Wine & Spirit Education Trust (WSET) Level 2 Award in Spirits Practice Exam 2026 - Free WSET Level 2 Spirits Practice Questions and Study Guide

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What happens to the alcohol content of a spirit during the maturation process?

It significantly increases

It stays the same

It generally decreases

During the maturation process, the alcohol content of a spirit generally decreases. This is primarily due to the interaction of the spirit with the environment, including factors like temperature and humidity. In many cases, particularly for spirits aged in wooden casks, a portion of the alcohol can evaporate, a phenomenon often referred to as the "angel's share." The evaporation leads to a concentration of flavors and compounds but results in a lower overall alcohol content over time. Furthermore, if the maturation occurs in a humid environment, water may also evaporate, which can lead to a rise in alcohol concentration, but this is generally balanced by losses from evaporation.

The effects of maturation are complex, as they involve various physical and chemical changes, but a consistent outcome across many types of spirits is the decrease in alcohol content due to these evaporation processes.

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It becomes volatile

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