Flashcards on Distilled Spirits

Distilled spirits are alcoholic beverages made by distilling fermented liquids from fruits, grains, and plants.

Spirits are distilled beverages with low sugar content and at least 35% alcohol. Examples include gin, vodka, rum, whisky, brandy, absinthe, tequila, and schnapps.

Liqueurs are distilled beverages with added flavors and colorings, high in sugar. Examples include Grand Marnier, Frangelico, and Kahlua.

Liquor is a general term that refers to spirits, liqueurs, or all alcoholic beverages, including wine, sake, and beer.

Distillation involves heating a liquid until it turns into gas, evaporates, and then condenses back into liquid as it cools.

Pot still distillation uses direct fire for heating and produces low proof spirits. Column still distillation uses steam for heating and produces high proof spirits.

Distilled spirits are classified by color and alcohol content into low proof/brown spirits (e.g., whiskey, rum, tequila, brandy, liqueurs) and high proof/white spirits (e.g., gin, vodka, lambanog).

Distilled spirits can be classified by ingredients into fruit-based spirits and grain-based or plant-based spirits.

Brandy is distilled from wine or grape pomace, with 40–60% alcohol by volume, and is typically consumed as an after-dinner drink.

Grape brandy includes Cognac (from the Cognac region) and Armagnac (from the Armagnac region in Southwest France). Popular brands include Darroze, Baron de Sigognac, Larressingle, Delord, Laubade, Gélas, and Janneau.