4.1 REV Q (Flavoured spirits & liqueurs)

Question 1

Which raw material is used in the production of flavoured spirits and liqueurs?

Answer 1

None. The vast majority are premade spirits.

Question 2

Where do the best-flavoured spirits get their flavours from?

Answer 2

Natural ingredients such as fruits, seeds, herb and spices (sometimes referred to as botanicals)

Question 3

What are the three methods of adding artificial flavours to a spirit?

Answer 3

1. Redistillation
2. Maceration
3. Adding natural and artificial flavourings

Question 4

Explain the process of redistillation

Answer 4

The spirit is placed in a pot still with botanicals. This mixture is then distilled, the botanicals flavour the spirit and the resulting distillate is typically intensely flavoured.

Question 5

Explain the process of maceration

Answer 5

The botanicals are soaked in the spirit and their flavours come out over time. This can take a few days or it may take several months. the process can be speeded up by gently heating the spirit. This process can also be used to add colour from the botanicals.

Question 6

Explain the process of adding natural and artificial flavourings

Answer 6

A cost-friendly option compared to natural botanicals and uses essences of natural or artificial flavours. Small quantities of these very concentrated additives are mixed with the spirit in order to create the final product.

Question 7

What are the four types of flavoured spirits?

Answer 7

1. Spiced rum
2. Liqueurs
3. Flavoured vodka
4. Gin

Question 8

Explain the characteristics of a spiced rum

Answer 8

A spirit that uses golden rum as the base and various types of botanicals. Flavours are added either by maceration or the use of artificial flavours.

Question 9

Explain the characteristics of a liqueur

Answer 9

A flavoured spirit that has also been sweetened, mostly made using a neutral spirit but some are made from characterful spirits such as brandy, rum and whisky. A notable ingredient that is found in some liqueurs is cream. Sugar is added after flavouring and is required by law to have a minimum level of sweetness. Most liqueurs are also coloured by either natural colouring or artificial colouring.

Question 10

Explain the characteristics of a flavoured vodka

Answer 10

A spirit with a wide range of flavours including vanilla, fruits (eg apple and lemon) and spice (eg pepper). Flavours are typically added through the use of natural or artificial flavours.

Question 11

Explain the characteristics of a gin

Answer 11

A spirit that is typically unaged, colourless and must have the predominant flavour of juniper. Other common botanicals include coriander seeds, angelica root, orris root and citrus peel. Flavours are added by either redistillation or the use of natural or artificial flavours.