Neutral spirits are a type of distilled alcohol that is colorless, odorless, and tasteless. Also known as rectified spirits or pure alcohol, neutral spirits are highly concentrated ethyl alcohol, typically produced by fermenting grains, fruits, or vegetables and then distilling the resulting mixture. The term "neutral" refers to the absence of any distinctive flavor or aroma in the final product.
Neutral spirits serve as a base for a wide range of alcoholic beverages and are often used in the production of other spirits such as gin, vodka, and liqueurs. Due to their neutral character, they are highly versatile and can be easily transformed into different flavors and styles through the addition of botanicals, spices, or fruits.
Neutral spirits are typically distilled at a high proof, which refers to the alcohol content measured in percentage of volume. They are usually subjected to multiple distillations to remove impurities and obtain a purer form of alcohol. As a result, neutral spirits often have a significantly higher alcohol content than the fermented substances from which they are derived.
These spirits also find various applications outside the realm of alcoholic beverages. They are frequently used in medicinal and industrial processes, as well as a solvent for extracting flavors, essences, or oils from various plants and herbs.
In summary, neutral spirits are colorless, flavorless, and odorless distilled alcoholic beverages, commonly used as a base for other spirits or transformed into flavorful alcoholic beverages such as gin or vodka.
