Special Spirits

In this category you will find a variety of special spirits. From cognacs, fine brandies and gins to cachaça, grappas and liqueurs, there is something for every taste. Many special spirits based on whisky or rum are waiting for you to be discovered.

Definition of spirits

The term "spiritus" comes from the Latin and means "spirit". A spirit drink is a spirited alcoholic liquid intended for human consumption. In the German-speaking countries the term "Schnaps" is also used colloquially. However, not only schnapps is called spirit, but also all other alcoholic beverages such as cognac, brandies, gin, rum, liqueurs, schnapps, tequila, etc.

According to European law, spirits must have a minimum alcohol content of 15% vol. (with the exception of 14% vol. advocaat) and be produced by distillation/distillation of fermented vegetable products.

Production

Fermentation - Mash - Distilling

In the production of spirits, the raw materials fruit, cereals or prepared soft fruits are fermented. This process produces the so-called spirit. The mash is then distilled to obtain the ready-to-drink spirit after two further distillation processes and the separation of flow and return. This is followed by the maturing process in barrels, which varies depending on the spirit. The still high-percentage liquid is then lowered to an acceptable strength with drinking water.

Classification of spirits

Brandy is the term used to describe all spirits produced by the distillation or distillation process. However, only those spirits that are produced from the original product wine are called brandy.

From the by-product of wine production (marc), grappa, marc, Marc, Tsikoudia, Kisljarka or Orujo are produced by a further process.

Brandies and spirits of fruit are produced from the basic products fruit and fruit must. These are fermented and distilled for fruit brandy production. The term fruit water or fruit brandy is also often used.

Grain brandies include grain, whisk(e)y, vodka, rice and millet brandy.

These brandies are mainly made from barley, oats, rye, buckwheat, wheat, rice, millet, corn but also potatoes.

Typical for Austria are for example schnapps made from gentian roots. Distillates from sugar cane (rum and cachaça), agave (tequila and mezcal), juniper berries (gin), aniseed (ouzo, arak, sambuca), caraway seeds (aquavit) and other spices and herbs also belong to spirits.

In the webshop Expert24 you will find a rich offer of selected branded spirits.