WSET Level 1 Spirits Exam with complete solutions

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