Vodka & Gin Flashcards
Who developed the alembic still?
Jabir ibn Hayyan, an Arabic chemist/alchemist in the 8th century.
What are the alternative names for the continuous still?
Coffey, column, patent
What are cogeners?
Volatile molecules like esters, aldehydes, and other alcohols
What is a continuous still?
A still with two columns that uses steam rather than direct heat to vaporize the alcohol. It tends to create a cleaner, higher alcohol spirit with fewer cogeners.
What are the two columns of the continuous still?
The analyzer and the rectifier
What is maceration?
Steeping a flavoring agent in alcohol at lower temperatures (slow and cold).
What is infusion?
Steeping a flavoring agent in alcohol at higher temperatures (swift and hot).
What is percolation?
Pumping alcohol through the flavoring material.
How is the alcohol content of a spirit legally required to appear on US and EU labels?
As abv.
What is vodka?
A clear, neutral liquor, distilled in a continuous still and usually charcoal filtered.
What is the minimum abv for vodka in the EU?
37.50%
Major Russian vodka producers?
Stolichnaya, Ikon
Major Polish vodka producers?
Chopin, Belvedere
How is Tito’s Handmade Vodka made?
From corn in a pot still.
What is aquavit?
Basically vodka flavored with caraway root and other aromatics.
