Spirit types & Packaging

Question 1

What is the definition of Spirits?

Answer 1

Spirits is a liquid containing ethanol which are produced by distilling the products of a fermented grain, vegetable or fruit mash.

Question 2

Describe Pot Distillation

Answer 2

Is a batch process where the liquid is usually distilled twice (sometimes 3) to achieve the desired alcoholic content in the distillate.

Question 3

Describe Continuous Distillation

Answer 3

Column distillation using a coffey still. Has the ability to produce distillates of much higher alcoholic content than pot still distillation.

Question 4

What is brown & white spirits in relation to?

Answer 4

It’s loosely associated with the use of the ageing process or not. ie brown spirits are aged in wood whereas white spirits are not.

Question 5

What are the aims of packaging spirits?

Answer 5

-Provide the consumers with spirits in a convenient package of their choice.
-Ensure that the quality of spirits is protected during it’s shelf life.
- Assist in the marketing of the product by presenting the package in an attractive form.
-Ensure that the requirements of the relevant authorities are met.
-Control the costs of packaging to an economic minimum.
-Protect the health and safety of the people who work in the packaging areas and the consumers.

Question 6

Describe the packaging operation for bottles

Answer 6

• Empty bottles are transported by conveyer from the depalletizer to the bottle rinser or cleaner.
• They are inspected to ensure they’re empty & clean.
• They are transported to the filler where they are filled to a controlled level.
• They are imminently closed with a closure.
• The full bottles are checked for contents level.
• They are pasteurised (RTD’s only)
• They are labelled
  -Packaged into boxes cases or multipacks.
  -Transported to the palletiser & warehouse.

Question 7

Describe the packaging operation for cans

Answer 7

• Empty can are transported by conveyor from the depalletiser to the can rinser & inspected to ensure they are empty and clean.
• The transported to the can filler where they are filled to a controlled level.
• Immediately closed with a can lid in the steamer
• They are inspected for contents level
• They are pasteurised (RTD’s)
• Finally they are transported to the tray packing machine, shrink wrap palletiser and then warehouse.