The origin of alcohol can be attributed to the fermentation of specific carbohydrates, including sugars and starches, by yeast or bacteria. This naturally occurring process results in the conversion of carbohydrates into alcohol and carbon dioxide. High-proof liquor is obtained by purifying through distillation.
Distillation is a separation process that request the evaporation and condensation of a liquid mixture to separate its components based on their differing volatility.
In particular, distillation utilizes the varying boiling points of the components present in the liquid mixture to facilitate the separation process. Upon heating the mixture, the components with lower boiling points are the first to vaporize, resulting in the formation of a vapor. Due to decrease in temperature, this vapor is then condensed into a liquid when it passes through a condenser. The condensate liquid is then collected, resulting in a pure form of the desired component.