WSET Level 2 Spirits - Questions with Verified Answers

WSET Level 2 Spirits - Questions with Verified Answers What is 'wood finishing' in Single Malt Scotch Whisky production? The whisky is moved into a different barrel for a short amount of time at the end of maturation. The barrels have previously contained a wine or spirit (e.g. Port or Sherry) which will add flavour and sometimes colour to the whisky What is important for the production of Blended Scotch Whisky? It is a blend of malt whisky and grain whisky from different distilleries. The grain whisky is distilled to a high strength in a column still What are the five whisky regions of Scotland? Islay, Highland, Campbeltown, Speyside, Lowland What does the age indication on a bottle of Scotch Whisky indicate? The youngest whisky used in the blend What does the term 'natural colour' mean on a bottle of Whisky? The distiller has not used caramel to enhance the colour What does the term 'cask strength' mean on a Whisky? The whisky has been bottled undiluted What is a feature of some Irish Whiskey? Use of unmalted barley. Adds spice, fruit and oily aromas What type of whiskies are made in Japan? Grain whiskies in column stills and malt whiskies in pot stills for both malt and blended whisky What is the raw material for rum? Sugar cane What are the two main sugar cane products used for rum? Sugar cane juice and molasses What are the aromas associated with rums made from sugar cane juice? Vegetal, grassy and fruity aromas What must happen to molasses before it can be used for rum production? It must be diluted with water What is the term used to describe Jamaican rums with exaggerated fruity aromas? High-ester What does the term 'light mark' mean in rum production? Rum that is distilled to relatively high strength (over 90% abv). They are made in column stills and have light intensity What does the term 'heavy mark' mean in rum production? Rum that is distilled to a relatively low strength. They are normally made in pot stills, although there is a wide variety of stills used. What can be used to remove colour from short aged rums? Activated charcoal Rums can be adjusted in colour and sweetness before bottling. True or False? TRUE What gives golden rums their colour? Oak maturation or caramel colouring What give dark rums their colour? Extensive maturation or greater addition of caramel colouring What does the term 'rhum agricole' mean? A rum made from sugar cane juice What is the name of the sugar cane juice spirit produced in Brazil? Cachaça Age statements in rum production are well defined and controlled. True or false? FALSE What does the term 'overproof' mean on a bottle of rum? Rum bottled with a high abv. (Not a regulated measure, not the same as proof system used in USA) What are the typical aromas of agave based spirits? Bell pepper, vegetable, black pepper What is the name of the central core of the agave plant? Piña What are the traditional methods for cooking agave in Tequila and Mezcal production? Agave is steam cooked for tequila, and roasted in stone-lined pits for Mezcal What is 'formulation' in Tequila and Mezcal production? Making the sweet liquid for fermentation. Can include non-agave sugars for some Tequila. Can include fibres from the piña