Alcohol classification

Today there are different types of alcohol and spirits. Moreover, every year alcohol brands release new variations of booze. But, despite its popularity, ethyl alcohol in the composition of drinks in large quantities is harmful, not beneficial. And this should always be remembered.

There are various types of alcohols that are used not only to create booze, but also in medicine, aviation, cosmetology and other industries. Briefly we will consider in this article and them:

Methyl alcohol. Polyatomic liquid substance of transparent color. It has an odor similar to ethanol. It is a toxic substance, if it enters the body, it can provoke severe poisoning and even lead to death.
Ethyl alcohol or as it is also called food. It is created from different types of grain, so the alcohol made from it has several classes (Lux, Extra, Basis, Alpha). It is actively used both in the production of alcohol and industry. At high doses, it has a negative effect on the body, provokes the development of pathologies.
Medical alcohol. Usually the strength of the substance is 95% vol. Used in pharmacology. Allowed in an accessible form in pharmacies. It is used internally only in a diluted form, since in its pure form it can burn all internal organs. When diluted, the number of degrees decreases.
cetyl alcohol. Used in cosmetology. Has an oily texture. Apply only to the surface of the skin. Removes dryness, fatigue, mimic wrinkles. Not applicable inside.
Aviation alcohol. It is an industrial alcohol that is used during the operation of aircraft. It is forbidden to take rectified alcohol for other purposes, since after a couple of minutes it leads to death.

Thus, technical, methyl, aviation and cetyl alcohol are considered especially dangerous for the body. They are not used in the manufacture of alcoholic beverages, they are used only in industry. And alcohol contains only ethyl alcohol.

Interesting. Degree = percentage of alcohol in alcoholic beverages. Today, the strength of all alcohol is measured in percentage by volume (“% vol.”). All values in the article will be given exactly in volume percentages.

Vodka spirits

Alcohol, which is used to make vodka, is divided into the following classes:

Alpha. Luxury alcohol of the best quality. It is made from the best grades of wheat. With the help of it, elite alcoholic products are produced. Vodka made on the basis of Alpha alcohol has a high cost, but excellent quality. Despite the price, elite alcohol does not lose its demand and is popular all over the world.

Suite. Isomer class "Alpha", but has its own characteristics. Producers of alcoholic beverages based on luxury alcohol offer their customers environmentally friendly raw materials at a fairly high price. In addition to selected wheat, it also includes potatoes. The used alcohol of the "Lux" class does not cause severe harm to health and is pleasant to drink.
Basis. The composition of alcohol includes 95% ethanol. The most common type of alcoholic beverage. It has an affordable price, good quality, environmentally friendly product.
Extra. This is a diluted alcohol added to low-alcohol drinks and vodka. It has the same strength as alcohol of the "Basis" class, but cheaper.

Even the smallest dose of good alcohol has an impressive effect on the entire body. It is worth remembering that any type of alcohol with systematic use can cause addiction, from which it will be very difficult to get rid of. Therefore, you need to monitor the amount of alcohol you drink, and try not to abuse alcohol.

Classification of alcoholic products

A large assortment of goods leads to the fact that it is difficult to determine which particular drink you want to try. After all, each drink has its own advantages (pleasant taste, smell, affordable price, etc.).

Alcoholic products are classified in several ways:

According to the method of production, drinks are distinguished:

fermentation based.
based on distillation.

The second list includes drinks:

low alcohol;
medium strength;
strong.

Low alcohol drinks

This type of alcohol refers to products with a low concentration of alcohol. The ethyl content must not exceed 8.5%. This list includes:

Beer. The most common drink in many countries. Produced by fermentation. It happens both alcoholic and non-alcoholic. It has a pleasant taste and rich color.
Braga. Made by fermentation. The basis of the drink includes fruits and vegetables. Most often, it is used to prepare stronger alcohol (moonshine).
Toddy. Produced in South American countries. The main ingredient is palm juice. The strength of the drink is achieved through fermentation technology.
Kvass. The traditional drink is made from curdled milk. The maximum concentration of alcohol should not exceed 1.5.
Cider. May contain alcohol concentration from 2 to 7. It is created on the basis of apple juice. Cooking method - fermentation.
Perry. Very similar to cider, but made with pear and glucose. The alcohol concentration does not exceed 7.
Khuremge. Traditional drink of Buryatia. Produced from whey. Alcohol content from 1.5 to 8.5.
Icewein is one of the types of wines. Made from grapes. The strength of the drink is not more than 8.5.

Drinks with a low content of ethyl are well absorbed by the body, and do not cause poisoning at low doses. But, it is worth remembering that excessive drinking of alcohol can lead to alcoholism.

Medium strength drinks

This type includes alcohol with a strength of up to 30:

Mead. It is made by combining edible alcohol and natural honey. Alcohol in it can be from 5 to 16.
Mulled wine. Hot alcoholic drink made from fruits and various spices. Fortress - 21-23.
Wine. Made from various grape varieties. Today there are more than 10 options for making wine. Fortress from 12 to 23–25 (fortified).
Sake. A type of beer from Japan (often compared to vodka is a misconception). The main ingredient is rice. The alcohol content is from 14 to 20.
Port wine. One of the types of wines. It is created only from a certain type of grapes. Alcohol concentration - about 20;
Vermouth. It is created on the basis of medicinal herbs. The main ingredient is wormwood. Alcohol content from 25.
Champagne. Sparkling type of wine. Made from various grape varieties. Ethyl content up to 30.
Sato. A type of wine drink. Made from rice grains. The alcohol concentration is not more than 10.
Campari. Medium strength liqueur. It is made on the basis of herbs and fruits. It has a strong, characteristic flavor and aroma. Ethyl no more than 28.

Strong alcoholic drinks

Drinking strong alcohol is especially dangerous for human health. At high doses, strong alcohol can damage the gastric mucosa and provoke the development of serious pathologies. The fortress is, as a rule, no more than 90:

Vodka. Strong alcohol of transparent color. It has a specific taste and smell. Vodka is based on alcohol, herbs and roots. Fortress - 40.
Cognac. Produced by double purification of white wine. After that, it is aged in barrels for a greater strength, at least 3 years. The longer the exposure, the more stars are assigned to cognac. The number of stars also speaks of its strength. The alcohol content is about 45.
Rum. Created by fermenting and distilling cane sugar. After distillation, it is aged for several years in wooden barrels, has a bright amber hue. Fortress - from 50 to 80.

Whiskey. A strong drink made from several types of grains, sometimes called wheat moonshine. Distilled and aged in wooden barrels. Fortress - 40-60.
Brandy. It is obtained due to the fermentation of berry juices. There are several types (fruit, grape and pomace). Has a pleasant fruity aftertaste. The ethyl content is from 45 to 70.
Absinthe. Insists on wormwood. One of the strongest drinks - from 65. It has a greenish tint and a pungent smell.
Sambuca. An Italian drink with a unique anise flavor and pleasant smell. The amount of alcohol is from 35 to 60.
Gin (juniper vodka). Created by double distillation of fruits, berries and cereals. Fortress - from 35.
Tequila. Mexican drink, it is transparent and golden, depending on the exposure time. It has a tart taste and a specific smell. Made from agave juice. The alcohol content is 38-45.
Chacha. Traditional Georgian drink. The basis of the drink includes only natural fruits and berries. Created by distillation. Fortress - 45-60.

In addition to the above strong drinks, there are also other types that are widespread in other countries. For example: Arak, Grappa, Bourbon, Crayfish, Tutovka. They also differ in their strength and richness of taste. Each country has its own traditional alcohol, which is made according to certain technologies and methods.

Manufacturing methods

Most often, spirits are created using natural fermentation. During the biological process, various substances and oils are formed in the liquid, which are very toxic to the body.

State control over the production and circulation of alcohol

Since the sale of alcohol is a very profitable activity, the state exercises increased control over production technology and distribution. All alcohol is tested for quality and compliance with GOST standards.

To increase the state budget and establish restrictions on the use of alcohol, in Russia and other countries, an excise tax has been established for all alcohol sold. Most often, the excise tax is more than 60% of the cost of a bottle. That is why alcohol is a rather expensive pleasure that not everyone can afford.

Advertising Restriction

Today, in most countries it is forbidden to advertise alcohol through various types of communication. Since this has a significant impact on the population and provokes them to use poison. In Russia, it is allowed to advertise only beer when showing sports broadcasts.

Age restrictions

The minimum legal age for drinking in Russia is 18 years. Alcoholic beverages containing more than 10% alcohol are allowed to buy and drink only after full adulthood, that is, upon reaching 21 years.