Which of the following is an example of non—distilled alcoholic beverage produced by yeast?

Answer

Key Concepts:

1. Fermentation:

Fermentation is a natural biochemical process where yeast converts sugars (typically from plants) into alcohol and carbon dioxide. This process does not require heat or distillation. Fermentation is used to produce non-distilled alcoholic beverages such as beer, wine, and some ciders.

2. Distillation:

Distillation is a process in which the liquid from fermentation is heated to separate alcohol from other substances, usually by boiling the liquid and capturing the alcohol vapors to condense it back into liquid form. This increases the alcohol concentration. Distillation is used in the production of distilled beverages such as whisky, brandy, rum, and vodka.

3. Yeast’s Role:

Yeast is a microorganism responsible for fermentation. It consumes sugars and produces alcohol and carbon dioxide as by-products. While yeast is used in both fermented and distilled beverages, the distinction lies in whether the beverage undergoes distillation.

Option Analysis:

1. Whisky:

• Type: Distilled alcoholic beverage.
• How it’s made: Whisky is made by fermenting grains (such as barley, corn, or rye) and then distilling the fermented liquid to concentrate the alcohol.
• Conclusion: Since whisky undergoes distillation, it is not a non-distilled beverage. Therefore, whisky is not the correct answer.

2. Brandy:

• Type: Distilled alcoholic beverage.
• How it’s made: Brandy is made by fermenting fruit juice (often grapes) and then distilling the liquid to increase its alcohol content.
• Conclusion: Like whisky, brandy is also distilled, so it is not a non-distilled beverage. Brandy is not the correct answer.

3. Beer:

• Type: Non-distilled alcoholic beverage.
• How it’s made: Beer is made by fermenting grains (typically barley) using yeast. The yeast converts the sugars in the grains into alcohol. After fermentation, the beer is not distilled, making it a non-distilled alcoholic beverage.
• Conclusion: Beer is the correct answer, as it is a non-distilled beverage produced by yeast. The alcohol content in beer is achieved through fermentation alone, without the need for distillation.

4. Rum:

• Type: Distilled alcoholic beverage.
• How it’s made: Rum is made by fermenting sugarcane juice or molasses and then distilling the liquid to concentrate the alcohol.
• Conclusion: Like whisky and brandy, rum undergoes distillation after fermentation. Therefore, rum is not the correct answer.

Correct Answer:

Beer (Option 3)

Summary of Beverage Types:

Conclusion:

The main distinction lies between fermentation (which produces non-distilled beverages like beer) and distillation (which concentrates alcohol and produces beverages like whisky, brandy, and rum).

Beer is the only beverage in the list that is non-distilled and produced by yeast, making it the correct answer.