distilling Flashcards
What are the main spirits derived from?
Cereal, molasses, grape, and agave
What is the malting process?
A process involving key stages and structural changes in barley
What are the key characteristics of cereals used in distilling?
Key characteristics/qualities of distilling cereals
What is molasses and how is it produced?
A byproduct of sugar cane processing for rum production
What are the differences between sugar cane juice and molasses?
Differences based on quality and composition
What is terroir in relation to grape cultivation?
The environmental factors affecting grape growth
What are the four primary gin botanicals?
- Juniper
- Coriander
- Citrus peel
- Orris root
What are the major components of a yeast cell?
Components that function in fermentation
What is the purpose of milling in distilling?
To prepare grain for mashing
What does wort separation involve?
The process of separating liquid from solid during brewing
What is the role of enzymes during the malting process?
To facilitate biochemical changes in the grain
What is the purpose of fermentation in distilling?
To convert sugars into alcohol
What are the typical phases of fermentation?
Phases that include yeast growth and alcohol production
What is the impact of regulations on fermentation?
Regulations affect the fermentation process and parameters
What is the difference between batch pot and continuous distillation?
Different methods for separating alcohol from the wash
What is the purpose of cask maturation?
To develop flavor and character in spirits
What are the key steps in the gin distillation process?
- Base spirit selection
- Distillation methods
- Production of flavor extracts
What are the characteristics of new and mature spirits?
Differences in flavor, aroma, and quality
What is the definition of neutral spirit?
A spirit with no distinct flavor or aroma
What is the role of copper in distilled spirits production?
To enhance the quality of the distillate
What are the common grape harvesting methods?
Methods that optimize yield and quality
What is the significance of yeast selection in fermentation?
To ensure optimal fermentation performance
What is the difference between malt and grain whisky processes?
Differences in raw materials and production methods
What factors affect fermentation?
Temperature, sugar concentration, and yeast health
What is the purpose of wort cooling?
To bring wort to the appropriate temperature for fermentation
What are the types of stills used in brandy production?
- Alembic Charentais
- Armagnac stills
What are the benefits and challenges of yeast recycling?
To optimize fermentation efficiency and manage yeast health
What are the main types of cask wood?
Different types of wood used for whisky maturation
Common woods include oak, cherry, and chestnut.
What is the use of treated casks in whisky production?
To produce whisky ‘finishes’ by holding other beverages like port, sherry, or wine
This process enhances the whisky’s flavor profile.
What is meant by warehousing in relation to whisk(e)y?
The storage process of whisky during maturation
What is blending in the context of whisky?
The process of combining different whiskies to achieve a desired flavor profile
What is the term for the stock of whisky available for production?
Inventory
What legislative requirements apply to Scotch whisky maturation?
Specific regulations governing the aging and blending processes
What types of rum exist?
White, amber, dark
What is the rum maturation process?
The aging of rum in barrels impacts its flavor
What is involved in the rum blending process?
Combining different rums to create a consistent flavor
What types of barrels are used for rum maturation?
Various types of barrels suitable for aging rum
What types of wood are used in brandy maturation?
Different wood types affecting brandy flavor
What is the process of aging brandy in barrels?
The maturation of brandy to develop flavor complexity
What is the spirit dilution method?
A technique used to adjust the alcohol content of spirits
What are basic blending practices in distillation?
Methods used to combine different spirits for consistency
What parameters are controlled in a barrel warehouse?
Temperature, humidity, and airflow
How is a brandy barrel made?
Wood seasoning, toasting, barrel size considerations
What types of aged tequila exist?
Blanco, Reposado, Añejo
What is the tequila maturation process?
Aging tequila in barrels to enhance flavor
What basics are involved in tequila blending?
Combining different tequilas for flavor consistency
What additives are permitted during tequila blending?
Specific substances allowed both during and post-blending
What is the purpose of a specification in production?
To define quality standards and tolerances
What is the concept of tolerance for specification ranges?
Acceptable limits for variations in production quality
What are simple statistical quality control procedures?
Basic methods to monitor and ensure product quality
What are the key distilling measurable parameters?
Alcohol content, temperature, pH
What is the role of monitoring in achieving product consistency?
To adjust processes based on measurable outcomes
What are features of a quality management system?
Definition and benefits of a structured quality approach
What are the four main processes to implement a quality management system?
Planning, execution, monitoring, and improvement
What are the typical steps in implementing a HACCP system?
Hazard analysis, critical control points identification, monitoring
What is flavour in spirits?
The sensory perception of taste and aroma
Why is flavour control important?
To maintain product quality and consistency
What is the role of sensory evaluation in controlling flavour?
To assess and adjust flavour profiles based on human perception
What are the types of sensory tests?
Sample screening, difference testing, descriptive analysis
What are the features of a quality system?
Structure, processes, monitoring, and improvement
What is microbiological contamination?
Presence of harmful microorganisms in production
What are common methods for detecting microbiological contaminants?
Culture tests, molecular methods
What are the principal ways to achieve microbiological control in a distillery?
Sanitation, monitoring, and process control
What are the types of cleaning systems used in distilleries?
CIP systems, manual cleaning
What are the four key factors for efficient plant cleaning?
Time, temperature, chemical concentration, mechanical action
What is the difference between single-use and recovery systems?
Single-use systems are disposed of after use, recovery systems are reused
What are the advantages of preventative maintenance?
Reduces downtime, enhances safety, and improves reliability
What is the role of routine maintenance tasks?
To ensure operational safety and efficiency
What are the guiding principles of sustainability?
Reduce, reuse, recycle
What is the main use of steam in distilling?
To provide heat for processes
What are the categories of water used in distilleries?
Product water, process water, service water
What are the sources of effluent in distilleries?
Wastewater from production processes
What is the definition of a co-product?
A secondary product generated during the production process
What are the uses for grape stems?
Animal feed, compost, extraction processes
What are the hazards associated with chemical cleaning agents?
Toxicity, flammability, environmental impact
What are good practices for the storage of chemicals?
Proper labeling, secure storage, and ventilation
What precautions are necessary for safety in a distillery?
Use of personal protective equipment and emergency procedures
