54. Whiskies Flashcards
Whiskey is from what country?
Ireland, United States {with an E]
Whisky is from what country?
Scotland {no E]
What is malting?
insoluble starches are converted to soluble starch (not sugar): grain is steeped in water, placed in humid environment, germination begins, release of enzymes, grain is kilned (optionally with peat)
What is mashing?
dissolves soluble starches in water; malted grain is first crushed, then mashed with hot water, enzymes convert dissolved starches to sugar.
What is wort?
sugary solution from grain that can be fermented
What is the contribution of barrels used to age whisky?
up to 70% of flavor comes from barrels, especially, vanilla, coconut and spice from ex-Bourbon barrels
What are similarities of Malt Whisky and Grain Whisky?
both have strength < 94.8%; both matured in Scotland in oak barrels for >= 3 years; both made from malted barley
What are differences of Malt Whisky and Grain Whisky?
Malt Whisky is distilled in pots; Grain Whisky is distilled in a continuous still
What does the age of Single Whisky indicate?
the age of the youngest whisky in the blend
Single Grain and Single Malt Whisky refers to what?
the product of a single distillery
What is the typical model for Irish Whiskey?
absence of peat, triple distillation, use of unmalted barley (in the style of Midleton distillery)
What is the only distillery in Northern Ireland?
Bushmills
How many distilleries are in Ireland?
three: Midleton, Cooley, Bushmills
What grain is used for Bourbon?
corn (maize)
Where can Bourbon be made?
anywhere in USA, but most made in Kentucky
What spirit uses a mixture of wort and backset?
Bourbon
What is the main advantage of mixing wort and backset?
ensures that individual yeasts dominate the ferment
What type of spirit gets a significant contribution of flavor from the yeast?
Bourbon
What kind of barrels are used for Bourbon ageing?
new, charred, American white oak barrels
Which allows addition of caramel for color, Scotch Whisky or Bourbon?
Scotch Whisky
What is the defining production step for Tennessee Whiskey?
before maturation, spirit is dripped through maple wood charcoal (softens character and imparts a smoky sweetness)
What is Blended Whisky?
the product of two or more distilleries
What is Blended Scotch Whisky?
a blend of malt and grain whisky
What is Blended Malt Scotch Whisky?
a blend of malt whiskies from different distilleries
What is Blended Grain Scotch Whisky?
a blend of grain whiskies from different distilleries
Which Scotch Whisky is the most peaty?
Islay
Where is most Scotch Grain Whisky produced?
Lowlands
What is the most complex grain spirit?
Whisky
What are the 3 most important factors that influence style and flavor of Malt Whisky?
use of peat, distillation process (still specifications), barrels
What is the source of most barrels used in Malt Whisky production?
ex-Bourbon barrels (for vanilla, coconut and spice)
What is the largest distillery in Ireland?
Midleton (not Bushmills)
