ABV.
