Vodka & Gin Flashcards
Who developed the alembic still?
Jabir ibn Hayyan, an Arabic chemist/alchemist in the 8th century.
What are the alternative names for the continuous still?
Coffey, column, patent
What are cogeners?
Volatile molecules like esters, aldehydes, and other alcohols
What is a continuous still?
A still with two columns that uses steam rather than direct heat to vaporize the alcohol. It tends to create a cleaner, higher alcohol spirit with fewer cogeners.
What are the two columns of the continuous still?
The analyzer and the rectifier
What is maceration?
Steeping a flavoring agent in alcohol at lower temperatures (slow and cold).
What is infusion?
Steeping a flavoring agent in alcohol at higher temperatures (swift and hot).
What is percolation?
Pumping alcohol through the flavoring material.
How is the alcohol content of a spirit legally required to appear on US and EU labels?
As abv.
What is vodka?
A clear, neutral liquor, distilled in a continuous still and usually charcoal filtered.
What is the minimum abv for vodka in the EU?
37.50%
Major Russian vodka producers?
Stolichnaya, Ikon
Major Polish vodka producers?
Chopin, Belvedere
How is Tito’s Handmade Vodka made?
From corn in a pot still.
What is aquavit?
Basically vodka flavored with caraway root and other aromatics.
What is awamori?
An okinawan style of sochu distilled from rice.
What is gin?
Essentially vodka flavored with juniper berry, citrus, cardamom, coriander, anise, etc. and redistilled.
What is genever?
The Dutch precursor to gin, produced in a pot still and sweeter and less alcoholic than London Dry Gin.
What is oude Genever?
The traditional style, incorporating >15% malt wine.
What is malt wine?
A distillate of corn, rye, and wheat.
What is jonge Genever?
A cleaner, more neutral genever with less malt wine.
What is Corenwyn?
Cask-aged Genever with at least 51% malt wine.
What is the difference in style between Plymouth and London Dry?
Plymouth is fuller in body, and more aromatic.
What is Old Tom Gin?
Lightly sweetened gin - the Tom in the Tom Collins cocktail.
