Types of alcoholic beverages

Alcoholic beverages include low-alcohol-content beverages produced by fermentation of sugar- or starch-containing products, and high-alcohol-content beverages produced by distillation of the low-alcohol-content beverages. Sometimes, the alcohol content of low-alcohol-content beverages is increased by adding distilled products, particularly in the case of wines. Such fortified wines include Port wine and Sherry.

The process involved (as well as the resulting alcohol content) defines the finished product. Beer involves a relatively short (incomplete) fermentation process and an equally short aging process (a week or two) resulting in an alcohol content generally between 3-8%, as well as natural carbonation. Wine involves a longer (complete) fermentation process, and a relatively long aging process (months or years - sometimes decades) resulting in an alcohol content between 7-18%. Sparkling wine is generally made by adding a small amount of sugar before bottling, which causes a secondary fermentation to continue in the bottle. Distilled products are generally not made from a "beer" that would normally be palatable as fermentation is normally completed, but no aging is involved until after distillation. Most are 30% or greater alcohol by volume. Liqueurs are characterized by the way in which their flavours are infused and typically have high sugar content. Spirits typically contain 37.5% alcohol or greater and are not infused with flavours during the distilling process, however some modern spirits are infused with flavours after distilling (the Swedish vodka Absolut, for instance).

Note that in common speech, wine or brandy is made from grapes unless the fruit is specified: "plum wine" or "cherry brandy" for example, although in some cases grape-derived alcohol is added.

In the USA and Canada, cider often means unfermented apple juice, while fermented cider is called hard cider. Unfermented cider is sometimes called sweet cider. In the UK, cider is always alcoholic.

Beer is generally made from barley, but can sometimes contain a mix of other grains. Whisky is sometimes made from a blend of different grains, especially Irish whiskey which may contain several different grains. The style of whisky (Scotch, Rye, Bourbon) generally determines the primary grain used, with additional grains usually added to the blend (most often barley, and sometimes oats).

Two common distilled beverages are vodka and gin. Vodka can be distilled from any source (grain and potatoes being the most common) but the main characteristic of vodka is that it is so thoroughly distilled as to exhibit none of the flavours derived from its source material. Gin is a similar distillate which has been flavoured by contact with herbs and other plant products, especially juniper berries. The name comes from the Dutch liquor geneva, which in turn takes its name from the Dutch word for juniper.

6.Answer the questions.

1.What are the two general types of alcoholic beverages?

2.What processes are involved in beer production?

3.What processes does wine involve?

4.In what way is sparkling wine made?

5.What is liqueur characterized by?

6.How much alcohol do spirits contain?

7.What are wine, cider, beer, whisky made from?

8.What are the two common distilled beverages?

7.Give the English equivalents to the following Ukrainian names of different alcoholic beverages.

Пиво, вино, ігристе вино, лікер, коньяк, сидр, віскі, горілка, джин.

8.Match the name of the beverage with the source of material fermented.

beer sake wine cider vodka kumis

apples rice barley milk grapes potato and/or grain

9.Make the scheme complete.

ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES
⇙	⇘
... – alcohol content ⇓	... – alcohol content ⇓
fermentation of... ⇓	distillation of... ⇓
beer,...	whiskey,...

10.To drink or not to drink? Read the following and express your opinion.

To drink alcohol or not? This is an old question and everybody decides by himself. If not – no problems. Avoiding alcohol you save your health and money.

Drinking alcohol you risk to get problems with your health and family.

Many people choose what they call “the golden middle”: light alcoholic drinks at a holiday table. Light grape wine is the best idea for this. For example, famous Crimean wines, made of natural grape juice, are famous all over the world by their flavour and high quality. They have low alcohol level and in small quantities are not harmful for health.

Alcoholic beverages should not be consumed by some individuals, including those who cannot restrict their alcohol intake, women of childbearing age who may become pregnant, pregnant and lactating women, children and adolescents, individuals taking medications that can interact with alcohol, and those with specific medical conditions.

Alcoholic beverages should be avoided by individuals engaging in activities that require attention, skill, or coordination, such as driving or operating machinery.

11.Read the following text.