Spirits: Vodka, Gin Tequila Mezcal Rum Flashcards
(30 cards)
Where can vodka be made?
What region in the world is traditionally associated with vodka?
Anywhere
Most 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 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 is 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 (originally a Dutch product)
Can be made anywhere in the world today
Best examples from Great Britian in London Dry Gin 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 its distilled again (a few times)
Is there a minimum aging requirement for gin?
No. Most gins are like vodkas in that they are meant to be clear.
There are a handful of barrel aged gins.
What are the key differences between gin and vodka?
Vodka can be made pretty much anywhere from anything (wheat, potatoes, grapes, rye, sorghum….)
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 a distinctive juniper and herbaceous aromas and flavors. Certain gins must come from certain places–Plymouth gin 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
fermented juice from the cooked Pina/heart of the pant.
The heart is called Pina because its 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
When is Blanco/silver Tequila bottled?
Immediately after distillation
What is the aging requirements for Reposado Tequila?
aged at least 60 days and up to 1 year in oak barrels.
What is the aging requirements for Anejo Tequila?
must be aged 1-3 years in oak barrels
In which state in Mexico is the Mezcal appellations a protected one?
Oaxaca
But there are other states where Mezcal can be made; it’s just a protected name in these other places.
What is Mezcal distilled from?
fermented agave
What are 2 key differences between tequila and mezcal?
Tequila:
made from Blue Weber Agave only
pinas typically steamed in ovens
Mezcal:
made from up to 50 different varieties of agave
pinas traditionally roasted in earthen pits filled with wood or charcoal (giving it smokey notes)
Which still(s) are used to make mezcal?
Either a pot still or a continuous still, pot still is used for traditional Mezcals.
In which style is Mezcal traditionally made?
-blanco
-reposado
-anejo
Blaco, though some examples of barrel aged Mezcals exist in todays market
Where did rum originate?
The Caribbean islands
–spread across Central and South America from there
–now can made anywhere in the world
