Ch 10 Flavored Spirits Flashcards
What is unique about the recipe and process for spiced rum?
It is usually guarded, with options like oak-aged and natural flavors with maceration.
Why is redistillation not used for oak-aged spiced rum?
It would damage the oak-aged flavor and color.
What are common flavor additives in spiced rum?
Vanilla, cinnamon, caramel color, and sugar.
Where is flavored vodka traditionally associated with?
Eastern Europe, the home of vodka production.
What ingredients are typically used for flavored vodka?
Honey, fruits, and spices, usually by maceration.
What is the difference between cheaper and premium flavored vodka?
Cheaper brands buy neutral spirit, while premium brands macerate or redistill.
What flavor is required in gin production?
Juniper.
What are common additional botanicals in gin?
Coriander seeds, citrus peel, orris root, and angelica root.
How are the best gins typically made?
By redistillation.
What is the base spirit requirement for gin in the EU?
Neutral spirit.
What base spirit can be used for gin in the US?
Any spirit.
How is gin usually stored?
In inert vessels, typically colorless, though some may have a pale lemon color from short oak aging.
What are the two divisions of gin?
Juniper-forward and new-world/contemporary.
What does “Distilled Gin” mean in the EU?
Flavors may be added after distillation.
What does “Distilled Gin” mean in the US?
All flavors must come from distillation.
What is unique about London Dry Style gin in the EU?
Flavors must come only from redistillation, and no sugar can be added.
What is “Old Tom” gin?
An older style that usually contains sugar and licorice, predating dry gins.
What are some examples of aniseed spirits?
Pastis, absinthe, ouzo, and raki.
What compound is responsible for the flavor of aniseed spirits?
Anethole.
What is the cause of louching in aniseed spirits?
Anethole, which forms a cloudy suspension when diluted with water.
How are most aniseed spirits produced?
By neutral spirit with maceration or redistillation.
What must pastis contain?
Aniseed, fennel, star anise, and licorice
Why was absinthe banned for decades?
Due to social and political pressures related to its high strength and perceived effects.
What makes absinthe different from pastis?
Absinthe is not sweetened and must contain wormwood.
What is the typical appearance of absinthe?
Usually colorless or green.
What are bitter spirits commonly referred to as in Italy?
Amaro.
What are common ingredients in bitter spirits?
Quinine, gentian, bitter orange, and artichoke.
How is bitterness perceived in bitter spirits?
Only on the palate, but botanicals provide aromas.
How are botanicals typically added to bitter spirits?
By maceration or redistillation.
When were bitter spirits traditionally consumed?
As an aperitif before or a digestif after meals.
What are cocktail bitters used for?
To season cocktails, not to be consumed on their own.
What defines a liqueur?
A flavored spirit that has been sweetened, often vividly colored.
What base spirit is commonly used in liqueurs?
Neutral spirit.
What base spirit does Grand Marnier use?
Cognac.
What base spirit does Drambuie use?
Scotch whisky.
What base spirit does Kahlúa use?
Rum.
What is unusual about cream liqueurs?
They require complex techniques to prevent curdling and are one of the few truly opaque alcoholic beverages.
How can liqueurs be grouped?
By their main flavor: herb, fruit, seed/nut/kernel, and cream.
