What is fermentation?

Fermentation is the specific process by which yeast transforms sugars into alcohol and carbon dioxide. This biological process is fundamental in the production of alcoholic beverages, as it is the key reaction that produces ethanol, the alcohol found in drinks such as beer, wine, and spirits. During fermentation, yeast feeds on the sugars present in the mix—whether derived from grains in beer or fruits in wine—and produces alcohol as a byproduct, along with carbon dioxide.

This process is crucial for distilleries as it sets the foundation for subsequent distillation, where the alcohol is further purified and concentrated. Without fermentation, there would be no alcohol for distillation, making it an essential step in the overall production of spirits. The other options refer to different processes related to beverage production but do not define fermentation accurately.