What does distillation involve?

Distillation is a process that involves heating a liquid to its boiling point so that it turns into vapor and then cooling that vapor to collect it back into liquid form. In the context of fermented beverages, distillation serves to concentrate alcohol by boiling the fermented liquid, which typically contains various alcohols, water, and other compounds. As the mixture boils, the alcohol (having a lower boiling point than water) vaporizes first. This vapor is then cooled, typically in a condenser, allowing it to condense back into a liquid form that is richer in alcohol content compared to the original fermentation.

This method is essential for producing spirits such as whiskey, vodka, and rum, as it enhances the purity and strength of the alcohol. The other processes mentioned in the other options—freezing, mixing, and fermenting without heat—do not relate to distillation, as they involve different methods of alcohol production or separation.