Spirits: Vodka, Gin, Tequila, Mezcal, Rum Flashcards
Learn the origins, fermentation, distillation, and aging requirements for these clear spirits.
Where can vodka be made?
What region in the world is traditionally associated with vodka?
- Vodka can be made anywhere in the world
- Traditionally associated with Eastern Europe (Russia, Poland)
In Eastern Europe, what are the traditional ingredients used to make vodka?
- Potatoes
- Cereal grains
Besides potatoes and cereal grains, what else can be used to make vodka?
Literally anything – if you can ferment it, you can make vodka out of it!
What vessel(s) are used to distill vodka, and is there a minimum number of times it must be distilled?
- Continuous still used most often to make vodka, but there are a few premium vodkas that are made in pot stills
- No minimum number of distillations, but the more you do the smoother and more neutral it becomes
How long is vodka aged?
It’s NOT aged!
- Vodka is meant to be unaged, clear, and neutral
- A handful of examples of barrel-aged vodkas exist today, but they are the exception
From where does gin originate?
Where can gin be made today?
Some of the world’s best examples of gin are made where?
- Originates from Holland (it’s orignally a Dutch product)
- Can be made anywhere in the world today
- Best examples from Great Britain in London Dry style
What product is gin traditionally distilled from?
Cereal grains - just like vodka!
What is the dominant flavoring agent in gin?
Juniper berries
What are some other ingredients used to flavor gin?
- Citrus peel
- Anise
- Angelica root
- Orris root
- Licorice root
- Cinnamon
- Cassia bark
- Various herbs
How do those botanical flavorings get into the gin?
- A neutral, base alcohol made from grain
- The selected ingredients are macerated with the base alcohol
- Then it’s distilled again (usually a few times)
Is there a minimum aging requirement for gin?
No! Most gins are like vodkas in that they are meant to be unaged and clear.
However, a handful of barrel-aged gins exist in today’s market.
What are the key differences between gin and vodka?
Vodka can be made pretty much anywhere from anything (wheat, potatoes, grapes, rye, sorghum, etc.). Vodka is meant to be clear, neutral, and without any distinctive aromas or flavors.
Gin can also be made pretty much anywhere from anything, but gin has distinctive juniper and herbaceous aromas and flavors. Certain gins must come from certain places, such a Plymouth gin which must be made in Plymouth, England.
Tequila is a protected appellation in which state in Mexico?
Jalisco
What plant must Tequila be made from?
And which part of the plant?
- Blue agave plant (Agave tequilana)
- Fermented juice from the cooked piña / heart of the plant
The heart of the plant is called ‘piña’ because it’s shaped like a pineapple.
In what still can Tequila be made?
Which still is it traditionally made in?
Either a pot still or a continuous still, but the pot still is traditional
