Ch18-20 Spirits Flashcards
What is distillation ?
A process of concentrating alcohol
What are the two types of still ?
Pot stills - these require multiple distillations to produce a relatively low strength flavourful spirit
Column stills - these run continuous and can produce anything from low strength flavourful spirit to very high strength neutral spirit in a single distillation
What are the key spirit styles ?
- Brandy produced from grapes, such as Cognac and Armagnac
- Whisk(e)y produced from grains, such as Scotch, Irish, Bourbon and Tennessee
- Rum produced from sugar cane
- Tequila produced from the agave plant
- Vodka which is distilled to high strength to give it a neutral character regardless of the raw material used.
- Gin which is flavoured with additional ingredients known as botanicals
What are the characteristics of the spirit tasting ?
Appearance
- 25 ml in a glass (ISO)
Nose
- Add 25 ml of water
- No swirl
- Aromas reflect the base material, ageing and added flavours
Palate
- Characteristics should reflect those found on the nose
Conclusion
- Criteria : Balance, length, complexity, intensity, expressiveness
What is the process of distillation ?
- Fermentation first
- Boiling of the liquid to separate the alcohol using a still
- Colour can be removed with a charcoal filter
- Or adjusted with caramel
What is a pot still and its characteristics ?
- Old style
- Batch process (must be clean and refiled between batches)
- Combine a still head, chemney and condenser
- Raises by a small amount of alcohol each time. Lower strenght
- Resulting spirit have more character and flavours.
- We only keep the heart (not the head or tails)
What is a column still and its characteristics ?
- Vertical column containing multiple layer and allowing continuous distillation
- High strength
- Lots of mini distillations
What are the different styles of spirits ?
- Brandy
- Cognac and Armagnac
- Whiskies
- Scott Whisky
- Single Malt Scotch Whisky
- Grain Whisky
- Irish Whisky
- Bourbon
- Tennessee whiskey
- RUM
- White Rum
- Golden and Spiced Rum
- Dark Rum
- Tequila
- Vodka
- Gin
- Liqueurs
What is Brandy ?
Spirit made by fermenting whole fresh grape and distillation of the result. Usually Brown or amber because of oak ageing and caramel colouring.
What are Cognac and Armagnac ?
- Cognac is an oak aged Brandy from Cognac region. It must be double distilled with a copper pot still. Should have fruity flavour aromas (grape, perfume), medium to light body and smooth alcohol.
- Armagnac oak-aged Brandy from Armagnac region. Made in column still giving low strength but full of character. Gives dried fruits aromas (prune, raisin, fig) and is medium to full bodied.
Oak ageing make the spirit smoother and add flavours of vanilla, toast nuts, sweet spices, fruitcake, dried fruits. Age is indicated through VS, VSOP, XO (Napoléon)
What are whiskies ?
- Characterful oak aged spirits made of grains (Barley, corn, rye) Starch must be converted to fermentable sugars by grounding and mixing with hot water.
For Barley the grain has to germinate then it is stopped by drying and heating using a kiln. (Then ground and water mix happens with malted barley)
What is Scotch Whisky?
Scotch Whisky (Distilled and oak aged in Scotland for 3 years)
What is Malted Whisky?
Malted whisky (uses malted barley and pot still)
What is Single Malted Whisky?
Single Malt Scotch whisky (from just 1 distillery, floral, medicinal, spicy)
What is Grain Whisky?
Grain whisky (From mixed grains and blended with malt whisky to get Blended scotch whisky)
