Wine and beer are produced directly by fermentation whereas brandy and whisky require both fermentation and…

Wine and beer are produced directly by fermentation whereas brandy and whisky require both fermentation and distillation. This is because
  1. fermentation is inhibited at an alcohol level of $10-18 \%$
  2. distillation prolongs storage
  3. distillation improves quality
  4. distillation purifies the beverage

Solution

Beverages like beer, wine are fermented but not distilled. They have relatively low alcohol content typically less than $100 \%$. Hard liquor like brandy and whisky are produced by both fermentation and distillation. Distillation process purifies them and removes diluting components like water and increases the alcohol content.

Asked in: NEET 2011 (Screening)

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