A strong alcoholic drink is a product containing more than 20% alcohol. In this article we will talk about those drinks that are considered the strongest in the whole world.
Russia and Poland are famous for the production of vodka, in the production of which wheat is used. Latin American countries are famous for producing rum, which is based on sugar cane. Popular Mexican tequila is made from a cactus - the Mexican blue agave. In regions characterized by cold weather conditions, traditional drinks are those that use potatoes (for example, Scandinavian Aquavit). European countries are famous for grape products - cognac, brandy.
In addition to the above, strong drinks are presented:
- gin;
- Calvados;
- armagnac;
- absinthe;
- beer.
Strong beers
Traditionally, beer is included in the list of low-calorie (especially light) and light alcoholic drinks. However, there are strong types of the product. Among them are:
- "Armageddon". The year of creation of this beer is considered to be 2012, when it was brewed by a brewery in Scotland. The strength of the drink is sixty-five degrees. The basis of Armageddon is oatmeal, wheat, malt and water.
- "Snake poison". It was cooked in the same place as Armageddon in 2013. The alcohol content in it is 67.5 percent.
Top 10 strongest alcoholic drinks
The top 10 strongest alcohol-containing drinks include:
10th place - Whiskey
The strength of the drink can reach up to 43%. It is whiskey that opens the top of the strongest alcohol. It is based on cereals, yeast and water. The taste of whiskey varies depending on the quality of the barrel (cherry or oak) in which it was aged. The product is more famous among Americans and British.
9th place - Aquavit
This is a Scandinavian alcohol, the birth of which is considered to be the mid-19th century. Translated, Akvavit means “living water.” Its strength can be up to 50 degrees. The drink is made from potato alcohol. First, it is diluted with water. After this, spices (fennel, cumin, ginger) are insisted on for several weeks (or years). Drink Aquavit chilled or frozen.
8th place - Grappa
It is an Italian drink, a type of brandy. To make it, a mixture of crushed grapes is used. Production is based on the method of distillation of berry extracts. The strength of the product ranges from 40 to 60%. Initially, Grappa was the result of recycling waste. Only some time later she found her admirers.
7th place - Armagnac
Close in quality to French cognac. Made from grape alcohol. The strongest drink is Domaine de Jolin from 1973, with an alcohol content of 48.3%. The place of its production is considered to be the estate of the same name, where it was created by the Darroze family. For 37 years, the drink was aged in oak barrels. Only in 2010 it was bottled in glassware. Due to the absence of cold filtration, Armagnac has a unique taste, combining coffee, tobacco, fruit and oak notes. Therefore, it is often drunk in its pure form, without diluting.
6th place - Gin
Vodka made from juniper has a strength of over 40%. It is rarely drunk undiluted; it is more often used as an ingredient in various cocktails. The strongest gin is Bombay Sapphire (47 degrees). The drink attracts its fans with its mild taste with pronounced notes of juniper and citrus.
Bombay Sapphire - the strongest gin 5th place - Colombian rum
Opens the top five strongest drinks in the world. Has a strength of 50%. It is drunk in various variations: both in pure form and as a component for cocktails. The strongest is Bacardi 151 rum, which has a strength of 75.5%. The production of the drink includes the processes of fermentation and distillation of cane syrup and molasses. The high strength of Bacardi 151 is achieved through long aging (8 years). Thanks to this period, the drink acquires a pleasant amber hue and flavors of vanilla and oak. Bacardi has about 300 awards in its collection.
4th place - Absinthe
Its strength varies - from 50% to 83-85% alcohol. To produce the drink, plant extracts are often used (anise, wormwood, fennel or bergenia). The drink gained popularity in the 19th century. According to statistics, in 1900, residents of France drank 2 million liters per year. In 1910, the amount of absinthe consumed reached 36 million liters. Five years later, the drink was banned in many European countries and the United States of America. The second birth of Absinthe took place in 1990. And 2004 became the year of legalization.
3rd place - Moonshine
The drink opens the “golden three”. Its strength can reach 80-90%. To produce alcohol, special devices are used, through which an alcohol-containing mass called mash is distilled. The latter is the result of fermentation of various bases, represented by cereals, potatoes, beets, fruits or other products.
2nd place - Chacha
It gets silver in the top of the strongest alcohol-containing drinks. The strength of Chacha is 70 degrees. The birthplace of the product is Georgia. The basis of alcohol is unripe grapes of the Isabella variety, also Kacic or pomace. Thanks to this, Chacha has a pleasant taste with berry notes.
1st place - Everclear
It is the strongest alcohol in the whole world. The drink can be 75% or 95% ABV. For several years, vodka was banned in the United States and Canada. Thanks to the new law, it was legalized. Everclear is based on wheat or corn alcohol. Due to the lack of a specific taste, the alcoholic product is used to produce cocktails. Drinking vodka in its pure form can result in loss of consciousness. Thanks to its strength, in 1979 it was included in the Guinness Book of Records as the most alcoholic drink.
Alcohol has been known since the Middle Ages. Various alcoholic drinks, both quite strong and not very strong, have their admirers. Regardless of the level of alcohol in a product, remember that it is not harmless. Therefore, it is always necessary to know the permissible amount of drinking and the consequences of such addiction. Only a competent attitude towards alcoholic beverages will allow you to enjoy yourself and prevent the development of pathological cravings.
The debate about the dangers of alcohol has not stopped for decades. Some are sure that 100 grams of wine with dinner will strengthen the cardiovascular system, while others assure that this is a direct path to alcoholism. In practice, everything is not so categorical, you just need to know which drinks are really healthy and how they should be consumed.
10th place: Chartreuse liqueur
The French liqueur Chartreuse opens the rating of healthy alcohol. It was invented by monks and created based on a unique collection of herbs (about 130). Interestingly, in those days the strength of the liqueur was 71 degrees. However, as soon as the drink began to gain popularity far beyond the monastery, the monks lowered the strength to 40-55 degrees.
9th place: Demanovka liqueur
What it is useful for: digestion. Promotes the absorption of heavy foods.
This drink comes from Slovenia. It is believed that monks, herbalists and alchemists had a hand in its invention. What is known for certain is that the drink contains:
- alcohol;
- 14 herbs;
- water from Tatra mountain streams.
Today there are two versions of this liqueur: bitter and sweet. There is no fundamental difference. Except that the sweet one has a slightly milder taste.
8th place: Elona liqueur
What it is useful for: digestion, sore throat.
The origin of this drink is Finland. The main beneficial properties lie in the spruce resin that is part of the liqueur. The same ingredient gives the drink a very specific taste, reminiscent of medicine.
The best way to consume Elona liqueur is to drink it chilled. In this case, all the phytoncides included in the drink will exhibit their beneficial antiseptic properties.
7th place: Old Tallinn liqueur
What it is useful for: sore throat, signs of sore throat.
“Old Tallinn” is one of the calling cards of Estonia. The liqueur has a pleasant taste, reminiscent of rum. Subtle notes of cinnamon and vanilla soften the taste and make it very rich.
6th place: Goldwasser liqueur
What it is useful for: digestion.
Another name for this Polish liqueur is “golden water”. The point is not only the amazing healing properties of the drink, but also the fact that it contains particles of gold. The royal persons of Russia and the great kings of the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth attached great importance to this fact.
5th place: red wines
What they are useful for: increasing the level of healthy cholesterol, strengthening the cardiovascular system.
And colorful dishes became their calling cards. And if not only France, Italy and Chile are famous for their unsurpassed beer, and great beer is brewed not only in the Czech Republic and Germany, then the famous vodka is associated only with Russia, and sake can only come from Japan. Here, each of which was given to the world by his native country.
10. Limoncello
The climate allows for a large harvest of lemons all year round. No wonder limoncello is national alcoholic drink in Italy. To make it, in addition to alcohol, water and sugar, the zest of lemons is used exclusively from the Femminello variety. The crusts are first infused with alcohol for several days, then water and sugar are added to the infusion. Then the limoncello is filtered. The result is an aromatic drink rich in vitamin C. Rumor has it that this alcoholic drink in Italy You don't have to worry about a hangover.
9.Chacha
In Georgia, famous for its wine traditions, you can also find a stronger drink. Along with national wine alcoholic drink of Georgia considered the famous chacha. Grape pomace is a waste product from wine production. But it also serves as an excellent raw material for chacha. In addition to pulp, bunches of grapes rejected by winemakers are suitable for the production of chacha. This raw material is distilled twice, producing alcohol whose strength exceeds 80 degrees. After which this grape alcohol is diluted with water and bottled. And if they drink a lot of wine in this country, then chacha is assigned a more modest role. Old-timers in mountain villages traditionally drink a small glass of this drink in the morning in order to increase their vitality. In this hospitable country, tourists have the opportunity to try the national alcoholic drink of Georgia straight from the fountain. In Batumi there is a tower, in the fountain of which the long-lived drink, chacha, flows once a week for 15 minutes.
8. Schnapps
They compete with each other. We are talking about beer and schnapps. And if Czech brewers are ready to object to the first point, then schnapps is undoubtedly national alcoholic drink in Germany. In this country, schnapps is prepared from a variety of products. So, grains, potatoes, the most unexpected berries (gooseberries, blueberries, cherries, cranberries, blueberries, strawberries) and fruits are used. 30 degree peach schnapps is especially popular. The fruits are washed and left to ferment for several months. The mixture is then distilled twice. After which the schnapps is not stored in barrels, but is immediately bottled into glass bottles. Unlike vodka, which has no foreign flavors, schnapps always has an aftertaste of the product from which it was made. Serve this one alcoholic drink in Germany in a small glass with an apricot slice or a pear slice. Along with the glass, a small fork is offered with which you can catch and eat the “drunk” fruit.
7. Metaxa
Metaxa – original alcoholic drink of Greece, the like of which you will not find anywhere else. In 1888, Spyros Metaxos decided to create a drink worthy of becoming the contents of ancient Greek amphorae. I must say, he succeeded. were appreciated by royalty both in Greece itself and in Russia, Germany, Serbia, and Bulgaria. Metaxa is sometimes compared to brandy, but this is not entirely correct. And although the details of production are still kept in the strictest confidence, some of its features are known. First, dried grapes of three varieties are used. The resulting wine undergoes double distillation, after which it is sent to rest in oak barrels for 3 years. And only then is sweet and aromatic wine made from Muscat berries added to the cognac alcohol. But perhaps the secret of the famous alcoholic drink in Greece is that another component is a composition of aromatic herbs and rose petals. After all the components are combined, Metaxa is sent to another three years. The final touch is cold filtration, when the drink is cooled to -6°C and passed through microfilters in this form.
6. Gin
Despite the fact that gin was invented by Dutch doctors as a medicine, it is now considered national UK alcoholic drink. In England, this product became popular due to the fact that the country had accumulated a surplus of low-quality wheat grain. Such grain was not suitable for making beer, but it could be used to make strong alcoholic drinks. The unique spicy taste of the famous UK alcoholic drink add juniper fruits, which, along with cinnamon, coriander and almonds, are included in the composition of gin. It is not customary to drink this drink undiluted, but it is incredibly popular as part of the most famous and sought-after cocktails in the world. So, by combining vermouth and gin, you can get the famous Martini. And the combination of spicy gin with bitter tonic is familiar to every cocktail lover.
5. Tequila
When creates alcoholic drinks. Grains, potatoes, and berries are used. But what about those in whose lands nothing grows except cacti? That’s right, in such a situation it’s worth taking a closer look at this unpretentious one. This is exactly what the Mexicans living near the city of Tequila did back in the 16th century. For the production of national alcoholic drink of Mexico began to use blue agave juice. Production became so successful that wild agave was no longer enough, and in the 18th century the plant began to be cultivated. Today alcoholic drink of mexico very popular in the world. So, it is included in many popular cocktails. And the way to drink pure tequila, in general, looks like a show. First you need to lick the grains of salt sprinkled on top of your palm between your thumb and forefinger, then you should drink in one gulp. And only then can you snack on a slice of lime.
4. Whiskey
Despite the fact that the Irish attribute the creation of this drink to St. Patrick, the inhabitants of Scotland never tire of proving their exclusive right to be called the inventors of real whiskey. After all, it is they who sacredly honor the traditions of making this truly national alcoholic drink in Scotland. So, to make malt they use only barley, unlike the Irish, who add rye grains. What can we say about the Americans, who take corn as a basis, or the Japanese, with their constant... Another distinctive feature of Scotch whiskey is its smoky flavor. The thing is that sprouted grains of barley - malt - are dried using peat smoke. And freshly brewed whiskey is aged in Spanish oak barrels. Moreover, those containers in which sherry was previously matured are best suited. So famous alcoholic drink of Scotland enriched with taste and aroma. And no one is surprised that one bottle of elite single malt whiskey aged more than a century was sold for $1.4 million in 2010. But the absolute price record of $6.2 million belongs to Isabella’s Islay. And even though the lion's share of the price comes from the decanter, decorated with thousands of diamonds and 300 rubies, there is also no doubt about the quality of the whiskey.
3. Sake
According to historians, national alcoholic drink of Japan– sake was born before our era. Initially, it could be made exclusively at the imperial court for ritual purposes. Rice grains were simply chewed and then spat into a container in which the sake matured. But already in the Middle Ages, rice began to be crushed mechanically, fermenting it with the help of koji, a special mold. At the same time, sake became truly national alcoholic drink of Japan, since ordinary citizens could also produce and consume it. Professionals insist that it is incorrect to call sake rice vodka or wine. And all because this drink has an original production technology, consumption characteristics, unique taste and consistency. Sake is one of the few drinks that can be drunk either warmed or chilled. The Japanese prefer sake at room temperature, this way all the flavor nuances of a quality drink are revealed. Lower quality sake, however, needs to be warmed up a bit.
2. Cognac
No other country in the world can compare with France in terms of the quantity of iconic alcohol. After all national alcoholic drinks of this country are known even to the most avid teetotaler. The drink from the city of Cognac requires special attention. Only a product produced in this city can be called cognac. All other drinks made using the same technology are usually called brandy. Only 7 varieties of white grapes are suitable for the production of cognac, three of which (Colombard, Ugni Blanc, Folle Blanche) are the main ones, their content makes up 90% of the total volume. The wine is double distilled and then placed in oak barrels pre-charred from the inside. In which the famous alcoholic drink of France at least 2.5 years, ripens, harmonizing taste and color. It is noteworthy that in the country, at the legislative level, it is prohibited to add sugar to the drink; the caramel taste of cognac is transmitted from the oak wood of the barrel. After maturation, cognac spirits are blended, and at this moment the most famous both in the whole world and in France alcoholic drink. Before drinking cognac, experts recommend warming the glass with your palms and then swirling it, saturating it with oxygen. After which you can slowly enjoy the unsurpassed taste of cognac.
1.Vodka
In Russia, 70% of the population, depriving others of attention alcoholic drinks, give preference to it. It is known all over the world that national alcoholic drink in Russia is vodka. But this drink is also respected in other countries; how else can one explain the fact that vodka is the best-selling alcohol in the world. Thus, in the USA, due to the high price of imported drinks, the cash flow from the sale of vodka even exceeds the Russian one. In total, more than $50 billion worth of vodka is sold worldwide each year. Historians claim that vodka production in Russia began in the 14th century. It was an elite drink, intended exclusively for the nobility. It is not surprising that in the 18th century, only members of the noble family were allowed to make vodka. True, there was no need to worry about the quality of the product from such distilleries. So, egg whites or milk were used to clean the finished product. For a long time, the high degree of vodka was not lowered to 40 degrees, diluting it with water. The drink was set on fire, and when half the volume burned out, the required strength was obtained. That’s why vodka was called polugar for a long time. Now in charge alcoholic drink of Russia filtered with charcoal, which removes fusel oils from vodka, making it more palatable. The serving temperature also affects the taste of the drink. You should not freeze vodka; the optimal temperature for it is + 10 degrees. But experienced people know that a hearty snack and warm company make it special.
Often the national alcoholic drink of a country can be called part of its cultural traditions. But in this case, when getting acquainted with the cultural heritage of different countries, it is important to stop in time.
Each country has its own signature alcoholic drink. Some of them have a unique taste and are considered national exotics, while others have become popular all over the world. Probably, many will be interested to know, so what is top best alcoholic drinks. But you don’t need to immediately run to try them all - in drinking alcoholic drinks, as in everything else, you need to know when to stop.
Top 10 alcoholic drinks
- Tokay;
- cider;
- tequila;
- Brunello and Chianti;
- malt whiskey;
- French cognac;
- Czech beer;
- rakia;
- port wine.
When it comes to wines, you can, of course, argue which ones are the most popular. But in this rating top ten alcoholic drinks The wine presented is from the town of Tokaj. There is evidence that it was invented back in 1458-1490. The history of its appearance is associated with the name of the Hungarian king Matthias the Good, who attracted winemakers to Tokaj. It is made from furmint grapes. In late autumn, a specific mold culture, focus asu, appears on it. This is what makes the aroma of wine unique.
also in top best drinks includes cider - this is apple wine, the invention of which is attributed to Charlemagne. True, the mention of an alcoholic drink made from apples was mentioned by Pliny.
Brunello and Chianti are the Italian wines you can enjoy in Tuscany. They are distinguished by a rich bouquet of flavors and are very expensive. They are usually served with meat or poultry dishes.
The best port, which is also included in top 10 drinks, made in Portugal. It is produced in the Douro River Valley. This is a fortified wine, sweet in taste, aromatic and intoxicating.
Spirits and beer
On the list the best alcoholic drinks in the world– and Mexican tequila, which is made from only one variety of agave cactus. It is produced only in two territories in the state of Jalisco. By the way, only our compatriots drink this drink, pouring salt on their hands and snacking on lemon. Mexicans drink tequila with a special drink - a mixture of tomato juice, lime juice with the addition of salt and chili pepper.
Malt whiskey presented in top 10 best drinks in the world, invented in Scotland. The drink is strong, but has an unobtrusive taste; it is usually diluted by a third with water. The exact homeland of Roma is unknown; some say it is India, others say it is China. This strong drink is made from sugar cane products.
Updated: November 10, 2017 by: Punisher
Back in ancient times, people learned to produce a wide variety of alcoholic drinks. The list of names includes a huge number of species and varieties. They differ mainly in the raw materials from which they were prepared.
List of low-alcohol alcoholic drinks
. Beer- a low-alcohol drink, obtained by fermenting hops, malt wort and brewer's yeast. The alcohol content in it is 3-12%
. Champagne- sparkling wine produced by secondary fermentation. Contains 9-20% alcohol.
. Wine- an alcoholic drink obtained by fermentation of yeast and grape juice of various varieties, the names of which are usually present in the name. Alcohol content - 9-20%.
. Vermouth- fortified wine, flavored with spicy and medicinal plants, the main component is wormwood. Fortified wines contain 16-18% alcohol.
. sake- Japanese traditional alcoholic drink. Obtained by fermentation of rice, rice malt and water. The strength of this drink is 14.5-20% vol.
Spirits
. Tequila. This traditional Mexican product is made from the juice extracted from the heart of the blue agave plant. “Silver” and “Golden” tequila are particularly common alcoholic drinks. The list can be continued with names such as “Sauza”, “Jose Cuervo” or “Sierra”. The best taste is considered to be a drink aged for 4-5 years. Alcohol content 38-40%.
. Sambuca. A strong Italian liqueur based on alcohol and essential oil obtained from anise. The most in demand are white, black and red sambuca. Strength - 38-42%.
. Liqueurs. Strong sweet alcoholic drinks. The list can be divided into 2 categories: cream liqueurs (20-35%), dessert (25-30%) and strong (35-45%).
. Cognac. A strong alcoholic drink based on cognac alcohol obtained by distilling wine. Distillation takes place in special copper stills, and the product is subject to subsequent aging in oak barrels for at least two years. After diluting the alcohol with distilled water, it acquires a strength of 42-45%.
. Vodka. Refers to strong drinks with an alcohol content of 35-50%. It is a mixture of water and alcohol, which is made from natural products by fermentation followed by distillation. The most popular drinks: vodka “Absolut”, “Wheat”, “Stolichnaya”.
. Brandy. An alcoholic drink made from fermented grape juice by distillation. The alcohol content in it is 30-50%.
. Gin. A strong alcoholic drink with a unique taste, obtained by distilling wheat alcohol and juniper. To enhance the taste, it may contain natural additives: lemon or orange zest, anise, cinnamon, coriander. The strength of gin is 37.5-50%.
. Whiskey. A strong drink that is made by fermentation, distillation and aging of grains (barley, corn, wheat, etc.). Aged in oak barrels. Contains alcohol in an amount of 40-50%.
. Rum. One of the strongest alcoholic drinks. It is made from alcohol aged in barrels for at least 5 years, due to which it acquires a brown color and a pungent taste. Rum strength varies from 40 to 70%.
. Absinthe. A very strong drink with an alcohol content of 70 to 85%. It is based on alcohol, wormwood extract and a set of herbs such as anise, mint, licorice, calamus and some others.
Here are the main alcoholic drinks. This list is not final; it can be continued with other names. However, they will all be derivatives of the main composition.
Types of alcoholic drinks
All drinks that contain the substance ethanol, also known as alcohol, in varying quantities, are called alcoholic beverages. They are mainly divided into three classes:
3. Strong alcoholic drinks.
Bread kvass. Depending on the manufacturing method, it may contain from 0.5 to 1.5% alcohol. It is prepared on the basis of malt (barley or rye), flour, sugar, water, and has a refreshing taste and bready aroma.
Actually beer. It is made from almost the same components as kvass, but with the addition of hops and yeast. Regular beer contains 3.7-4.5% alcohol, but there is also strong beer, where this percentage rises to 7-9 units.
Kumis, ayran, bilk. Drinks based on fermented milk. May contain up to 4.5% alcohol.
Energy alcoholic drinks. They contain tonic substances: caffeine, guarana extract, cocoa alkaloids, etc. The alcohol content in them ranges from 7-8%.
Second category
Natural grape wines. Depending on the sugar content and the type of main raw material, they are divided into dry, semi-dry, sweet and semi-sweet, as well as white and red. The names of the wines also depend on the grape varieties used: Riesling, Rkatsiteli, Isabella and others.
Natural fruit and berry wines. They can be made from various berries and fruits and are also classified according to sugar content and color.
Special varieties
These include Madeira, vermouth, port, sherry, Cahors, Tokay and others. These wines are made using specific methods and in a specific winemaking region. In Hungary, when making Tokaj, they use a “noble” mold, which allows the berries to dry directly on the vine. In Portugal, Madeira is aged in special solariums under the open sun; in Spain, sherry is matured under a film of yeast.
Table, dessert and fortified wines. The first are prepared using natural fermentation technology, the second are very sweet and flavored, and the third are fortified with alcohol to the desired degree. In color they can all be red, pink and white.
Champagne and other sparkling wines. Of these, French is the most popular, but other countries have equally worthy drinks, for example, Portuguese spumante, Spanish cava or Italian Asti. Sparkling wines have a special appearance, delicate aroma, and interesting taste. Their main difference from still wines is their playful bubbles. The color of the drinks can be pink and white, but sometimes there are sparkling red wines. Based on sugar content, they are divided into dry, semi-dry, semi-sweet and sweet. The quality of a wine is determined by the number and size of the bubbles, how long they last and, of course, the taste sensation.
These types of alcoholic beverages have a strength of no more than 20% vol.
The third, most extensive category
Vodka. An alcoholic drink made from grains, containing 40% alcohol. Through continuous distillation, a new product was obtained at one time, called Absolut vodka, and its manufacturer, Lare Olsen Smith, was awarded the title of “King of Vodka.” Sometimes this drink is infused with herbs, citrus fruits or nuts. Made using Swedish technology from high-purity alcohol, vodka rightfully occupies one of the first places in the ranking of alcoholic drinks in this category. It is used to prepare various cocktails.
Tinctures bitter. They are obtained by infusing vodka or alcohol with aromatic spices, herbs or roots. The strength is 25-30 degrees, but can rise to 45 degrees, for example, “Pepper”, “Starka” or “Okhotnichya”.
Sweet drinks
Sweet tinctures. They are prepared on the basis of alcohol or vodka, mixing them with fruit drinks and sugar, the content of which can reach 25%, while the alcohol content usually does not exceed 20%. Although some drinks are stronger, for example, the “Excellent” tincture contains 40% alcohol.
Liqueurs. They differ in that they are made from fresh berries or fruits without yeast, but with the addition of strong vodka and a large amount of sugar. These types of alcoholic drinks are very thick and sweet. The name of the liqueurs tells what they are made from: plum, dogwood, strawberry. Although there are strange names: “spotykach”, “casserole”. They contain 20% alcohol and 30-40% sugar.
Liqueurs. Thick, very sweet and strong drinks. They are made by mixing molasses or sugar syrup with alcohol infused with various herbs, spices, with the addition of essential oils and other aromatic substances. There are dessert liqueurs - with an alcohol content of up to 25%, strong - 45% and fruit and berry liqueurs, with an alcohol content of 50%. Any of these varieties requires aging from 3 months to 2 years. The name of the alcoholic beverages indicates what aromatic additives were used in the preparation of the product: “Vanilla”, “Coffee”, “Raspberry”, “Apricot” and so on.
Strong grape drinks
Cognacs. They are made on the basis of cognac spirits, and alcohols are obtained by fermentation of various grape varieties. One of the first places in the line is occupied by Armenian cognac. The most popular is “Ararat”; “Nairi”, “Armenia”, “Yubileiny” are no less famous. Among the French ones, the most popular are “Hennessy”, “Courvoisier”, “Martel”, “Hain”. All cognacs are divided into 3 categories. The first includes ordinary drinks aged for 3 years. The second consists of vintage cognacs, which have a minimum aging period of 6 years. The third includes long-lived drinks, called collection drinks. The shortest aging here is 9 years.
French, Azerbaijani, Russian, Armenian cognac is produced and sold by cognac houses that were founded centuries ago and still dominate the market.
Grappa. Italian vodka based on grape marc, aged in oak or cherry barrels from 6 months to 10 years. The value of the drink depends on the aging period, grape variety and location of the vine. Grappa's relatives are Georgian chacha and South Slavic rakia.
Very strong alcoholic drinks
Absinthe- one of them. Its main component is wormwood extract. The essential oils of this plant contain the substance thujone, which is the main component of the drink. The more thujone, the better the absinthe. The price directly depends on the percentage of this substance and on the originality of the drink. Along with wormwood, absinthe includes anise, mint, angelica, licorice and other herbs. Whole wormwood leaves are sometimes placed at the bottom of bottles to confirm the naturalness of the product. Absinthe can contain from 10 to 100% thujone. By the way, the drink is available in two varieties - silver and gold. So, “golden” absinthe, the price of which is always quite high (from 2 to 15 thousand rubles per liter), is prohibited in Europe precisely because of the large amount of the substance mentioned above in it, reaching 100%. The usual color of the drink is emerald green, but it can be yellow, red, brown and even transparent.
Rum. It is prepared by fermentation from residual sugar cane products - syrup and molasses. The quantity and quality of the product depends on the variety and type of raw materials. The following types of rum are distinguished by color: Cuban “Havana”, “Varadero” (light or silver); gold or amber; Jamaican "Captain Morgan" (dark or black); Martinican (made only from cane juice). The strength of rum is 40-75 g.
Strong fruit juice drinks
Calvados. One of the varieties of brandy. To prepare the product, 50 varieties of apples are used, and a pear blend is added for uniqueness. Then the fruit juice is fermented and clarified by double distillation and brought to 70 degrees. Aged in oak or chestnut barrels for 2 to 10 years. Then softened water reduces the strength to 40 o.
Gin, balsam, aquavit, armagnac. They are also included in the third category, because they all contain alcohol. All these are strong alcoholic drinks. Their prices depend on the quality of the alcohol (“Lux”, “Extra”), the strength and age of the drink, the brand and the components. Many contain extracts of aromatic herbs and roots.
Homemade drinks
Homemade moonshine is also a prominent representative of strong alcoholic drinks. Craftsmen make it from different products: it can be berries, apples, apricots or other fruits, wheat, potatoes, rice, or any jam. Sugar and yeast must be added to them. All this is fermented. Then, through distillation, a strong drink with an alcohol content of up to 75% is obtained. For greater purity of the product, double distillation can be done. Homemade moonshine is purified from fusel oils and other impurities by filtration, then (optional) it is either infused with various herbs, nuts, spices, or diluted with fruit drinks, essences, and juices. When prepared correctly, this drink will not be inferior in taste to various vodkas and tinctures.
Finally, I would like to remind you of two simple rules, following which you will be able to maintain your health and not get bored in a cheerful company: do not abuse alcohol and do not waste money on low-quality drinks. And then everything will be fine.
