American Whisky

Question 1

What is the minimum ageing period for Bourbon?

Answer 1

It must be stored in charred new oak containers but no minimum period is stated.

Question 2

“Bottled in Bond” labelling requires what criteria?

Answer 2

1. Single Distillery
2. Bottled product must come from the same distilling season. (1st January -30th June or 1st July - 31st December)
3. 4 years in wood containers
4. Bottled at 50% abv

Question 3

State the maximum distillation strength and storing strength of Bourbon.

Answer 3

80% abv (160 proof) and 62.5% (125 proof) respectively

Question 4

Rye Whisky must contain what?

Answer 4

At least 51% Rye in the mashbill

Question 5

What is the difference between Corn Whisky and Bourbon?

Answer 5

1. Mashbill must contain at least 80% corn
2. Does not have to be stored in oak containers and if it is, containers must be used or made from uncharred new oak.

Question 6

True or False: Enzymatic conversion in Bourbon is achieved soley through the use of distiller’s malt in the mash bill?

Answer 6

False. Exogenous enzymes are aslo permitted.

Question 7

True or False: A thumper has it’s own heat source.

Answer 7

False

Question 8

Describe typical aromas found in Rye Whisky.

Answer 8

Peppery, rye-bread, Lemon Zest

Question 9

What qualities does Wheat bring to a Whisky mashbill?

Answer 9

Soft textures and bread-dough aromas.

Question 10

Are additives such as sugar or caramel permitted in Bourbon?

Answer 10

No

Question 11

Does the labelling term “Straight” refer to Bourbon uniquely?

Answer 11

No. It can also be used for Rye, Rye Malt, wheat, malt and Corn Whiskies.

Question 12

How does Tennesse Whiskey differ from other Bourbons?

Answer 12

Tennesse Whiskey is required to use the Lincoln County process. This is a filtration process where the distillate passes through chracoal beds prior to Maturation. It is said to create a smooth product.

Question 13

What does the labelling term “Straight” indicate?

Answer 13

The Whiskey has been aged for two years.

Question 14

Name the components found in a typical Vendome style Bourbon still.

Answer 14

1. Beer Heater
2. Beer Still
3. Either a Thumper or;
4. Beer Still condenser, low wines holding tank and a Doubler.
5. Doubler Condenser

Question 15

What is new make American Whisky called?

Answer 15

White Dog

Question 16

When American Whisky distillers talk about “small grains”, to what are they reffering?

Answer 16

Under US regulations, the type of whiskey referred to on the label (Bourbon, Rye etc..) dictates how much of a certain grainmust be used in the mash bill. E.g. Bourbon must me made withat least 51% Corn. The remainder of the mash bill can be made from a combination of other grains and is called the “small grains”.

Question 17

What states are legally allowed to make a product called Bourbon?

Answer 17

Bourbon may be made anywhere in the USA. However, much of the production is concentrated in Kentucky.

Question 18

What is the role of Beer Heater in a Vendome style whiskley still?

Answer 18

The Beer heater uses heat from the vapour coming off the Beer Still to warm up the Cold distillers beer prior to entering the Beer Still Column. Most of the vapour passes through but some of the heavier group 3 fractions condense and are fed back into the Beer Still.

Question 19

Name the six Macro scale distilleries repsonsible for the majority of production in Kentucky.

Answer 19

1. Heaven Hill
2. Beam
3. Brown Foreman
4. 4 . Wild Turkey
5. Buffalo Trace
6. Four Roses

Question 20

What is Light Whiskey?

Answer 20

Light Whiskey must be distilled to a strength in excess of 80% abv (160 Proof) and be aged in new or uncharred oak containers.

Question 21

Why would American Blended Whiskey not qualify as a Whiskey in the EU?

Answer 21

Blended Whiskey is different from Blended Scotch Whisky in that the use of neutral spirit is permitted in the blend.

Question 22

Place these elements of a typical bourbon still in order of the product path.

Doubler or Thumper
Beer Still Condenser
Doubler condenser
Beer Still
Low wines holding tank
Beer heater

Answer 22

1. Beer heater
2. Beer Still
3. Beer Still condenser
4. Low wines holding tank
5. Doubler
6. Doubler condenser