1. Raw Materials: The Starting Point
The first step in making liquor is selecting the base ingredients, which depend on the type of spirit being produced. The most common ingredients include:
- Grains (barley, corn, rye, wheat): Used for whiskey, vodka, and gin.
- Sugarcane or molasses: Used for rum production.
- Fruits (grapes, apples, etc.): Used for brandy and certain fruit liqueurs.
- Agave: Used to make tequila and mezcal.
The choice of base material will greatly influence the flavor and characteristics of the final spirit.
