Read the passage and answer the following questions:
Yeasts, such as Saccharomyces cerevisiae, have been used for centuries to produce alcoholic beverages like wine, beer, whisky, brandy, and rum. These beverages are made through the fermentation of malted cereals and fruit juices by yeast, specifically brewer's yeast. During fermentation, yeast undergoes metabolic reactions that result in the production of ethanol, the primary alcohol in alcoholic beverages. Different types of alcoholic drinks are obtained based on the raw materials used and the processing methods employed. Wine and beer are produced without distillation, while whisky, brandy, and rum are produced by distilling the fermented mixture. On the other hand, antibiotics, which are chemical substances produced by certain microbes, are considered one of the significant discoveries of the twentieth century. They have greatly contributed to the well-being of human society. Antibiotics are capable of killing or inhibiting the growth of disease-causing microbes, thereby having a positive impact on human health.
Which among the following beverages is produced by distillation?
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 4
The correct answer is Option (4) → Both (2) and (3)
The passage states that “Wine and beer are produced without distillation, while whisky, brandy, and rum are produced by distilling the fermented mixture.”
Alcoholic drinks differ by the raw material fermented and by the processing. In distillation, the fermented broth is heated and the alcohol-rich vapour is collected and cooled, which gives a stronger drink.
Option (1) Wine — Incorrect. Wine is made by fermenting fruit juice with yeast and is produced without distillation, as is beer.
Option (2) Whisky — Correct statement, but it is only one of the correct points, so on its own it is not the answer. Whisky is made by distilling the fermented broth.
Option (3) Brandy — Correct statement, but it is only one of the correct points, so on its own it is not the answer. Brandy is also made by distilling the fermented broth.
Since both whisky and brandy are distilled drinks, Option (4) is the answer.