Tasting & Evaluating Spirits

Question 1

What is the two point scale of Clarity in a Spirit?

Answer 1

Clear & Hazy

Question 2

What is the five point scale of Intensity in a Spirit?

Answer 2

“In order:
Water-White - Vodka, some Rums and some Agave Spirits Medium - Most wood-aged spirits
Pale - Spirits that are notably less intense than medium. , think some repo tequilas, grain scotches or Bison grass vodka.
Deep - Think of bitters and rum; long wood-aging, maceration and the use of caramel or artificial colors. Opaque - Cream Liqueurs or Advocaat that you cannot see through at all”

Question 3

What is the four point scale of Color in a Spirit?

Answer 3

Lemon or Yellow
Gold
Amber - More Orange than Gold
Brown - When Orange and Yellow have faded

Question 4

Louching

Answer 4

The addition of water causing a chemical reaction with certain spirits (aniseed-flavored usually) turning their color hazy or cloudy and opaque.

Question 5

What is the four point scale of Sweetness in a Spirit?

Answer 5

Dry - most newly made spirits
Off-dry - Many Cognacs
Medium - Many Rums
Sweet - Liqueurs and some flavored Spirits (Pastis)