Spirits

A spirit drink is an alcoholic drink obtained by distillation, possibly followed by maceration or infusion. These production processes distinguish spirits from alcoholic beverages produced by fermentation (beer, wine, cider).

According to European legislation, a spirit drink has an alcohol level of at least 15%.

Spirit drinks can be divided into two main families:

- eaux-de-vie whose taste comes directly from the distillation process (armagnac, cognac, vodka, rum, whiskey, tequila, etc.)

- and "composed" whose taste is derived from vegetable substances, sugar or aromas, added to a neutral alcohol or to a brandy (liqueurs, anise, etc.).