What type of grape is preferred by producers to make spirits?
Highly acidic, white grapes that do not have a lot of aromas (these don’t make interesting wines) distillation concentrates the delicate floral/fruity aromas.
What type of brandy is made from highly aromatic grapes in South America?
Pisco
How are grapes processed to be ready for distillation?
Grapes are crushed and pressed, seeds and skins discarded, the juice then ferments immediately into wine, the wine is stored and then distilled within a few months.
Define:
Pomace
The mass of discarded grape skins - used to make pomace brandy (skins give brandy herbaceous and spicy aromas).
Why would some fruits be processed by maceration?
Some fruits yield little juice, or maceration helps avoid aromas created during fermentation.
Example: high-quality flavored vodkas.
What type of stills are high quality fruit spirits made in?
Pot stills
Why is blending important when producing oak matured brandies?
Blending creates consistency and complexity, combining qualities from different grape varieties, regions, and oak maturation — within the limits of local regulations.
What type of brandy is typically rested in inert vessels for a short time?
Pomace brandies and other fruit spirits (aside from apple)
What country and regions are home to three of the most important fruit spirits?
France
- Cognac - grape brandy
- Armagnac - grape brandy
- Calvados - apple and pear brandy
Where must Cognac grapes be grown?
In specific area north of Bordeaux in south-west France.
The sub-region considered the best for grape growing is around the town of Cognac.
Where must grapes grown for Armagnac brandy come from?
From Gascony, south of Bordeaux. Ugni Blanc is common, but other varieties (Baco, Folle Blanche, Colombard) are also permitted.
What are the two major differences between Cognac and Armagnac?
- Vintage dated products much more common in Armagnac (made from grapes harvested in the same year and not blended spirits of different ages).
- Distillers in Armagnac can sell Blanche (unaged spirit produced the same way as other Armagnacs but not matured in oak).
Where is Calvados made?
In specific parts of Normandy.
What is Grappa?
A pomace brandy made in Italy from a wide range of grape varieties.
The best are often made from aromatic grapes, such as Moscato.
These are also often matured in inert vessels for one year or more, producing a fuller mouthfeel and smooth texture.
What is a grape brandy from Chile and Peru that is pot stilled and made from highly aromatic grapes (Moscato), and usually unaged (in Peru this is a legal requirement)?
Pisco
What grape variety are Cognacs typically made from?
Ugni Blanc
These brandies have a signature aroma of raisins and violets.
What are the regulations for distilling Cognac?
- Must be double distilled in copper pot stills
- Must be directly heated with flames
- Must use a worm tub condenser
How long must Cognacs be aged?
Minimum of 2 years in oak
How is Calvados produced?
From apples and pears. Pot and short column stills are used. They are typically aged in large oak vessels which do not give off as much flavor as barrels.
What are the four big companies are the main producers of Cognac?
- Remy Martin
- Martell
- Courvoisier
- Hennessy
What are the age indications on Cognac and what do they mean?
They refer to the minimum age of the youngest spirit in the blend.
- VS (Very Special): ≥2 years; fruity, with light oak
- VSOP (Very Superior Old Pale): ≥4 years; richer and fuller
- XO (Extra Old): ≥10 years; complex notes of raisins, oak, floral, rancio, with smooth mouthfeel
What are the three sub-regions of Cognac that are most likely to appear on a label?
- Grande Champagne
- Petit Champagne
- Borderies
100% of the grapes used to make that Cognac must be from that region.
What is the term on labels in Armagnac often used to indicate a small individual producer?
Chateau
What does a vintaged dated spirit indicate?
They are made from grapes harvested in the same year.
This is common in Armagnac.
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Tasting and Evaluating Spirits35
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Factors Affecting the Style and Quality of Spirits35
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The Spirits Industry15
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Fruit Spirits26
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Whisky/Whiskey30
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Sugar Cane Spirits37
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Tequila and Mezcal38
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Vodka18
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Techniques for Flavoring and Coloring Spirits13
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Flavored Spirits21
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Aromatised Wines13
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An Introduction to a Spirits Bar41
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Mixing with Spirits36
