What is 'double distillation' and why is it used?

Double distillation is a process utilized in the production of spirits where the liquid is distilled two separate times. This method is primarily employed to enhance both the purity and flavor concentration of the final product.

The first distillation serves to separate the alcohol from the wash or mash and is often incomplete, retaining some undesirable compounds. The second distillation refines the spirit further, allowing for the removal of these unwanted elements and resulting in a higher alcohol content and improved flavor profile. This dual-process ensures that the spirit is cleaner and more flavorful, which is particularly important in high-quality whiskey, rum, and gin production.

The other choices reflect different processes in spirit production, but they do not accurately define double distillation. Aging spirits or mixing them generally relates to flavor development in different ways, and specific flavored vodka production is not directly tied to the double distillation technique itself. The focus on purity and flavor concentration in the correct answer highlights the fundamental purpose of this distillation method.