General Product Knowledge Flashcards
1
Q
What is vodka commonly made from?
A
Grains (sorghum, rye, rice, wheat)
fruits (grapes, apples, etc.)
vegetables (corn, potatoes, etc.)
2
Q
Where did vodka originate from?
A
Exact history is unknown, though it most likely originates somewhere in the region of Polan or Russia between the 14th and 16th centuries
Most Vodka is roughly 60% water
3
Q
What countries exist in the Vodka Belt?
A
Scandinavia (except Denmark), Russia, The Baltics, Belarus, Ukraine, and central and Eastern Poland
4
Q
What does vodka taste like?
A
It has a neutral taste
5
Q
What are the categories of vodka?
A
Neutral - completely devoid of specific aroma
Flavors - made with the addition of fruit flavor
6
Q
What are some common vodka brands?
A
Absolut
Belvedere*
Chopin*
Ciroc*
Effen
Finlandia
Gordon’s
Grey Goose*
Hanger 1
Ketel One
New Amsterdam
Pinnacle
Seagram’s
Skyy
Smirnoff
Solichnaya (Stoli)
Three Olives
Tito’s
Van Gogh
7
Q
What does Gin consist of?
A
High-proof neutral spirits distilled or redistilled with juniper berries and other aromatics
It is a product of precise quality control and secret, complex recipes.
8
Q
Where does Gin originally come from?
A
Holland, where it is called genever
9
Q
What are the Gin categories?
A
London Dry
Plymouth
Old Tom
Genever
New Style
10
Q
What does a London dry consist of?
A
High-proof (45% ABV) gin with strong characteristics of juniper and citrus
It’s aggressive and crisp
It is considered a benchmark for all gins
11
Q
What are some common Brands of London Dry gin?
A
Bombay Sapphire (London Dry)*
Boodles (London Dry)
St. George (New Style)
Beefeater (London Dry)
Tanqueray (London Dry)*
Gordons (London Dry)
12
Q
What does Plymouth consist of?
A
Citrus forward gin.
Gentle in flavor and with an ABV of 45%
13
Q
What are some common Brands of Plymouth?
A
Plymouth* - produced by the Black Friaris Destillery
14
Q
What does Old Tom consist of?
A
Fuller, sweeter, and heavier-bodied cousin to London dry.
It has a juniper-forward flavor
15
Q
What are some common Branks of Old Tom?
A
Hayman’s Old Tom
Ransom Old Tom
16
Q
What does Genever consist of?
A
It is distilled from a malted wine base and then redistilled with botanicals
It is sweeter and richer than any other style of gin
It is the granddaddy of all gin
17
Q
Who created Genever?
A
The Dutch
18
Q
What are some common brands of Genever
A
Bols
Filliers
Old Duff
Rutte
Zuidam
19
Q
What does New Style consist of?
A
AKA “New Western” or “American”.
It is any style of botanical distillate that doesn’t fall under the traditional gin categories
20
Q
What are some common brands of New Style gin?
A
Hendricks*
21
Q
What is the world’s most varied spirit?
A
Rum
22
Q
How is rum generally made?
A
It is made by fermenting fresh-pressed sugarcane juice, cane sugar, or can sugar by-products, then distilling and aging the spirit in oak casks.
It is not as easily interchangeable as gin & whiskey, swapping one rum for another can drastically change the flavor profile of a cocktail
23
Q
What are the characteristics of Light rum (white/silver)?
A
Has nearly no color and a light flavor.
Filtered multiple times to remove any impurities and is not aged very long.
24
Q
What are the characteristics of Gold rum (amber rum)?
A
Aged in wooden casks for some period of time which gives the spirit its signature color and sweeter, richer flavor
25
What are the characteristics of Black rum (dark rum)?
Aged the longest giving it it's dark color and deep, smoky-sweet flavor
26
What are the characteristics of Spiced rum?
typically aged for the same length of time as black rum but has added spices and caramel coloring to give it a signature sweet spice taste
27
What are the categories that Rum has?
Spanish
English
Jamaican
French
28
What is Spanish rum distilled from?
Molasses
29
What are some Spanish-style rum-producing countries?
Cuba, Puerto Rico, Dominican Republic, Venezuela, Guatemala, Nicaragua, Panama, Colombia, Peru, Costa Rica, Ecuador
30
What are some Spanish-style rum brands?
Bacardi
Castillo (Puerto Rico)
Ronrico (Puerto Rico)
31
What is English rum distilled from?
Demerara sugar
32
What are some English-style rum-producing countries?
Jamaica, Barbados, Trinidad & Tobago, Virgin Islands, Antigua, St. Lucia, British Guyana (Demerara), Mauritius
33
What are some Enligh-style rum brands
10 Cane (Trinidad)
Captain Morgan (Jamaica)
Cruzan (St. Croix)
Sailor Jerry (Virgin Islands)
34
What is Jamaican rum distilled from?
Molasses but is more robust and heavier bodied than Spanish-Rum.
Complex.
35
What are some Jamaican-style rum brands?
Appleton Estate
Myers
36
What is French rum distilled from?
Fresh pressed sugarcane juice, better known as rhum agricole
37
What are some French-style producing countries?
Marinique, Guadaloupe, Maire Galante, Haiti, French Guyana, Reunion, and Mauritius
38
What are some French-style rum brands?
Appleton Estate (Jamaican)
Kracken (Caribbean)
Malibu (Coconut)
Myers (Jamaican)
Parrot Bay (coconut)
Pyrat (Caribbean)
39
What is rhum agricole distilled from?
Directly from pressed sugar cane
40
Where does Rhum Agricole usually come from?
French-speaking Caribbean countries
41
What does Rhum Agricole taste like?
It has a very earthy, vegetal taste.
It has a higher proof than its rum cousin
42
What are some common brands of Rhum Agricole?
Chamarel VSOP
Clement Rhum
Depaz Blue Cane Rhum Agricole
Habitation Saint-Etienne Blanc Agricole
Habitation Saint-Etienne Rhum Eleve Sous Bois
Neisson Rhum Agricole
New Dawn Rum La Palma
Reizinho
Rhum J.M. Gold
43
What is Brazil's national spirit?
Cachaca
44
What is Cachaca distilled from?
It is distilled from sugar cane which lends it a more floral, grassy, herbaceous flavor profile than its rum counterparts.
45
Is Cachaca aged?
Not often aged
To qualify as aged at least 50% of the spirit must be aged at least 1 year; white cachaca may be aged to soften up for up to 1 year; dark cachaca can be aged 3+ years.
46
What are some common brands of Cachaca?
Agua Luca Cachaca
Cupacacha
Leblon
Novo Fogo Gold
Novo Fogo Silver
Pirassununga 51
Pitu Brazillian
Ypioca
47
What is tequila made from
Blue Agave (Blue Weber agave)
48
Where is Tequila produced?
It can only be produced in the Mexican states of Jalisco, Nayarit, Michoacan, Guanajuato, and Tamaulipas
49
What are some factors that contribute to the quality of Tequila?
The soil, location, the time at which the agave is harvested (typically 10-12 years), how it is processed, and the yeast used in fermentation
In summary: the quality is based on how the agave is handled.
50
What does highland agave create?
It creates a sharp, fresh, grassy tequila
51
What does lowland agave create?
It creates a broader and fuller-bodied Tequila
52
How long is Blanco/Plata/platinum/white Tequila aged?
0. No aging is required.
53
How long is Reposado tequila aged?
Matures in oak barrels for a minimum of 2 months to a maximum of one year
54
How long is Anejo tequila aged?
Matures in oak barrels for a minimum of 1 year to a maximum of 3 years
55
How long is Extra anejo tequila aged?
Matures in small oak barrels for at least three years
56
What are the categories that Tequila has?
100 percent agave: higher quality, twice distilled, no added sugar.
Mixto: Made using 51% agave sugar and 49% other sugars. Lower quality.
57
What are some common Tequila Brands?
100 anos
1800
Asom Broso*
Avion
Casadores
Casamigos*
Corellejo
Don Julio*
El Jimidor
Herradura*
Hornitos
Jose Cuervo
Milagro
Patron*
Sauza
Tres Generacion
58
What is Mezcal made from?
The majority is made with agave Espadin but it can be made from upwards of 30 kinds of agave. It is at least 80% agave.
59
What gives Mezcal its flavor?
The pinas (Agave hearts) are harvested and roasted and charred in pits called "palenques," which provide mezcal with its deep, smoky flavor.
The flavor can vary based on the type of agave used which means mezcal can impart flavors of tropical fruit to green pepper to earthiness, citrus, florals, and beyond
60
What is "Terroir"
It is the characteristic taste and flavor imparted to a spirit by the environment in which it is produced
61
How long is blanco or Joven Mezcal aged?
Aged 0 - 2 months
62
How long is Reposado or maduro mezcal aged?
Aged 2 months - 12 months
63
How long is Anejo or anejado mezcal aged?
Aged 1 - 3 years
64
How long is Extra anejo mezcal aged?
Typically aged more than 3 years
65
What are some common Brands of Mezcal?
Banhez Mezcal Artesenal
El Peloton de la Muerte
Ilegal Mezcal Joven
Los Amantes Joven Mezcal
Montelobos Mezcal Joven
Sombra Mezcal Joven
Del Maguey vida
66
What is Whiskey?
It is a spirit aged in wood, obtained from the distillation of a fermented mash of grain. It can be produces from any grain, but corn, wheat, rye, and barley are the principle ones used.
67
What countries are considered the major producers of Whiskey?
Scotland
Canada
Ireland
USA
68
What are the common categories of American Whiskey
Bourbon
Rye
Tennessee sour mash whiskey
Bottled-in-bond
69
What requirements do American Whiskeys have?
The US requires all whiskey to be produced from a fermented mash of grain
70
What are the characteristics of Bourbon?
It is a type of American Whiskey
Must be made from at least 51% corn. It has an impression of sweetness, but the flavor profile has many influences.
71
Is there an aging requirement for Bourbon?
No requirements, but almost always aged at least 2 years in charred new oak barrels
72
What are some common brands of Bourbon?
Basil Hayden's
Booker's
Buffalo Trace
Bulleit
Early Times
Four Roses
Jim Beam
Knob Creek
Maker's Mark
Wild Turkey
Woodford Reserve
73
What are the characteristics of Rye?
It is a type of American Whiskey
Must be made from at least 51% rye grain
It has a very distinctive taste gain, owing to the distinct, assertive flavor of rye, which even after mellowing in charred oak can kick around in your palate with a lively spiciness. Rye will also have notes of caramel and vanilla from the barrels
74
Is there an aging requirement for Rye?
No requirements, but almost always aged at least 2 years in charred new oak barrels
75
What are some common brands of Rye?
Anchor
Bulleit
Dad's Hat
Old Overholt
Redemption
Templeton Rye
WhistlePig
76
What are the characteristics of Tennessee sour mash whiskey?
It is a type of American Whiskey
Must be made from at least 51% corn and distilled using the Lincoln County Process
77
What does the Lincoln County Process consist of?
It requires that the whiskey be charcoal-filtered prior to aging. The charcoal itself is chosen from select maple trees when burned on the premises to make the charcoal. Charcoal filtering, aka charcoal mellowing, removes impurities and provides a smoother, more mellow spirit.
Spent mash, the adipic, nutrient-rich substance that's left behind in the still after a distillation run is complete is re-added to the current mash to produce sour mash whiskey.
78
What does "mash" mean in the world of whiskey?
It refers to a mixture of grain, water, and yeast that is initially fermented to produce alcohol.
79
Is there an aging requirement for Tennessee sour mash whiskey?
Yes, in charred new oak barrels.
80
What are some common brands of Tennessee sour mash whiskey?
Collier and McKeel
Goerge Dickel
Jack Daniel's
Nelson's Green Briar
Prichard's
George Dickel
81
What are the characteristics of Bottled-in-bond whiskey?
AKA Bonded Whiskey
It is a type of American Whiskey that must meet the requirements of the Bottled-in-Bond Act of 1897.
82
What does the Bottled-in-Bond Act of 1897 state?
Bonded Whiskeys must be produced in a single season (spring or fall) at a single distillery, aged for at least four years in a U.S. bonded warehouse, and bottled at 50% ABV
83
What are some common brands of Bottled-in-bond whiskey?
Buffalo Trace E.H. Taylor Four Grain
Catoctin Creek Rabble Rouser Rye
Heaven Hill Old Fitzgerald Bottled-in-bond
New Riff Bottled-in-bond
Wilderness Trail
84
What are the characteristics of Scotch Whisky?
They are a distinctive product of Scotland manufactured in Scotland in compliance with the laws of Great Britain regulating the manufacture of Scotch whiskey
The overwhelming majority of scotches are blends of malt whisky and grain whiskey
The smoky flavor, whish is a hallmark characteristic of some scotches is the result of drying barley over burning peat (partially decayed vegetation). This peaty flavor is most prominent in scotched hailing from Isla, in western Scotland.
85
Is there an aging requirement for Scotch Whisky?
Yes. Scotch Whisky must be aged in oak casks for a minimum 3 years, often much longer.
86
What are the categories of Scotch Whisky?
Single malt whisky
Blended malt whisky
Blended whisky
Single-grain whisky
87
What are the general characteristics of single-malt Scotch whisky?
Made from 100% malted barley in small pots still, twice distilled and aged for a minimum of three years in oak casks from a single distillery
88
What are the general characteristics of blended-malt Scotch whisky?
Blend of 100% malted barley whiskies from 2 or more distilleries
89
What are the general characteristics of blended Scotch whisky?
A combination of single malt whiskies and other single grain (such as wheat) whiskies
90
What are the general characteristics of single-grain Scotch whisky?
100% cord or wheat whiskies used for blending
91
What are some common Scotch Whisky brands?
Buchanan's
Dewar's
J&B
Cutty Sark
Oban
Chivas
Johnnie Walker
MacCallan
Glenlevit
Lagavulin
Laphroiag
Glenfiddich
Glenmorangie
92
What are the general characteristics of Irish Whiskey?
Irish whiskies tend to be milder in flavor than Scotch whiskies due to the variation in a pot still.
Irish whiskey pot stills are much larger than those used to make scotch.
93
Is there an aging requirement for Irish Whiskey?
Must be aged a minimum of 3 years in wood casks (new or previously used)
94
What categories does Irish Whiskey have?
Single malt whiskey
Grain Whiskey
Blended Whiskey
Single pot still whiskey
95
What are the characteristics of single-malt Irish whiskey?
Made from 100% malted barley distilled from a single distillery
96
What are the characteristics of grain Irish whiskey?
Lighter than single malts, made with wheat or corn
97
What are the characteristics of blended Irish whiskey?
Combination of single malt and grain whiskey
98
What are the characteristics of single-pot still Irish whiskey?
Unique to Ireland, it is a combination of 100% malted and unmalted barley
99
What are some common brands of Irish Whiskey?
Jameson
Bushmills
Tullamore Dew
Michael Collins
Red Breast
100
What are the characteristics of Canadian Whisky?
It is lighter and thrice distilled for a smooth, rich, spirit. It is primarily composed of wheat and rye
101
Is there an aging requirement for Canadian Whisky?
Yes, a minimum of 3 years in wood barrels
102
What are some common Canadian Whisky brands?
Pendleton
Wiser's
Seagrams VO
Canadian Club
Crown Royal
103
What are the general characteristics of Brandy?
Brandy is a distillate, or a mixture of distillates, obtained solely from the fermented juice, mash or wine of fruit, or from the residue thereof, distilled at less than 190 proof in such a manner as to possess the taste, aroma, and characteristics generally attributed to the product
104
What categories for Brandy have?
Cognac
Armagnac
Grappa
Pisco
105
What are the characteristics of Cognac?
Brandy produced in the Cognac region of France.
Needs to be aged for at least 2 years.
Typically made with Ugni Blanc grape and tends to have a lighter, more delicate profile with nuts, caramel, spice, and floral undertones
106
What are the characteristics of Armagnac?
Brandy produced in the Armagnac region in Gascony, southwest France.
Distilled twice and is usually made up of a blend of four different grapes.
Higher ABV with a fruitier, more rustic taste than cognac.
107
What are the characteristics of Grappa?
Brandy which should be produced in one of 8 regions in Italy.
High ABV (up to 50%) and is made from pomace, which is the leftover stems, seeds, and skins produced from winemaking.
108
What are the characteristics of Pisco?
Brandy distilled in Chile or Peru.
109
What are the characteristics of Peruvian Pisco?
It is distilled from wine and can be made with any combination of 8 specific grapes, creating a grape-centered profile. It is distilled only once, can't be diluted, and can only come into contact with stainless steel or glass.
110
What are the characteristics of Chilean Pisco?
It is made from four grape varieties and can be distilled twice, aged, and diluted, creating varied flavor profiles based on the distiller's preferences.
111
What are some common brands of Brandy?
Christian Brothers
E&J
Korbel
Coronet
Hennessy
Courvoisier
Remy Martin
Camus
Martell
Conjure
112
What is another name for Liqueurs?
Cordials
113
How are cordials obtained?
They are obtained by making or redistilling spirits, brandy, gin, or other distilled spirits with, or over fruit, flowers, plants (or pure juices from these ingredients), other natural flavoring materials, or with an extract derived from such materials. The result is flavored spirit.
114
What is the history behind cordials?
They have their beginning in the Middle Ages when monks of various religious denominations were searching for the "elixir of life." This activity brought about the commercial production of cordials.
The word "cordial" is related to "Cardiac," the Latin word for "heart," source of romance and love in medieval days.
115
What are some common brands and flavors of liqueurs?
Kahlua (coffee)
Blue curacao (orange)
Cointreau (orange)
Creme de violet (floral)
Creme de cacao (chocolate)
Creme de cassis (black currant)
Frangelico (hazelnut)
Domaine De Canton (ginger)
Amaretto (almond)
Chambord (raspberry)
Goldshlager (cinammon)
St. Germain (elderflower)
Jagermeister (anise/black licorice)
Bailey's (irish cream)
Midori (muskmelon, like honeydew)
Rumchata (horchata)
Southern Comfort (peach bourbon)
Tuaca (Orange/vanilla)
Triple Sec (Orange)
Peach Schnapps
Apple Pucker
Peppermint Schnapps
Grand Marnier (Orange)
Tia Maria (Coffee liqueur)
116
What is vermouth?
A fortified, aromatized wine. The color is dependent on the flavors added.
117
What are the characteristics of dry vermouth?
it has its ABV boosted by the addition of clear, grape brandy and its variety of botanicals and spices
118
What are the characteristics of sweet (red) vermouth?
It lends its flavor profile to dark, rich flavors like cocoa, wine, spice, toffee, herbs, etc., all intermingling with a slightly bitter edge.
119
What are the characteristics of Sherry?
Made in the Spanish province of Cadiz. Sherry begins as wine but is then fortified like vermouth and can be aged for decades.
120
What are the characteristics of Port?
Hailing from Portugal, Port. It is a wine that has been fortified but not aromatized. There are several types that are determined by the length of time that the port is aged.
Tawny port can be aged for decades, vintage port is meant to be aged in the bottle, and ruby port is briefly wood-aged and bottled.
121
What are bitters?
Bitters are made by infusing a neutral spirit with any number of aromatics, including spices, tree bark, roots, seeds, fruits, etc.
122
What are some common brands of Bitters?
Angostura (most popular)
Bittermen's Hellfire Habanero Shrub
Dutch's Spirits Boomtown Cocktail Bitters
Peychaud's
Bitter Tears Ms. Piggy Peppercorn Bacon
Regan's Orange Bitters No. 6
Bar Keep Fennel Organic Aromatic Bitters
Scrappy's Bitters Lavender
Fee brothers'
Bitter End Mexican Mole Bitters
123
What are some common non-alcoholic syrups?
Grenadine (cherry and/or Pomegranate)
Lime
Orgeat (Almond)
Simple Syrup (equal parts sugar and water)
124
What are the basic building blocks of beer?
Water, hops, yeast, malted barley
125
Hos is beer categorized?
Lagers, ales, and specialty beers
126
What is the difference between lagers and ales?
The type of yeast used in fermentation
127
What are the general characteristics of Ale?
It is top fermented because of its tendency to flocculate (Gather) at the surface of the brew during the first few days before settling to the bottom
fermentation must take place in a warmer temp.
Ales are usually higher in alcohol and will be noticeably fuller and more complex
128
What are the general characteristics of Lager?
It is bottom fermented because it flocculates and sinks to the bottom.
Needs cooler temperatures during fermentation
Lager tends to be lighter in color and usually tastes drier than ales. They are generally less alcoholic and complex. This is the most common beer type sold in the US.
129
What is the standard wine pour?
6 ounces
130
What are the three main categories of wine?
Red, white, and blush
131
What are some common Red Wines?
Cabernet Sauvignon
Pinot Noir
Zinfandel
Merlot
Cabernet Franc
Petite Syrah
Syrah
Shiraz
Sangiovese
Malbec
Grenache
132
What are some common white wines?
Chardonnay
Sauvignon Blanc
Riesling
Pinot Grigio
Viognier
133
What are some common Bluch Varietals?
White Zinfandel
Chablis
134
What are the 3 basic categories for liquor price points in a bar?
Top shelf, Premium, and well
135
What are some examples of Top shelf spirits?
Goose
Johnny Walker Black
Don Julio
Bombay Sapphire
Chopin
Crown Royal
136
What are some examples of premium spirits?
Stoli
Jack Daniels
Jose Cuervo
Bombay
3 Olives
Johnny Walker
Souther Comfort
Jägermeister
Absolut
137
What are some examples of well spirits?
Tia Maria Tequila
Seagrams
Smirnoff
Gordon's Gin
Montezuma Tequila
They will typically be an off-brand spirit. Depends entirely on the venue.
