What is the difference between beverage alcohol and other alcohols?
Beverage alcohol refers to alcoholic beverages that are intended for human consumption. These beverages typically contain ethanol (also known as ethyl alcohol), which is the intoxicating substance in alcoholic drinks. Beverage alcohols can be classified into several categories based on their production methods and ingredients, including:
* Distilled spirits: These spirits are produced by distilling fermented liquids to remove water and other impurities. Common types of distilled spirits include whiskey, vodka, gin, rum, tequila, and so on.
* Fermented beverages: These beverages are produced by the fermentation of sugars by yeast or other microorganisms. Examples include beer, wine, cider, and mead.
* Alcohol-infused beverages: These beverages are created by adding alcohol to other liquids, such as fruit juices, soft drinks, or even desserts. They may also contain some amount of distilled spirits or fermented alcohol.
On the other hand, there are various other types of alcohols that are not intended for human consumption and have industrial, medical, or scientific uses. These non-beverage alcohols include:
* Denatured alcohol: This is ethyl alcohol that has been mixed with additives or denaturants to make it unfit for drinking. Denatured alcohol is used in a wide range of products such as cleaning solutions, fuels, and industrial solvents.
* Isopropyl alcohol (rubbing alcohol): Isopropyl alcohol is commonly used as a disinfectant and antiseptic in medical settings. It is also used in the production of personal care products like hand sanitizers and cosmetics.
* Methyl alcohol (methanol): Methanol is a highly toxic alcohol that is primarily used as a solvent in industries. It is not suitable for human consumption due to its poisonous nature.
* Butyl alcohol: Butyl alcohol is a type of alcohol often used as a solvent and in the manufacturing of chemicals, inks, and paint products.
In addition to these, there are many other types of alcohols with specific industrial and scientific applications. It's important to note that non-beverage alcohols are typically not safe to ingest and can pose health risks if handled improperly.