What is the definition of a liquor?

The definition of a liquor specifically refers to a distilled alcoholic beverage that has had flavor and sweetness added, which aligns with the concept of liqueurs. These are often created by infusing spirits with various flavors, such as fruits, herbs, spices, or other botanicals, combined with sweeteners. This process results in a product that is both flavorful and distinct from spirits that are unflavored or not sweetened.

While the other options provide definitions related to alcoholic beverages, they do not encompass the specific characteristics that define a liquor. For example, a spirit that has not been flavored would simply refer to a base spirit like vodka or gin, which differs from the sweetened and flavored nature of liqueurs. A fermented beverage typically refers to drinks like beer or wine, where fermentation is the predominant process, distinct from the distillation process used to create liquors. Lastly, the stipulation of an aged spirit limits the definition, as many liquors can be produced without aging, such as certain fruit liqueurs. Thus, the choice that captures the essence of liquor as incorporating both flavor and sweetness is indeed the most accurate.