Spirits (Supirittsu rui, a Liquor Tax Act category)

Spirits (supirittsu rui) is a category of alcoholic beverages defined under Japan's Liquor Tax Act. It covers beverages that remain after excluding specific categories such as sake (seishu), shochu, and whisky-type spirits. Specifically, these are alcoholic beverages with an extract content of less than 2 degrees, classified mainly as high-alcohol beverages produced by distillation. Spirits are usually made from a variety of raw materials and have distinctive flavors and aromas, so they are enjoyed in many settings, such as in cocktails and side-by-side tastings. Depending on quality and production method, the category is broadly divided into alcohol for use as a raw material (genryoyo arukoru) and spirits. As a result, different product groups exist, each with its own style and occasions for drinking.