Flavoring spirits is a process that allows liquor distilleries to produce flavored spirits without adding any sugars or artificial sweeteners. Distillers start by choosing the base spirit, usually grain-based vodka or neutral grain spirit like Everclear, and then adding flavor components. Some popular examples of flavoring spirits include whiskey, gin, and vodka. Flavored variations on these base liquors include cherries (cherry vodka), oranges (orange vodka), apples (apple vodka), even bacon! Flavored whisky comes in varieties like bourbon with vanilla beans, rye with molasses and gingerbread spices, Scotch with heather honey.
Health benefits of flavoring spirits
- Provides a flavorful option for non-drinkers
The easiest way to get non-drinkers to drink spirits is to mix it with a flavorful spirit like wine. Flavored vodka is a great choice, providing drinker with options of flavors that they might not have tried before. Flavored spirits like peach, peppermint and orange are especially popular because they taste delicious but don’t make you feel guilty afterward!
- Protects the flavor of main spirit
Distillers use flavoring spirits in their distillation processes in order to preserve the flavor of their main spirit, usually grain-based vodka or neutral grain spirit like Everclear. A good example of this would be liquor company Seagrams’ flavored vodka that Svedka manufactures. Seagram’s uses the process of flavoring spirits to make vodka taste less like alcohol, while adding a delicious flavor that makes it easy to drink.
- Drives new product innovation in the spirit industry
Flavoring spirits can be used by distillers to come up with completely new liquors or cocktails for their customers. By mixing up their main spirits with unique flavors, distillers have been able to create new and exciting tastes for their customers, from peppermint gin and cinnamon whiskey, to orange vodka and pineapple rum.
- Protects alcohol by-products for use in food
As the process of flavoring spirits is used over and over again, distillers do not have to dispose of an expensive product like alcohol by-products. They can decide that the flavor of their drink is worth keeping and use it in their other products like schnapps or flavored liqueur.
- Selectively enhances flavor profiles
The choice of ingredients used to make flavoring spirits go a long way toward creating unique taste profiles and experiences for consumers. The ability to selectively enhance the intensity or sweetness of a particular taste profile along with the ability to create unique flavors makes flavoring spirits much easier than ever before.
- Increases beverage diversity
Flavoring spirits are used in many different ways, but their effects on the end product are incredibly diverse. The ability of distillers to use flavoring spirits has opened up a whole new world where distillers have the power to create unique and delicious drinks for consumers.
- Allows for smooth taste transition
Flavoring spirits is a great way to make people who dislike the taste of alcohol try it out without being too concerned about flavor changes. The process of flavoring spirits is so versatile that it allows the drinker’s senses to be met while they transition from simply avoiding the taste of alcohol all together, to enjoying a spirit with subtle or even stronger flavors.
Conclusion
Flavoring spirits is a great way for distillers to provide their customers with a new and exciting taste experience that traditional liquor can’t offer. By adding flavors to their base grain spirit, distillers are able to create unique and delicious drinks that are beyond the reach of other liquor producers. The end product contains less alcohol than the base spirit itself so it’s the smarter choice for consumers who aren’t used to drinking spirits.