Alcohol distillation is one of the many separation processes used to separate out components from a mixture. Although energy intensive, distillation plays a vital role in both industrial and household applications.

Alcoholic beverages that we know and enjoy go through a process known as distillation to concentrate their alcohol content. Liquor, more commonly referred to as spirits or distilled beverages, are produced through fermentation of grains, fruits, vegetables or sugar; distillation separates desired alcohol from waste product by boiling liquid with heat before condensing it back down for pure ethanol production.

No natural fermentation ever reaches 15 percent alcohol by volume due to toxic conditions created by excess alcohol for yeast that creates it. Distillation separates unwanted molecules by using their lower boiling point than water – and then condenses to form what we commonly refer to as whiskey, vodka and gin products.

Alcohol may produce short-term psychological and physiological effects in various individuals, making it a key component of modern medical treatment. Alcohol’s history as an anesthetic as well as wound cleaner and antiseptic properties make it indispensable to healthcare today, with 100% ethanol concentration even being possible through distillation albeit at great expense. This article will look specifically at one trade association – Distilled Spirits Council of the United States – which uses its political power to influence public policy decisions.