Spirit 101

Question 1

ABV %

Question 2

Distillation

Question 3

Vodka

Answer 3

Vodka:

Typically made from grains or potatoes or even grapes.

Subtypes: Flavored, Unflavored.

Question 4

Gin

Answer 4

Gin:

Distilled with juniper berries and other botanicals.

Subtypes: London Dry, Old Tom, New Western, Floral, Flavored, Sloe.

Question 5

Whisk(e)y

Answer 5

Whiskey/Whisky:

Distilled from fermented grain mash (e.g., rye, barley, corn) and aged in oak barrels.

Subtypes: Scotch, Bourbon, Irish, Rye, American, Japanese.

Scotch, Bourbon, Japanese whisky

Question 6

Rum

Answer 6

Rum:

Distilled from sugarcane byproducts like molasses.

Subtypes: Light, Dark, Spiced, Aged.

Question 7

AGAVE

Mezcal

Answer 7

Mezcal:

Can be made from a wide variety of agave varieties in nine Mexican states.

Flavour: Often has a more complex and earthy flavor profile, with notes of smoke, roasted agave, and other variations depending on the agave type and production methods.

Question 8

AGAVE

Tequila

Answer 8

Tequila:

Made from the blue agave plant.

Technically, all tequila is mezcal. The term mezcal refers to spirits made from the agave plant, while tequila refers to a specific type of mezcal that can only be made from blue Weber agave in five Mexican states.

Subtypes: Blanco (Silver), Reposado (Rest), Añejo (Aged).

Flavour: Typically smoother and lighter-bodied, with flavors of citrus, agave, and sometimes subtle spice.

Question 9

Brandy

Answer 9

Brandy:

Distilled from wine or fermented fruit juice.

Subtypes: Cognac, Armagnac, Calvados, Fruit Brandies.

Question 10

Liqueur

Answer 10

Liqueur:

Flavored spirits, often with added sugars and flavorings.

Subtypes: Various, based on flavors (e.g., coffee, cream, herbs).