Spirits Flashcards
Why spirits are different than Beer and wines?
Spirits differ from wine, beer, and other fermented beverages because of their
elevated alcohol from distillation and the effects of chemical processes that occur in the still.
How distillation is possible?
Distillation is possible because of the different boiling points of alcohol and water. Ethanol evaporates at
173.1 degrees Fahrenheit (78.37 degrees Celsius), while water begins its transition from liquid to gas at 212
degrees Fahrenheit (100 degrees Celsius).
How the decisions made by the distiller can influence the final result of the spirits?
The producer must choose the type and shape of the still, the number of distillations, the amount of filtration, and, where
appropriate, the aging vessel and the duration of aging. The final step, blending, is a complex art that often
requires many years to master.
What are the base material used to produce spirits?
A staggering range of plant material can form the basis for fermentation and thus distillation. Grasses and grains, fruits, and roots and hearts.
What is the general style of vodka and how is it distilled?
vodka is defined as a clear spirit distilled to a very high proof, often filtered one or more
times, and then watered back to the desired alcohol level, producing smoothness, clarity, and faint traces of aroma and flavor.
What is the definition of Spirits?
Spirits are defined as beverages in which the alcohol content of a fermented liquid has been concentrated by the process of distillation, resulting in a high alcohol beverage.
Spirits fermentation
Usually the base material has an ABV between 8 to 14%. The liquid also contain acids, aldehydes, esters called “congeners” that are important to add distinct aromas to the finished product.
Distillation of Spirits
This stage concentrates the alcohol to a desired degree and usually separates completely from the water. Water has an higher boiling point than ethyl alcohol. Heat is applied to a solution of water and ethyl alcohol, so the alcohol will transform the liquid state into a gas.
Types of still
Distillation takes place in an apparatus called still. There is the POT still and the Column still.
Pot still
Pot still uses small batches and it takes 2/3 distillation to reach a typical alcohol level of 55% to 70%,
Pot still are preferred for artisanal quality spirits as they allow more flavoring agents.
The Column Still
Also known as patent or Coffey still, it allows a continuos stream of fluid to be distilled to a set strength in a single distillation. Column still are faster and are less labour intensive.
What are the so called “cut points”?”
Heart, heads and tails
The heads and the tails contain toxic alcohol such methanol while the heart or middle portion is the only potable portion.
What is the term Proof mean?
The term proof has been adopted to accurately describe the strength of alcoholic beverages.
Post distillation procedures
The new make spirits are colorless and they possess a sharp, biting aroma and taste. It is common to filter, add color, barrel aging and blending these spirits before they get released.
What are the origins of the Vodka?
The word vodka has
Slavic origins, coming from voda, or “little water.”
What is the source of vodka?
Grains are the most common source of the fermentable sugars in vodka, but fruits;
tubers, such as potatoes; and even sugar sources, such as sugarcane and honey, are used.
The uniqueness of Vodka
Unlike most of the other spirits types, it has no required source of ingredients.
The characteristics of Vodka
It is neutral style as a result of having been distilled to a very high proof as well as being generally unaged.
What type of raw materials are used to produce vodka?
Often very cheap materials like grains (primarily corn) and potatoes. Other vodkas are also produced using grapes, sugarcane or sugar beets.
How is vodka typically distilled?
Often in an energy efficient column still at 190 proffs in order to boils off the congeners. The goal is to make it a very “neutral spirit”.
Types of vodka being produced?
Infusions and mixtures of herbs, glasses, spices, leaves, honey and flowers.
- Pertsovka is a russian term for vodka flavored with red chilli pepper.
- Zubrowka is polish vodka with bison grass.
- Starka (Poland and Lithuania is vodka aged in oak casks.
Where is Absolut from? What is the base ingredient?
Sweden, wheat
Where is Belvedere from? What is the base ingredient?
Poland, Rye
Where is Ciroc from? What is the base ingredient?
France, grapes
Where is Grey Goose from? What is the base ingredient?
France, Wheat
Where is Ketel One from? What is the base ingredient?
Netherlands, Wheat
Where is Luksusowa from? What is the base ingredient?
Poland, Potato
Where is Skyy from? What is the base ingredient?
Usa, grain
Where is Smirnoff from? What is the base ingredient?
Usa, grain
Where is Stolichnaya from? What is the base ingredient?
Russia, grain
Where is Tito’s from? What is the base ingredient?
Usa, corn
Where is Wyborowa from? What is the base ingredient?
Poland, Rye
Definition of GIN
A clear, neautral spirit flavored with juniper berries and other botanicals including a range of herbs, spices, roots, flowers, seeds, and leaves.
Where is the origin of Gin?
Holland, Germany and England but today it can be produced everywhere.
How many categories of gin are still valid?
Two, the distilled gin and the compound gin.
