Spirits - MA Questions 15.08.20

Question 1

What is the approximate boiling point for ethyl alcohol at sea level?

Answer 1

Approx 78 degrees C.

Question 2

Who developed and improved the alembic still in the 8th century?

Answer 2

Jabir ibn Hayyan.

Question 3

Define congeners.

Answer 3

Volatile molecules such as esters, other alcohols, and aldehydes, which contribute to the flavor (or off-flavor) of a spirit.

Question 4

Which spirit would be more flavourful? One obtained using a pot still or one using a continuous still?

Answer 4

Pot still.

Question 5

How are the columns in the continuous still called?

Answer 5

The analyzer and the rectifier.

Question 6

What is the difference between maceration and infusion?

Answer 6

Maceration and infusion are similar techniques that involve steeping a flavoring agent in alcohol; maceration is a slower, cold method and infusion is a quicker, hot method.

Question 7

What is the minimum abv for vodka required by EU?

Answer 7

37.5 %.

Question 8

In which case an EU vodka producer must state the products used in the fermentation?

Answer 8

When the products are others than potato or grains.

Question 9

What is the country of origin for Ikon vodka?

Answer 9

Russia.

Question 10

What is Tito’s vodka made from?

Answer 10

100% Corn.

Question 11

What is Awamori?

Answer 11

An Okinawan style of shochu, always distilled from long grain indica rice.

Question 12

What is the minimum % of “malt wine” for Oude Genever?

Answer 12

Min 15%, a distillate of corn, rye and wheat.

Question 13

What is the minimum percentage of corn required for Corn Whiskey?

Answer 13

80%.

Question 14

What is the minimum ageing in new charred oak barrels for Rye Whiskey?

Answer 14

Min 2 years.

Question 15

Where would you find the distilleries Ardbeg, Lagavulin and Laphroaig?

Answer 15

Islay.

Question 16

Give 3 distilleries in Speyside.

Answer 16

Glenlivet, Glenfiddich and Macallan.

Question 17

What is the minimum ageing required for Irish Whiskies?

Answer 17

Min 3 years.

Question 18

Where would you find Glenora Distillers?

Answer 18

Cape Breton Island, Nova Scotia, Canada.

Question 19

What is the minimum abv required by EU for Brandy?

Answer 19

Min 36% abv.

Question 20

How are the two distillation phases called in Cognac?

Answer 20

Brouillis and Bonne Chauffe.

Question 21

What is the minimum ageing requirement for XO Cognac post 2018?

Answer 21

10 years.

Question 22

What is the only hybrid grape allowed in any French AOP used in Armagnac?

Answer 22

Baco Blanc.

Question 23

What is Blanche Armagnac?

Answer 23

Young Armagnac bottled after 3 months of ageing in an inert container.

Question 24

What is the ageing requirement for VSOP Armagnac? How about prior to 2013?

Answer 24

4 to 9 years. Min 5 years.

Question 25

What is the minimum ageing requirement for vintage Armagnac?

Answer 25

Min 10 years.

Question 26

What are the average ageing for: Solera Brandy Solera Reserva Brandy Solera Gran Reserva

Answer 26

Solera Brandy – 1 year Solera Reserva Brandy – 3 years Solera Gran Reserva – 10 years

Question 27

What is the equivalent for Marc in Portugal?

Answer 27

Bagaceira.

Question 28

What is the method of distillation used for Calvados Domfrontais and what is the minimum ageing in cask?

Answer 28

Continuous distillation; min 3 years.

Question 29

What is Boukha?

Answer 29

A fig eau de vie, the national drink of Tunisia.

Question 30

What is the ageing requirement in cask for Añejo Tequilla?

Answer 30

Max 3 years.

Question 31

Which Agave type is widely used in the production of Mezcal?

Answer 31

Agave Espadin (agave angustifolia).

Question 32

``` What are the primary flavour and country of origin for the below liqueurs? Suze Boonekamp Van der Hume Pisang Ambon Krupnik ```

Answer 32

``` Suze – Gentian Root and herbs; France Boonekamp – Herbs, Roots & Spices; Germany Van der Hume – Tangerine; South Africa Pisang Ambon – Banana; Netherlands Krupnik – Honey; Poland ```

Question 33

``` What are the ingredients for the below cocktails? Bronx Manhattan Stinger Hemingway Daiquiri Cape Codder ```

Answer 33

Bronx – gin, sweet vermouth, dry vermouth, orange juice. Manhattan – rye whiskey, sweet vermouth, angostura bitters. Stinger – brandy, white crème de menthe. Hemingway Daiquiri – white rum, grapefruit juice, lime juice, Maraschino Liqueur. Cape Codder – vodka, cranberry juice, lime juice.

Question 34

In which department would you find Kirsch de Fougerolles AOC?

Answer 34

Haute-Saône, Vosges.

Question 35

What is Bacanora?

Answer 35

A Mexican spirit similar to tequila produced from Agave Angustifolia in the state of Sonora. The DO is not recognised internationally.

Question 36

Historically, where outside of France was Chartreuse produced?

Answer 36

Tarragona, Spain.

Question 37

What is the raw ingredient allowed for the production of Rhum Agricole?

Answer 37

Sugarcane juice.

Question 38

What is the minimum ageing in cask for Extra Añejo Tequila?

Answer 38

Min 3 years.

Question 39

What is the minimum percentage of pear cider required for Calvados Domfrontais?

Answer 39

Min 30%.

Question 40

What is the minimum ageing for Calvados Napoléon?

Answer 40

Min 6 years.