What is distilling liquor?

Distilling liquor is a process that separates alcohol from water and other impurities in a fermented liquid, such as wine or beer, to create a higher-proof alcoholic beverage.

Here's a simplified explanation:

1. Fermentation: This is the initial step where yeast converts sugars in grains, fruits, or other materials into alcohol and carbon dioxide.

2. Distillation: The fermented liquid is heated in a still. Alcohol has a lower boiling point than water, so it vaporizes first. The vapor is collected and cooled, condensing it back into a liquid with a higher alcohol content.

3. Proofing: The distilled liquid is then diluted with water to reach the desired alcohol percentage, also known as the proof.

The main components of a distillation process include:

* Still: A vessel designed to heat and separate the alcohol from the fermented liquid.

* Condenser: Cools the alcohol vapor back into liquid form.

* Collection Vessel: Where the distilled spirit is collected.

Different types of stills produce different results. For example, pot stills are used for whiskeys, while column stills are used for vodkas.

Distilling is a complex process that requires careful control of temperature and other factors to produce a high-quality spirit. It's an art form that takes skill and experience to master.