General Info Flashcards
What are the 4 steps to making alcohol?
- Mash- steep grain or fruit in hot water.
- Fermentation- grain/fruit begins to decompose, creating alcohol.
- Purify-
a. distillation- heat it up until it becomes a gas then cool it down until it becomes a liquid.
b. filtration- running through filter - Aging- letting it sit. (clear liquors are not aged, brown turn the color of the wooden container)
How is alcohol strength determined?
Alcohol By Volume (ABV)- amount of pure alcohol content. Proof is just the ABV doubled.
(In California, 151 is the highest proof legally allowed)
What are 3 things that can ruin alcohol?
- Direct Sunlight/UV (bottles are dark)
- Heat (alcohol evaporates)
- Exposure to air (alcohol evaporates)
What is the difference between liquor and a liqueur?
Liqueurs must contain more than 2.5% sugar to be considered a liqueur.
What ingredient is required in order to be considered a cordial?
Fruit.
What are the characteristics of a good Vodka?
Odorless, flavorless, colorless. (A blank canvas)
Where is Vodka from and what was it originally made from?
Russia. Potatoes. (Now it is made everywhere, and it is made from all kinds of grain).
How many times must Vodka be distilled?
3 times (more distillation, higher quality)
Which 5 Vodka brands are distilled only 3 times and are considered the most popular?
Absolut. Ketelone. Skyy Smirnoff Stolichnaya
What is Gin?
A spirit like Vodka that is infused with aromatics/botanicals. The main aromatic must be juniper.
Where does Gin originate?
Holland, based on a recipe that came from England.
What is distinctive about Dry Gin?
The water is high in mineral content
What is distinctive about London Dry Gin?
The water is low in mineral content
What is a T & T?
Tanqueray & Tonic
V.S.
Very Special (2 years)
V.S.O.P.
Very Special Old Pale (4 years)
X.O.
Extra Old (20 years)
Reserve
Oldest brandy (beyond 20 years)
Cognac
A type of brandy made from Grapes from the Cognac region of France.
How far back does Rum originate?
The oldest recipe is from Ancient Egypt.
Where does most Rum originate and why?
Most Rum comes from the Caribbean, due to the triangle of the Slave Trade between africa, america and the islands. The infrastructure built through slave labor is why Rum production is still made there today.
Name three brands that make spiced Rum.
Captain Morgan, Kraken, Sailor Jerry
Where is Mescal made?
Mexico, Oaxac primarily.
What does Mescal taste like?
Smokey, from the smoked and roasted Agave hearts.
Where does Tequila come from?
It is made primarily in the region of Jallisco outside the city of Tequila.
Youngest tequila
Blanco or Silver Tequila (straight out)
Six month old Tequila
Reposado or Gold Tequila
1-3 year old Tequila
Anejo
Over 3 year old Tequila
Muy Anejo
Which brand of Tequila was first legally available in the states?
Jose Cuervo
Scotch is _____ based?
Barley
Who created Blended Scotch Whiskey?
Johnnie Walker
What is required of Irish Whiskey?
Must be made from Irish Spring Water (considered sweet).
Must be made from Barley.
Must be aged 3 years.
What is required of Canadian Whiskey
Must be aged for 3 years.
American Whiskey is made from what?
Rye, Wheat, or Corn
American Blended Whiskey requires:
51% higher in Rye
Bourbon requires:
51% in corn
Made in Kentucky or Tennessee
(optional) made with sour mash- fermented mash (partly decomposed/reused)
Tennessee Whiskey requires:
Made with sour mash
Filtered drop by drop through charred maple wood
gentleman jack goes through twice
