Why Are They Called Spirits? [by Kelechi Deca]

Have you ever wondered why alcoholic drinks, mostly whiskey and brandy, are referred to as spirits? And have you made any effort to know why?

I did not know until I tasked myself sometime last year to dig into why such a name exists for something we consume. That was how I discovered that it came about as a result of the earliest process of distillation.

Contrary to belief in some quarters the term “spirits” has nothing to do with supernatural entities or ghostly apparitions. However, the process of the production is likened to a movement that resembles ghostly evaporation, and there is a school of thought that links the origin of the word alcohol to its Arabic roots which has some connotations linked to the ethereal. We will return to that in a moment.

But first, it is imperative to highlight that not all alcohols are spirits, but all spirits are alcohols. Those called spirits are basically liquor. They include vodka, absinthe, tequila, rum, whisky, and gin. To qualify to be addressed as spirit, an alcoholic drink must have the highest alcohol by volume (ABV), ranging from 20% ABV to as much as 90% ABV. Wines and beers are not so classified.

This high alcohol content is achieved by distillation, which means that all liquors undergo distillation and this basically separates spirits from other alcohol in general because, while all alcohol undergoes fermentation (usually with the help of yeast), only liquors/spirits undergo distillation.

Now that we have sorted that out, let us delve into how the term spirit was derived.

Why Are They Called Spirits?

The term “spirit” comes from the Latin term “spiritus,” which means breath, breeze, or soul. It was used in alchemy to describe the vapours produced during chemical processes like distillation. When it comes to alcohol, however, the alchemical connection is the most relevant, linking the concept of an ethereal essence being drawn from physical substances.

Historians claim that the alchemist Ramon Llull was the first to document this “spirit” in the 13th century, noting the flammability of the distillate. However, Aristotle was said to have written about this process earlier. And archaeological excavations in ancient Egypt, Arabia, and China point to the distillation process having taken place there.

According to the history of mixology, liquor started being referred to as “spirits” due mainly to the change that takes place during distillation, when alcohol’s magical transformation gave rise to the notion of its “spirit” being released and captured.

When alcohol is distilled, it undergoes evaporation and condensation. This process is magical was magical to witness especially for early distillers because it appears as if the alcohol’s “spirit” was being released and then captured. It is a process that is similar to when steam escaped from the boiling kettle. The rising steam could easily be likened to a spirit leaving the body.

There are two Arabic words that are believed to give rise to the term “spirit.” The first is al-Ghawl, and the second is al-Koh’l. Scholars believe it was the second that gave rise to the name.

Al-ghawl is a word used in the Holy Book that refers to a demon (or spirit) that causes people to become intoxicated, while Al-Koh’l refers to eyeliner that was made using a process similar to distillation. This substance was first produced using sublimation and, later on, distillation, which was also used to make alcohol. This is because the process of sublimation is relatively similar to that of distillation.

Moreso, the processes of distillation and sublimation were thought to release the “spirit” of the substance produced, so because alcohol was made using distillation, it was also referred to as “spirit.”

Looking to Order Premium Spirits Online?

Naija Liquor is the best and most trusted Nigerian-quality online liquor store. We focus on premium spirits and wines only from accredited importers. We source our products from accredited importers, distributors, and manufacturers, making Naija Liquor the best platform to buy spirit drinks and wines in Lagos, Ibadan, and Ogun State. Naija Liquor is the most trusted Nigerian online distributor of premium spirits and wines. Its the best site to buy wines and premium liquor. Click here to visit our online store and place an order now.