Beverages
The term beverage is derived from Latin word "bever" which means rest from work. The literal meaning of beverages as per the dictionary means drink. Beverage can be defined as a portable liquid which not only satisfy the need of thirst and fluid loss but also fulfills the physiological and psychological function in the form of stimulation, nourishment and refreshment.
Beverage can be classified into two broad headings:-
Alcoholic Beverage
This beverage acts as an intoxicating agent and normally contains 2% to 75% of ethyl alcohol by volume.
Non- Alcoholic Beverage
Any type of beverage containing no alcohol beverage or negligible amount of alcohol is called non- alcoholic beverage.
Method of obtaining alcohol
Basic principles of obtaining potable alcoholic beverage are of two types:-
Fermentation
Fermentation is a process of chemical which results in the breakdown of complete organic substance into simple form by the action of catalyst. Under this process yeast acts as a catalyst which reacts with malt sugar present in the product, releasing ethyl alcohol and carbon dioxide gas.
Sugar + Yeast C2H2OH + CO2
(Ethyl alcohol) (Carbon dioxide)
Distillation
It is the process of heating liquid until volatile constituents' passes into the vapor stage to recover such constituents into a liquid form by the condensation process. The main purpose of distillation is to separate ethyl alcohol from the mixture of several components.
Fermented Beverage
Beer
It is an alcoholic beverage obtained from fermentation of malted cereal grains usually barley, wheat, oats, e.t.c flavored with hops. During the fermentation process, the yeast reacts with the sugar present in the grain, converting them to alcohol and carbon dioxide gas.
Role of ingredient in beer
Malt
Malt is very important in brewing process. It must be of high quality usually obtained from barley steeped in water for several days until it begins to germinate or sprout.
Water
Water is very important in producing malt beverages as it contains 90% of total beer content. Mountain spring water is best preferred in beer brewing process.
Hops
Hops are small green, cone shaped flowers from the hop plant. They are the principal flavoring agent used in malted beverages which belongs to cactus family. They stimulate digestion and acts as preservative agent.
Brewer's Yeast
Brewer's Yeast causes fermentation. There are two types of brewer's yeast which are Saccharomycees Cerevisiae and Saccharomycees Uvarum which works between (15 to 20) degree Celsius. It converts sugar compound into alcohol and carbon dioxide.
Color
Sugar is used to produce caramel which adds color to the beer.
Composition of Beer
Water (89-91) % by volume
Alcohol (3.5-4.5) % by volume
Carbon Dioxide (0.4-0.45) % by volume
Protein (0.4-0.5) % by volume
Mineral Salt 0.2 % by volume
Carbohydrate (4-6) % by volume
Manufacturing of Beer
Bottom Fermentation
Beer is fermented at the bottom of cold tank by the action of yeast called Saccharomycees Uvarum at (3-10) degree Celsius. E.g. lager, Ale, e.t.c.
Top Fermentation
Beer is fermented at the top of tank at a warmer temperature by the action of yeast called Saccharomycees Cerevisiae at (16-22) degree Celsius. E.g. draught, porter, e.t.c.
Beer Brewing Process
The steps involved in beer brewing process are:-
Malting
The industrial brewing process begins with malted grain, which is passed through milling machine. The first step in brewing is called malting which involves steeping the grains in water for several days until it begins to germinate or sprout.
Brewing
The crushed malted barley is mixed with hot water in a large stainless steel vessel known as "Mash ton" to produce thick sweet liquid called "Wort". Hops are added to the wort for bitter taste or flavor which also helps to balance the sweetness of wort and is cooled and strained.
Fermentation
After brewing, the wort is cooled and strained to remove hop leaves and other impurities. The
Racking
Wort is allowed to run into the fermentation vessel for 36 hours and the yeast is skimmed off.
Aging
Now the beer is transferred in a large vessel for the secondary fermentation or aging where the beer becomes naturally carbonated or carbon dioxide gas is injected when the aging is completed to give bubbly texture.
Maturing
The beer obtained after racking and aging is stored in a wooden cask or oaks barrels or tanks for 3 to 4 months for maturing from where the beer retains its distinctive colors from the wooden cask.
Fining
The gelatin made from sturgeon fish or isinglass is used to clarify the beer.
Pasteurization
Beer is obtained after filtration is again pasteurized by heating at the temperature of 82 degree Celsius to kill the remaining yeast.
Bottling
Now the beer is tested and poured into the bottle for quality and consistency.
Types of Beer
Lager Beer
The term 'Lager' means 'to store'. Lager beers are stored in a refrigerator vessel or oaks barrels/ wooden cask for six month during the maturation period.
Ale
Ale can be obtained from bottom fermentation. These beers are full bodied in nature and are of various types.
E.g. Mild Ale, Bitter Ale, e.t.c.
Stout
This type of beer is similar o brown Ale which has strong malt flavor with sweet taste and strong hops flavor. The best known variety of stout is Irish Stout.
Porter
It is a type of Ale having rich and heavy foam. It was originated in 1722 A.D. in London which was used as nourishing drinks for porter and the heavy problems.
Drought Beer
These types of beer are similar to lager beer. They are available in draft jar
or can.
Pilsner
This was originated in Bohemian Town of Pilsen in 1842 A.D. This type of beer is clear and golden in color with dry but soft malty taste and hops flavor. E.g. Pilsner Urquell.
Bock Beer
These are full bodied, smooth lager with sweet taste. These types of beer are usually dark in color and have alcohol content up to 8% by volume.
Service of Beer
Beer should be served chilled (8-10) degree Celsius with a fine frost in it.
Beer mugs are used to serve all the beer.
Beer goblets are used to serve all types of Ale.
Some popular Beer
Brand Names Origin country
Pilsner Urquell Czechoslovakia
Carlsberg, Tuborg Denmark
King Fisher India
San Miguel Philippines
Kirin Japan
Corona Mexico
Gorkha Nepal
Fosters Australia
Heineken Holland
Wine
Wine is fermented alcoholic beverage made from grape juice. Wine normally contains 85% to 89% of water, 9% to 14% alcohol less than 1% fruit acid and hundreds of aroma (smell) and flavoring agent.
Wine Grapes and Vineyards
The science related to growing, harvesting wine grapes and producing wine is called "viticulture". The years of grapes when harvested is called "vintage". The place where wine grapes are grown is called "vineyard".
The grapes that are used in wine production can be categorized into following parts:
Skin –Tannins and color
Stalk – Tannin
Pips – Bitter oils
Pulp – Sugar, Fruit acid, water
The color of wine is obtained from the grape skin being extracted during the process of fermentation process. The quality of wine depends upon the quality of grapes, soil and climate.
Factors affecting the quality of wine
There are various factors that affect the quality of wine are as follows:
Climate
Quality of grapes
Yeast and fermentation process
Method of wine making
Composition of wine, e.t.c.
Faults in wine making
Faults generally occur when wine matures in the bottle.
Wine may be affected by the damage cork and it starts bacterial action in the wine.
If wine is overexposed to air, bacteria converts wine into vinegar.
World's Major Wine Producing Countries
1. Italy: Chianti, Barolo
2. France: Champagne, Chabis
3. Germany: Hock, Mosel
4. Spain: Sherry
5. Portugal: Port, Madeira
Major Wine Producing Regions in France
Regions Wine Name
Bordeaux Medoc, Pomeral
Campagne Champagne
Alsace Pinot
Burgundy Chablis
Midi Rousilion
Loire Chinon
Classification of Wine
Natural/ Still/ Table Wine
Natural wine is also called table or still wine. It contains very less or negligible amount of CO2 gas and is served on the table with food that compliment the wine. Table wine contains 10% to 14% alcohol by volume and is further classified by their color, sugar content, e.t.c. On the basis of type of grape, wine can be classified into three types:-
1. Red wine
Red Wines are basically produced from red grapes being fermented in contact with grape skin. This wine obtains its color. Red wine is less sweet or dry and are served at the room temperature i.e. 10o C to 21o C. e.g. Burgundy, Cleret, e.t.c.
2. White wine
White wine is stew to golden yellow in color. These wine are produced from white grapes and grape juice is usually fermented without skin to avoid the color. Normally, these types of wine are dry to very sweet. These wines are always served chilled (6oC to 8oC). E.g. Hocks, Chablis, e.t.c.
3. Rose Wine
Rose wine is light pink in color and is usually produced from the red grapes fermented without skin. Rose wines are produced basically in three ways:-
By mixing red and white wine together.
By pressing grape slowly that some color is extracted.
By fermenting red grapes with skin for 48 hours.
Sparkling wines
Sparkling wine produced spark when cork is opened because it contains excessive amount of CO2 gas which makes wine fizzy. These wines are made from table wine that has to go under a secondary fermentation. The CO2 gas is either produced naturally or trapped by injecting during the secondary fermentation. The best popular known sparkling wine is "Champagne". All the champagnes are sparkling wine but all the sparkling wine are not Champagne.
Fortified wines
Fortified wines contain additional alcohol and are usually consumed in small amount as an aperitif before or after the meal. The alcoholic contain may vary or range from 15% to 22% of alcohol by volume. E.g. Sherry port, Madeira, e.t.c.
Aromatized wine
Aromatized wine are made with the addition of neutral spirit and flavored with herbs, flowers and other flavors. The alcoholic content ranges from 9% to 18% of alcohol by volume. E.g. Vermouth, Martini, CAP horse, e.t.c
Wine Making Process.
Harvesting
Grapes are harvested or plucked by hands or machines when the spots of natural yeast are seen on the grapes skin, preferably of dry weather are chosen.
Grading
Generally, the grapes are graded after harvesting according to the quality, which differs from the shape, season and the quality of the area of grape production.
Weighing
Now, the grapes graded are weighed to determine quality required for fermentation.
Removal of skin
In this stage, grapes are processed to remove the grape skin as the grape with a stalk consist tannins which releases bitter taste and should not come in contact with grape juice.
Crushing
It is the method of obtaining fresh juice of grapes called "must". During this stage, the grapes skins are allowed to come in contact with grape juice to manufacture red wine, whereas in case of white wine, skins are separated.
Sulphuring
Sulphur dioxide is used in this stage before the fermentation process to prevent the oxidation of air with grape juice which converts alcohol into vinegar due to the action of bacteria.
Fermentation
It is a process of adding wine yeast known as Saccharomycees Etlipsoideus into the must which converts the natural sugar present in the grape juice into the ethyl alcohol and CO2 gas.
Cellaring and Maturing
It is the process of storing wine in a wooden cask after fermentation in a cellar room for maturing.
Fining and filtration
Fining is the process to convert impure and cloudy wine into the clear fine wine. In this process the gelatins is added to clarify the wines. This agent collects the wine impurities at the bottom of the wooden cask which is again passed through filters.
Refrigeration
Now the wine is transferred into the refrigerated tank in order to stabilize.
Blending
To balance the sugar content, acidity level and also to flavor with different aromas and color, blending is done before being bottled.
Bottling
After blending, wines are bottled for correct consistency i.e. quantity and quality. Corks are finally sealed with a Spanish Wax.
Pasteurization
It is the process to kill the action of remaining yeast. The wine bottle are immersed up right in hot water at 71oC for maximum two minutes.
Storing and Aging
After pasteurization, wines are stored in a cellar for aging in the bottles for several months.
Spirit
Spirit is a potable alcoholic beverage or distillate obtained from the fermented mass of grains or any product which contains alcohol by distillation process. Basically there are six major type of distilled spirit such as Whisky, Vodka, Rum, Brandy, Gin and Tequila.
During the process of distillation, the fermented mass of alcohol containing liquid is heated and allowed to evaporate at 78oC until it separates itself from the fermented liquid after being condensed which is known as 100% pure alcohol (Grain Natural Spirit). The taste, odour and the color of spirit remains same no matter what it was distilled from.
Method of obtaining spirit
There are two method of obtaining spirit such as:-
a. Pot Still Method
This is traditional method of obtaining spirits by using different pots.
Any spirit produce under this method contains more impurities which have full heavy flavor.
Distillers by this law, all the pot spirit must be matured for minimum two years.
b. Patent Still Method
This is recent and advance method of obtaining spirit which is also known as coffee still method.
Very pure and strong spirit can be produce by this method.
Distillers by the law, no maturing period is required under this method. The final product can be sold directly after it had been produced.
Types of Spirit
1. Whisky
Whisky is an alcoholic beverage obtain from the distillation of fermented mass of cereals, grains mostly barley, maize rye oats, e.t.c. The term whisky is derived from the Scottish word "Uisgebeatha" and Irish word "Usque baugh", both of which mean "water of life".
Types of whisky
There are many types of whisky which is generally categorized into following types:-
1. Scotch Whisky
The whisky which is distilled in Scotland is known as Scotch whisky. It can be further divided into two types:-
a. Scotch Malt Whisky
These whiskies are made from malted barley which is manufactured by pot still method. These whiskies are generally matured for 3 to 12 years or more in oaks barrels.
b. Scotch Grain Whisky
These whiskies are made from unmalted barley with a mixture of maize which is produced by patent still method. These whiskies do not require maturation like scotch malt whiskies.
Some popular Brand Names
A. Regular and Premium Whisky
Chivas Regal
Johnny Walker (Red label, Black label, e.t.c.)
J&B
Vat 69
100 pipers, e.t.c.
B. Deluxe Whisky
- Dimple Haig
- Royal Salute
- Johnny Walker (Blue label)
2. Irish Whisky
It is made from the mixture of five different cereal grains included malted barley. They are produce in much more similar manner to scotch malt whisky. These whiskies are manufactured by pot still method for at least three times. These whiskies are matured at least seven years in oak barrels which have smooth, mellow and smoky taste.
Some Popular Brand Names
Jameson
Paddy
Old Bush mills, e.t.c.
3. American Whisky
American whiskies are basically made from mixture of wheat, barley and maize. Basically there are two types of American whiskies that are:-
Bourbon Whisky
Bourbon Whiskies are best known for straight or unblended American Whisky. They are made from the distillation of fermented mash of at least 51% maize with certain amount of wheat barley. These whiskies are manufactured by patent still method but it is matured for 2 years in oak barrels.
Some Popular Brand Names
Jack Daniels
Forester
Jim Bean
Old Crow, e.t.c.
Rye Whisky
Rye Whiskies are much more similar to Scotch whisky. The principle grains used in rye whiskies are made from the distillation of fermented mash of at least 51% of rye with certain amount of maize. These whiskies are also matured for minimum 2 years in oak barrels.
Some Popular Brand Names
Old Grand Dad
Old over Holt, e.t.c.
4. Canadian Whisky
Canadian Whiskies are much more similar to Scotch whisky. The principal grains used in Canadian Whiskies are corn, rye and barley. These whiskies are well known for blended whiskies. They are usually blended before or during the maturing which lasts for at least 5-6 years in oak barrels.
Some Popular Brand Names
Canadian Club
Windsor, e.t.c.
Service of Whisky
Whisky is best preferred with ice which is commonly known as "Whisky on the rocks".
If it is served with ice, soda or neat, it is served in old rock glass, old fashioned glass or Rolly Polly glass.
If it is served with other beverage, it is served in Hi-ball glass.
Brandy
Brandy is a distilled alcoholic beverage produced by distillation of fermented grape juice maturing in oak barrels for minimum three years. Most popular and famous brandy is produce in France. The brandy produce in the city of Cognac located at the district of Charente is very popular and is known as "Cognac Brandy". Another popular brand name for the French Brandy is Armagnac which is produce in Armagnac region in South-West of France.
Cognac Brandy is mellow flavor (smooth) and pale in color which is obtained by maturing in oak barrels. Cognac Brandy is recognized as "The Standard of Quality". But Armagnac brandy is produce less than 10% of Cognac Brandy which is matured for only 5 years.
Some Popular Brand Name
Cognac Armagnac
Mort ell Hors d'age
Remy Martin Napoleons X.O.
Hennessey Juneau, e.t.c.
Grading of Brandy
One Star- matured for 3 years
Two Star- matured for 5-6 years
Three Star- matured for 6-8 years
Very Old- matured for 12-15 years
Very Old Pale- Matured for 15-20 years
Very Superior Old- Matured for 25-30 years
Very Superior Old Pale- Matured for 30-40 years
Extra Old- Matured for 35-50 years or above
Service of Brandy
Brandy is best preferred neat or hot water after meal or a night cup
If it is served in brandy glass (Brandy Balloon, Brandy Inhaler, Brandy Snifter).
Gin
Gin is a compound alcohol beverage which is obtained from distillation of cereal grains with infusion of Juniper berries. The term gin is derived from the French word "Genievre" and Dutch word "Junever" both of which means Juniper.
Maize and Rye are the cereal grains used in gin production and re-distillation is done with juniper berries. Gin requires two distillation processes. The first step is patent still method and second step includes the distillation in pot still.
Types of Gin
1. London Dry Gin
London Dry Gin has a light aromatic flavor of Juniper berries and generally dry in nature.
2. American Dry Gin
These types of gin are extra dry and mostly used in mixed drinks.
3. Dutch Gin
These types of gin are heavy in body and very aromatic.
4. Old Tom
This is dry gin which may be sweetened by the addition of sugar syrup which is also used in mixed drinks.
5. Golden Gin
Distillers by law, Gin cannot be aged. However, this Gin is matured for 6 to 8 months in a oak barrels in order to obtain straw golden color.
Some Popular Brand Names
London Dry - U.K.
Hiram Walker – U.S.A.
Beefeater – U.K.
Blue Rib and – India, e.t.c.
Service of Gin
Gin is best served with tonic water with slice of lemon and plenty of ice cubes which is served in Hi-Ball glass
Rum
Rum is distilled alcoholic beverage which is obtained from various fermented product or bi-product (secondary product) of sugarcane. The common ingredients used in making rum are Molasses, water and sugar. Rum is aged barrels for minimum 3 years. Rum can be best produced in the countries where sugarcane grows widely. Rum produced Jamaica, Barbados, Cuba, Puerto Rica are worldwide famous.
Types of Rum
1. White Rum
White Rum is manufactured by pot still method is popular these days. It is white in color because it is not matured in oak barrels. E.g. Malibu, Cuba, Libra, e.t.c.
2. Dark Rum
Dark Rum is basically distilled in patent still method. The rum obtained is dark in color with addition of caramel.
E.g. Khukuri Rum
3. Golden Rum
Golden Rum is aged in oak barrels where it obtains its natural light golden color and distinctive flavor. Some amount of caramel can also be added to give golden color.
Some Popular Brand Names
Bacardi – Jamaica
Captain Morgan – Jamaica
Bardinet – France
Khukuri Rum – Nepal
Caden Heads – U.K.
Service of Rum
Rum is taken with coke or ice. It is served on the rocks or Hi-ball glass.
Vodka
The term Vodka is derived from the Russian word "Voda" which means water. Vodka is distilled alcoholic beverage traditionally known as national drink at Russia. It is a neutral spirit obtained from the distillation of potato with some cereal grains like wheat, barley, e.t.c. Vodka is smooth, unaged, odorless, tasteless and colorless alcoholic beverage with mild flavor.
Some Popular Brand Names
Absolute – Sweden
Smirnoff de Czar – U.S.A.
Romanov – India
Cossac – U.K.
Ruslan – Nepal
Service of Vodka
Vodka is best served with ice on the "rock glass".
If it is served with other beverage like orange juice, tonic water, e.t.c., it is served in
Hi-ball glass.
Tequila
Tequila is originated from the city of Tequila in South-West Central Mexico and considered as a national drink of Mexico. It is colorless and unaged distilled alcoholic beverage which is obtained from distillation of juice of a plant similar to cactus known as "Agave Tequilana Weber". Tequila is considered as a very strong alcohol containing beverage which contains more than 50% by volume.
Types of Tequila
1. White/Silver Label
It is colorless and tasteless Tequila which does not require aging.
2. Gold label
This type of Tequila is aged in oak barrels which obtain straw golden color and caramel is also added.
3. Aged Tequila
This type of Tequila is aged in oak barrels which obtain straw golden color and caramel is also added and has mild & smooth flavor and aged for three years.
Some Popular Brand Names
Jose
Souza
Pepe Hapez
Camino, e.t.c.
Service of Tequila
Tequila is drunk neat, preceded by a bite of lemon with a hint of salt on the fist of left hand.
Tequila is served in Tequila glass shooter-60 ml shot and 30 ml.
Compound Alcoholic Beverage
Liqueur
The term liqueur is derived from Latin word "Liquifaccere" which means to dissolve or flavorings dissolved in the spirits. Liqueurs have digestive power and they stimulate the appetite. It is served in liqueur glass and the standard measurement is 30ml.
Classification of Liqueur
Basically, there are four types of liqueur which are as follows:-
a. Fruit Liqueur
These liqueurs are flavored with almost all types of fruit except Citrus Fruit.
Examples
Crème de Banana – Neutral Spirit + Ripened Banana
Crème de Fraises – Neutral Spirit + Wild Strawberry
Forbidden Fruit - Neutral Spirit + Brandy + grape fruit
b. Herb Liqueur
Herb liqueurs are generally flavored with herbs.
Examples
Crème de Menthe – Neutral Spirit + Mint
Brandy & Benedictine – Neutral Spirit + Cognac Brandy + Spicy Herbs
Benedictine – Neutral Spirit + 20 various types of herbs
c. Citrus Liqueur
These liqueurs are flavored with Citrus fruit like orange, lemon, e.t.c.
Examples
Cointreau – Neutral Spirit + Orange Flavor
Curacao – Neutral Spirit + Rum/Brandy + Orange Flavor
Triple Sec – Neutral Spirit + Bitter + Sweet Orange Juice
d. Bean & Kernel Liqueur
These liqueurs are flavored with cocoa beans, coffee beans, fruit kernels or seeds, e.t.c.
Examples
Crème de Cocoa – Neutral Spirit + Chocolate & Vanilla
Tia Maria – Neutral Spirit + Coffee Beans
Kummel – Neutral Spirit + Caraway Seeds
Other fermented, compound and distilled alcoholic beverage
Bitters:- Obtained from distillation of bitter herbs
Mead:- Obtained from fermentation of honey
Cider:- Obtained from fermentation of apple
Krish:- Obtained from distillation of Cherry
Mirabella:- Obtained from distillation of Plum
Non - Alcoholic Beverage
Non- alcoholic beverages are those beverage which doesn’t contain alcohol or contain very less alcohol less than 2%. It can be termed as non-intoxicating beverage which basically stimulates the body gives refreshment and hence provide nourishment. These drinks can be consumed in any time of the day or night as per the requirement.
Basically, these can be classified into three categories which are:
Stimulating Beverage
This beverage basically stimulates the body and best preferred during morning time or after meal or any time of the day. E.g. Tea, Coffee, e.t.c.
Refreshing Beverage
These beverages are basically carbonated aerated during their manufacture so that these have fizzy quality which helps to refresh the body immediately after the consumption. E.g. Coca-Cola, Soda, e.t.c.
Nourishing Beverage
These drinks are normally made from fruit and vegetables juice usually available in fresh, canned, bottled, powdered form. These beverages act as a source of energy and also provide nourishment to the body. E.g. Fruit juice, Horlicks, e.t.c.
Hot Beverages
Tea
Tea is the most popular non-alcoholic beverage obtained from the dried leaves of tropical or sub-tropical evergreen shrubs of tea bushes or plant. It belongs to the flowering plant with a scientific name "Camellia Sinensis".
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