CSS - Whiskey Flashcards

Questions and Answers

What is whiskey?

A spirit made from a grain product, distilled to less than 190 proof, matured in an oak container, and bottled at no less than 40 ABV.

When to use whiskey or whisky?

Whisky - Scotland, Japan, Canada (correct)

Whiskey - Ireland, USA (correct)

Both versions are correct (correct)

None of the above

How does the US Standards of Identity define whiskey?

A distilled spirit produced from the fermented mash of a grain, distilled at no less than 95% ABV, possessing the taste, aroma, and characteristics attributed to whiskey, stored in oak containers (except corn whiskey), and bottled at no less than 40% ABV.

How does the US Standards of Identity define Bourbon whiskey?

Whiskey made in the US, produced from a fermented mash of no less than 51% corn, distilled at an ABV not exceeding 80%, and stored at no more than 125 proof in charred new oak containers. Signup and view all the answers

How does the US Standards of Identity define Rye, wheat, malt, and rye malt whiskey?

Produced from a fermented mash of no less than 51% rye, wheat, malted barley, or malted rye grain, distilled at an ABV not exceeding 80%, and stored at no more than 125 proof in charred new oak containers. Signup and view all the answers

How does the US Standards of Identity define corn whiskey?

Produced from a fermented mash of no less than 80% corn, distilled at an ABV not exceeding 80%, with no requirement for storage in oak containers, but if stored, it must be at no more than 125 proof in charred new oak containers. Signup and view all the answers

What classifies a whiskey as 'Straight' or 'Straight Bourbon Whiskey'?

The whiskey conforms to the definition from the US Standards of Identity and has been stored for a period of two years or more in the type of oak containers prescribed. Signup and view all the answers

What is the EU definition of whiskey?

Must be produced by the distillation of a grain mash made from malted cereals, distilled to less than 94.8% ABV, aged in wood casks no larger than 700 liters for at least three years, and bottled at a minimum strength of 40% ABV. Signup and view all the answers

What is the EU definition of Scotch whisky?

Must be produced in Scotland, made from a mash of malted barley and other cereal grains, and aged in oak casks in an approved warehouse in Scotland for a minimum of three years. Signup and view all the answers

What is the EU definition of Irish whiskey?

Must be produced in Ireland, made from a mash of cereals, and aged in wood casks in Ireland for no less than three years. Signup and view all the answers

What are the 5 steps to whiskey production?

Mash/Wort Preparation Signup and view all the answers

What are the four primary grains used in whiskey production?

Barley Signup and view all the answers

What is the mash bill or grain bill?

The specific recipe or list of grain ingredients that will be fermented. Signup and view all the answers

Why must a grain be malted?

Grains are primarily made up of starch, which is not directly fermentable. The sprouting grain releases specific enzymes that convert starch to fermentable sugar. Signup and view all the answers

What is the most widely used grain?

Barley. Signup and view all the answers

Describe the malting process.

The grain is soaked in water, allowing it to sprout. This releases enzymes that break down carbohydrates into sugars. Signup and view all the answers

Describe the kilning process.

The green malt is transferred to a heated kiln where germination is stopped. The process can introduce flavors and caramelize sugars. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Whiskey Overview

A spirit made from grain, distilled to less than 190 proof, matured in oak containers, and bottled at no less than 40% ABV.

Whiskey vs. Whisky

"Whisky" is used in Scotland, Japan, and Canada.
"Whiskey" is the term for Ireland and the USA.
Both spellings are correct depending on the region.

US Standards of Identity for Whiskey

Defined as distilled spirits from fermented grain mash, distilled at no less than 95% ABV, and must possess typical whiskey characteristics.
Stored in oak containers, except for corn whiskey, and bottled at no less than 40% ABV.

Bourbon Whiskey Definition (US Standards)

Must be made in the US with a mash of at least 51% corn.
Distilled at no more than 80% ABV and stored in charred new oak containers, not exceeding 125 proof.

Rye, Wheat, Malt, and Rye Malt Whiskey Definition

Must contain a minimum of 51% rye, wheat, malted barley, or malted rye.
Distilled at no more than 80% ABV and stored in charred oak containers, not exceeding 125 proof.

Corn Whiskey Definition

Must be produced from at least 80% corn.
Distilled at no more than 80% ABV with no storage requirement in oak containers, but if stored, must meet 125 proof limit.

Classification of "Straight" Whiskey

Must conform to US Standards of Identity and be aged for at least two years in prescribed oak containers.

EU Definition of Whiskey

Produced from a grain mash, may include unmalted grains.
Distilled to less than 94.8% ABV to retain the raw material's aroma and taste.
Aged in wood casks (max size 700 liters) for at least three years and bottled at a minimum of 40% ABV.

EU Definition of Scotch Whisky

Produced in Scotland, primarily from malted barley and other grains.
Aged for a minimum of three years in oak casks at approved warehouses in Scotland.

EU Definition of Irish Whiskey

Must be produced in Ireland using a mash of cereals.
Aged in wood casks in Ireland for at least three years.

Steps in Whiskey Production

Involves five main steps:
- Mash/Wort Preparation
- Fermentation
- Distillation
- Maturation
- Blending and Bottling

Primary Grains in Whiskey Production

The main grains used are barley, corn, rye, and wheat.

Mash Bill or Grain Bill

Refers to the specific recipe of grains to be fermented during whiskey production.

Importance of Malting

Grains must be malted to convert non-fermentable starches to fermentable sugars through enzyme action during sprouting.

Most Widely Used Grain

Barley is the primary grain due to its high enzyme content, which converts starches in other grains to fermentable sugars.

Malting Process

Grains are soaked in water to sprout, releasing enzymes (alpha amylase and beta amylase) to break down carbohydrates into maltose and fermentable sugars.
After germination, it is referred to as green malt.

Kilning Process

Green malt is heated in a kiln to halt germination and complete malting.
Additional flavors can be introduced during this process.
Time and temperature are controlled to caramelize sugars in the malted grain.

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Description

Test your knowledge of whiskey terminology with this flashcard quiz. Learn about the different definitions, uses, and standards associated with whiskey and whisky. Perfect for enthusiasts looking to deepen their understanding of distilled spirits.