White vinegar is produced through the fermentation of ethanol that has been derived either through fermentation of carbohydrates or from petrochemical sources. In some countries, this type of vinegar is called “spirit” vinegar and may be produced only from fermentation of alcohol. The source of the alcohol may be important because trace impurities in ethanol differ from source to source and have a discernible effect on the taste of the resulting vinegar. In the production of vinegar, the alcohol must first be diluted to about a 12 percent concentration, and additional micronutrients must be added to allow the bacteria to thrive.