Distillation is primarily used in which context in beverage alcohol production?

Distillation is primarily used in beverage alcohol production to separate mixtures. This process takes advantage of the differences in boiling points among the components in a liquid mixture. In the context of alcohol production, fermentation generates a mixture that contains alcohol, water, and various other substances. During distillation, the mixture is heated, causing the alcohol to vaporize at a lower temperature compared to water. As the alcohol vaporizes, it is collected and cooled back into a liquid, resulting in a higher concentration of alcohol and the separation of unwanted impurities. This method is essential not only for producing spirits with a higher alcohol content but also for refining the flavor profile by selectively removing certain components.