Spirits - Brainscape Flashcards
What is the boiling point of ethyl alcohol at sea level?
173ºF (78ºC)
Who originally used fractional distillation for perfumes?
Babylonians
Who can modern distillation be traced to?
8th c. Arabic chemist/alchemist - Jabir ibn Hayyan
Who developed the impoved alembic pot still (the precursor to the pot still)?
Jabir ibn Hayyan
Where does the word alcohol come from?
Alcohol is derived from the Arabic “al-koh’l” - a cosmetic powder purified through distillation
What is a congener?
One of the 3 things that is vaporized during distillation, it is volatile molecules such as esters, other alcohol and aldehydes, which contribute to “off” flavors of a spirit
What distillation what parts are discarded?
The heads and tails:
- Heads - the first vapors to condense, contain congeners such as methanol (a toxic alcohol)
- Tails - unwanted congeners tend to collect in this
What is a Coffey?
Continuous Still
What is a patent still?
Continuous Still
What two colums does the continuous still have?
Analyzer and Rectifier
What form of heating does a continuous still use?
Steam, rather than direct heat
How is the product of a continuous still different from a pot still?
The alcohol is condensed in a purer fashion, stripping the alcohol of excess congeners and flavors, creating a higher-alcohol spirit
What was “proof” originally?
Until 1980, Britain based its legal calculation of alcohol strength of liquor on a simple test, or “proof”: the ability of gunpowder to combust when doused in the spirit
What is “proof” today?
Today in the EU and the US: it is stated as a percentage of alcohol by volume at 20ºC
What is the range for liqueuers?
15-30%
What is aquavit?
Scandinavian vodka flavored with caraway
Where is Ikon from?
Russia
Where is Chopin from?
Poland
Where is Ketel One from?
Holland
What is the difference between Korean soju and Japanese shochu?
Shochu is not filtered through charcoal
What is shochu and soju?
They are both distilled from sake, soju is filtered through charcoal
What is Awamori?
An Okinawan style of shochu, that is always distilled from rice
Name 5 brands of London Dry Gin.
- Beefeater
- Tanqueray
- Bombay Sapphire
- Gordon’s
- Boodles
Historically, what is Genever?
The first gin; developed as a medicinal oil by a 16th c. Dutch Dr. Sylvious de Bouve
Today, what is Genever?
- Pot distilled
- Sweeter but less alcoholic than London Dry Gin
- Juniper and malt are dominant aromatics
- May be aged in oak
Traditionally, what was included in Genever that today is labeled “oude”?
- Genever recipe called for a min 15% “malt wine” (a distillate of corn, rye, and wheat)
- A cleaner, more neutral Genever with less malt wine is labeled jonge (“young”)
When was Plymouth gin revived? By whom?
- 1996
- Plymouth, Coates, and Co in England
What gin is called for in the Pink Gin cocktail?
Plymouth
Who revived Old Tom gin?
Hayman’s distillery
What is the classic base in the 19th c. Martinez cocktail?
Old Tom Gin
What was the Whiskey Rebellion in the US?
1794 - George Washington invoked martial law
Who distilled Kentucky’s first whiskey in 1789?
Rev. Elijah Craig
How long must Bourbon be aged in cask?
If less than four years, the distiller must state the length of aging on the bottle
What portion of Bourbon is produced in Bourbon County?
95% - it can legally be produced anywhere
Name the only 2 Tenenesee Whiskey producers.
- Goerge Dickel
- Jack Daniel’s
What portion of Rye Whiskey must be rye? How long must it be aged in charred oak?
- 51%
- min 2 years
Name 2 Rye producers.
- Sazerac
- Rittenhouse
What portion of Corn Whiskey must be corn? How long must it be aged?
min 80% corn
-May be unaged or aged in used or uncharred new barrels
How long must “straight” whiskey be aged?
2 years in barrel
What barrels are generally used for Scotch?
Bourbon and Sherry casks
What 5 legal categories were established with the 2009 Scotch Regulations?
- Single Malt
- Single Grain
- Blended Malt
- Blended Grain
- Blended Scotch
What is the major cereal grain used for Scotch?
barley
T or F - Single Malt Scotch can be sold in cask.
False - from 2012 onward, all single malts must be bottled in Scotland
What requirements were established for Single Malt Scotches in the 2009 regulations?
- Must be distilled from malted barley in a pot still at a single distillery
- Must be bottled in Scotland
What requirements were established for Single Grain Scotch in the 2009 regulations?
- Produced at a single distillery
- From unmalted barley, wheat or corn
What does “Pure malt” mean?
It was synonymous with blended malt whiskies, but it was eradicated from labels with the 2009 regulations
How many times is Scotch distilled?
2x or more
How long must Scotch be aged?
3+ years
What is the min abv for Scotch?
40.00%
What are the 6 regions of production for Scotch?
- Highlands
- Lowlands
- Speyside
- Cambeltown
- Islay
- The Islands
What are the major producing islands of Scotch?
- Skye
- Orkney
- Jura
- Arran
- Mall
Name 3 Islay distilleries.
- Ardbeg
- Lagavulin
- Laphroaig
Where is Talisker located?
Isle of Skye
Where is Highland Park located?
Isle of Orkney
Name 3 Cambeltown distilleries.
- Glen Scotia
- Glengyle
- Springbank
What Scotch region makes the most peaty, smoky Scotches?
Islay
What Scotch region was a former sub-zone of Highlands?
Speyside
What river provides the water in Speyside?
Spey river
What are the Scotches from Speyside like?
Generally milder and fruity in character
Name 3 distilleries from Speyside.
- Glenlivet
- Glenfiddich
- Macallan
What Scotches are generally the lightest and least smoky, making it the ideal apertif?
Lowlands Scotches
Name 3 Lowlands distilleries.
- Glenkinchie
- Auchentoshan
- Bladnoch
What is the largest Scotch region?
Highlands
Name 4 Highlands distilleries.
- Glenmorangie
- Oban
- Dalwhinnie
- Dalmore
Name 2 producers making “wood-finished” styles of Scotch (i.e. Port, Sherry, etc).
Glenmorangie and Balvenie
What are the only 3 active distilleries in Ireland?
- Bushmills
- Cooley
- New Middleton (maker of Jameson)
How many times is Irish whiskey traditionally distilled?
3x - but many use a continuous still today
How long must Irish whiskey be aged? How long are most generally aged for?
- min 3 years
- Most are aged for 7 years
How long must Canadian rye whiskey be aged? What is the legal min for rye?
- min 3 years before sale
- No legal min for rye - but most use a high proportion
Name a Canadian distillery that makes whiskey in the style of Scotch. Where are they located?
- Glenora Distillery
- Located on Cape Breton Island of Nova Scotia
What is Japan’s most famous Scotch-style whiskey producer?
Suntory
What is the EU definition of brandy?
Distilled from wine - not pomace - with a min abv of 36%
-Must be aged 6 months in oak
When was Cognac demarcated as a region?
1909 - Cognac was demarcated
1936 - AOC was established
1938 - Geographical designations (Grande Champagne, etc) were established
What are the 6 regions of Cognac?
(Descending order of quality)
- Grande Champagne
- Petite Champagne
- Borderies
- Fins Bois
- Bons Bois
- Bois Ordinaires
What region of Cognac is known as Bois à Terroirs?
Bois Ordinaires
What is Ugni Blanc known as in Cognac?
St. Émilion
What are the 3 major grapes of Cognac production?
- Ugni Blanc
- Folle Blanche
- Colombard
How many times is Cognac distilled? In what still?
2x in a copper Charentais pot still
What is a “brouillis”?
In Cognac production, the first distillation produces a spirit of 28-32% abv called brouillis
-Several batches of brouillis are returned to be distilled again, to extract the “soul” of Cognac
What is the second distillation called in Cognac production?
Bonne chauffe
What is the bonne chauffe? What can it be divided in to?
In Cognac production, the second distillation
- Tête (head)
- Coeur (heart)
- Secondes (second cuts)
- Queue (tail)
What part of the bonne chauffe is separated out to become Cognac?
Coeur
What is the abv of Cognac after its second distillation?
70% abv
What oak is traditionally used for Cognac aging?
Limousin or Tronçais
What does VS mean on a Cognac label?
Very Special or ★★★
-min 2 years in cask
What does VSOP mean on a Cognac label?
Very Special (or Superior) Old Pale -min 4 years in cask
What does XO mean on a Cognac label?
Extra Old
- Min 6 years in cask
- In 2016 it will change to a min 10 years
- Many producers age for 15-20 years
What does the age indication mean on a Cognac label?
It indicates the youngest eau de vie in the blend
Are vintage Cognacs legal?
Yes
What % of Cognac is required for regional designations?
100.00%
What does Fine Champagne mean on a Cognac label?
A blend of Grand and Petite Champagne regions
-Grande Champagne must be 50% of the blend
What are the 3 sub-regions of Armagnac?
- Haut-Armagnac
- Bas-Armagnac
- Armagnac-Ténarèze
What grapes are permitted for Armagnac?
- Ugni Blanc
- Colombard
- Folle Blanche
- 7 other varieties are permitted
What is Folle Blanche known as in Armagnac?
Picpoul
How is Armagnac distilled?
- It may be distilled 2x in a copper Charentais pot still
- 95% of it is done in a copper continuous still
What is the Blanche Armagnac AOC?
Fresh Armagnac is either cask aged or bottled after 3 months in an inert container
What clear spirit achieved AOC status in 2005?
Blanche Armagnac AOC
What does VS mean on an Armagnac label?
Very Special or ★★★
- Aging 1-3 years in cask
- Formerly - min 2 years
What does VSOP mean on an Armagnac label?
Very Special Old Pale
- 4-9 years in cask
- Formerly - min 5 years in cask
What does XO mean on a label?
Extra Old
- min 10 years in cask
- Formerly min 6 years
What does Hors d’Age mean on an Armagnac label?
It is interchangeable with XO
- min 10 years in cask
- Formerly min 6 years
What is a coupage?
In Armagnac/Cognac the barrel selections used to blend
What is petites eaux?
A mixture of distillation water and Armagnac - added prior to bottling, to achieve the min 40% abv
How long must vintage Armagnac be aged?
Min 10 years in cask
What Armagnac producers focuses on vintage releases?
Chauteau Laubade and Larresingle
What does Larresingle produce?
Armagnac
Name 3 rare French brandies.
- Fine de Bordeaux
- Fine de Bourgogne
- Fine de la Marne
What German weinbraund producer is making Cognac style brandy?
Asbach
- Cognac grapes
- Charentais pot still
What Spanish region produces brandy that tradition predates Cognac?
Andalucía (Brandy de Jerez)
How is Brandy de Jerez aged?
Solera
What is an alquitaras?
a copper still used to make Brandy de Jerez
What is the still used to make Brandy de Jerez?
Alquitaras
What grapes are used to make Brandy de Jerez?
Airén and Palomino
What are the aging categories and requirements for Brandy de Jerez?
- Solera - min 1 year average
- Solera Reserva - min 3 years average
- Solera Gran Reserva - min 10 years average
Name 3 notable producers of Brandy de Jerez.
- Domecq
- Emilio Lustau
- Osborne
What is brandy called in Portugal?
Aguardente
What producer in Italy makes Cognac-style brandy from Trebbiano (Ugni Blanc)?
Buton
What is the % requirement for California brandy for grapes grown in California. Name a California brandy producer.
- Must be 100% California grapes
- Germain-Robin (Ukiah, CA)
Who first distilled a single varietal in Italy? What grape was it?
Gainnola Nonino
-Picolit
Grappa may be labled with what wood aging categories?
- Riserva
- Stravecchia
- Vecchia
- Invecchiata
What is eau de vie?
Not technically classified as a brandy - it is made from a wide range of fruit (other than grapes)
What are the delimited zones for Calvados production?
- Calvados AOC
- Calvados Domfrontais AOC
- Calvados Pays d’Auge AOC
How is Calvados distilled traditionally? What is the aging requirement?
- Distilled 2x in a copper still
- Aged - min 2 years in oak casks
What is the best region for Calvados ?
Calvados Pays d’Auge AOC
How much perry may be in Calvados Pays d’Auge AOC?
max 30%
What is the most recent Calvados appellation? How long must it be aged? How is it distilled?
- Calvados Domfrontais AOC
- Min 30% perry
- Aging - min 3 years in oak cask
- Always produced by a continuous still
What does Vieux mean on a Calvados label?
-AKA Réserve - 3 years of age
What does Vieille Réserve mean on a Calvados label?
-AKA VSOP - 4 years of age
What can a 6 year old Calvados be labeled?
XO, Hors d’Age, Extra, or Napoleon
What does “Fine” mean on a Calvados label?
Fine is used for the youngest bottles
What is Kirschwasser?
Kirsch eau de vie - made from black cherries
What is Poire Williams? What is it aged in?
A spirit derived from William (Barlett) pear perry, and aged in glass
What is the min abv for Poire Williams?
45% abv
Name 2 producers of eau de vie that include a pear in the bottle.
Miclo (France) and Clear Creek (Oregon)
What is Framboise?
Raspberry eau de vie
What are the many names of Plum eau-de-vie?
- Slivovitz
- Mirabelle
- Quetsch
- Prunelle
What is the national drink of Tunisia?
Boukha - a fig eau-de-vie
What is Barack Palinka? Where is it popular?
Apricot eau-de-vie - popular in Hungary
What are the 4 major styles of rum?
- Light rum
- Dark rum
- Demerara rum
- Rhum agricole
Is light rum aged?
Generally yes, but is charcoal filtered to remove any color
Where is Mount Gay rum produced?
Barbados
What is caçacha?
Essentially light rum produced from fermented sugarcane
Where is Demerara rum produced? How is it made?
- Guyana (South America)
- Light rum style
- Distilled from molasses
- Sometimes aged over a decade
How is Dark rum produced?
- Generally distilled 2x in a pot still
- Aged years before release
- The color is most always achieved with caramel additions
What is the southernmost AOC in France?
Martinique AOC
What still is used to produce Rhum Agricole?
Column still
What other states can Tequila be produced in besides Jalisco?
- Guanajuato
- Tamaulipas
- Nayarit
- Michoacán
What is the species of the blue agave plant?
agave tequiliana
What is tequila mixto?
- min 51% blue agave
- Other sugar may make up the remainder
- Most Tequila produced is mixto
How is tequila distilled?
Either 2x in a pot still or continuous
What are the aging requirements for Tequila?
- Blanco - no rest
- Reposado - 60 days - 1 year
- Añejo - 1-3 years
- Extra Añejo (est 2006) - min 3 years
What two agaves are used for Mezcal?
- Maguey (Agave americana)
- Espadin Agave (Agave angustifolia)
What can Mezcal be labeled for aging?
Reposado or Añejo
What is Mezcal with a worm in the bottle called? What was it?
Mezcal con gusano
Poor quality mezcal with a worm in it, a marketing gimmick from the 1940s
Where is Angostura distillery?
Trinidad
What is the “angels’ share”?
The evaporation that occurs during aging
What is the longest period of aging allowed for Scotch? Why?
30-32 years
The “angels’ share” (evaporation) would weaken the spirit too much to meet the legal minimum
What is Haux?
French eua-de-vie made from holly berries
