Tag: spirits

The Chemistry of Gin (And Tonic!)

Infographic on the chemistry of gin. Gin comes in three main types: compound gin, where the botanicals are added without redistillation; pot-distilled gin, where botanicals are soaked in a spirit which is then redistilled; and column-distilled gin, where a highly concentrated spirit is redistilled with botanicals. Most gins are primarily flavoured by juniper berries, and these and other botanicals contribute a range of terpene compounds which give woody, piney, sweet and spicy aromas and flavours. Coriander seeds are also commonly used, with linalool a key compound. Tonic water adds a bitter flavour, due to the presence of the anti-malarial compound quinine.
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For the fifth in the ‘Alcohol Chemistry’ series, we turn to gin. As with other types of alcohol, there are a huge number of different chemical compounds present, but it’s possible to identify a range of significant chemical contributors to its aroma & flavour. Here, we look at those compounds and where they come from.

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The Chemistry of Whisky

The Chemistry of Whisky

An infographic titled "The Chemistry of Whisky" details the production process and the chemical compounds responsible for flavor. The top section illustrates a six-step journey starting with preparation, where dried barley is ground and husks removed. This is followed by mashing to dissolve sugars, fermenting with yeast to create alcohol, and distilling to increase purity. The spirit then undergoes ageing in oak casks for several years before finally reaching the Bottling stage for consumption.

The lower sections identify specific molecules that influence the palate. Whisky lactones from oak barrels provide woody and coconut flavors. Phenolic compounds like guaiacol and eugenol contribute smoky and medicinal notes. Aldehydes such as vanillin and syringaldehyde add vanilla and spicy aromas. Esters like ethyl hexanoate and isoamyl acetate create fruity scents resembling apples and bananas. Finally, other compounds like phenethyl alcohol add floral notes, while diacetyl provides a buttery taste.
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Whisky is one of the world’s most popular spirits, and comes in many different classes and types. The character and flavour of these differing types vary widely; this, of course, comes down to their varying chemical composition. Here, we take a look at where some of these different compounds come from, and what they contribute.

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