Distilling Knowledge Aniseed and Other Flavored Spirits Flashcards
What are common flavor compounds known as?
Anethole Plants Known to have it are: Star Anise Anise Fennel
What is ‘loughing’?
When water is added to drinks with anethole, they go cloudy.
As the spirit is diluted the anethole comes out of the solution and forms an opaque suspension
What is the legal definition of Aniseed-flavored spirits?
Must have a predominant flavor of anise. The spirit base is highly rectified spirit and flavor can be obtained by maceration and or/ distillation, the addition of aniseed-flavored extracts or a combination. Only natural flavors can be used.
Where does absinthe get its name?
From the key ingredient: grand wormwood (Artemisia absinthium)
What flavor does wormwood give?
Musky floral note, as well as a bitter quality
Describe the production of Absinthe.
Mostly unchanged since 19th century, the main botanical ingredients are macerated in high-strength alcohol for 24hours. Originally this was wine-based but others will use HRS. The flavored spirit is then diluted and distilled with botanicals.
How is the green color achieved?
This is from petite wormwood (Artemisia pontica), hissop and or Melissa, the color is extracted from a short maceration.
How can you tell if an absinthe is classic?
Only the classic absinthe louches when color is added.
What is Thujone?
This is a terpene in wormwood. Thujone is toxic and can cause convulsions but the dose needs to be extremely high.
What levels of Thujone are allowed in the US and EU?
US = 10ppm EU = 35ppm
What is the legal definition of Pastis?
made using liquorice root. Sweetened up to 100g/L bottled at 40%abv. Anethole levels must be between 1.5 and 2.0g/L
What is the difference between Pastis and Pastis de Marseille
The same except the latter must have anethole levels of 2.0g/L and must be bottled at 45%abv.
What 4 ingredients make up Ricard?
Chinese star anise
Fennel
Liquorice Root from the Middle East
Aromatic Herbs from Provence (thyme, rosemary, laurel and savory)
How does Ricard obtain its color?
Part from the liquorice and also the addition of caramel
How is the anethole essence produced for Ricard?
Chinese star anise and fennel are distilled