WSET Level 1 Spirits

Spirits Production Process Process Raw Materials Fermentation Distillation After Distillation Aim of processing raw material? Create a sugary liquid so that fermentation can take place 01:00 01:14 What do you add to sugary liquid? Water Aim of fermentation? Turn surgery liquid into alcoholic liquid Aim of distillation Concentrate level of alcohol in the fermented alcoholic liquid Aim of after distillation New spirit is colorless and dry. Adjust color aroma sweetness and alcoholic strength What is a brandy? Any spirit made from fruit What is a grape brandy Wine that has been distilled. Best known is Cognac which comes from SW France Steps to make Cognac Process grapes Fermentation Distilled After Distillation Cognac must be distilled how? Double distilled in a pot still Pot stills produce what kind of spirits? Low strength, a lot of flavor and character How long must Cognac be aged in oak barrels? At least two years What flavor does oak ageing give? Vanilla and toast, after longer-fruit cake and toffee aromas Types of cognac VS VSOP XO True or false: vodka can be made from any raw material True-high quality made from- barley, wheat, rye, and potatoes Vodka must be distilled to a strength of at least what? 95 or 96% Distillation of vodka? Column still After distillation-vodka is reduced to what abv? 40% Unaged spirits after distillation process Colorless, stores in stainless steel tanks Styles of vodka Neutral vodka Vodka with some character Best known examples of whisky come from where? Scotland, USA, Ireland, and Canada What is whiskey generally made of? Barley Corn Rye How is barley processed to make whiskey? Malting- crushed and mixed with water to make sugary liquid After distillation of whiskey process Aged in oak Blended and colored Diluted to 40% New oak barrel taste for whiskey? Vanilla, cinnamon, cloves, and coconut Does bourbon need to be aged in new oak barrels? Yes What do old oak barrels do to flavor? Less flavor and color Blending a whiskey aims: Consistency Complexity Color used in whiskey? Caramel Scotch whiskey must be aged and distilled for how many years? 3 years in Scotland Single Malt Whiskeys must be: Made from only barley Pot distilled Blend of whiskeys from one distillery