I’d first like to say that I didn’t write this, and I don’t know where I found it. In any case, if you think you know a little bit about alcohol, this is a nice test to make you feel humbled.
1. Who was the original “Old Grand Dad”?
2. Why is oak usually preferred for casks when aging hard alcohol?
3. When discussing Bourbon whiskey, what is the difference between a ‘straight whiskey’ and a ‘bottled in bond’ whiskey?
4. What is the difference between a single malt whisky and a pure malt/vatted whisky?
5. What is a pot still?
6. What is a continuous still?
7. Name two theories on the country of origin and original purpose of the still.
8. Which distillery takes pride in it’s founder being one of the first Government licensed distillers and having fought battles with his bootlegging neighbors with pistols given to him by the Laird of Abelour? Name the distillery and founder.
9. Speaking of Abelour, what does this translate to in English?
10. What does “Sour Mash” mean?
11. Who is given credit for being the first to make large scale use of the sour mash process in America?
12. George Washington used run a distillery on his Mt Vernon property. It’s said he made $7500 a year when the distillery was at peak production in 1799. That’s about $82,000 now. What mashbill did he use based on research done via George’s own notes?
13. Rum is made from what? There are two (three if you want to split hairs) correct answers.
14. What is the distinction between Rum Agricole and Rum Industriel?
15. What was just built in the Presqu’île Sauvage? Why is it somewhat unique?
16. The growth of Scotch whisky in Great Britain, as well as for export, was partially due to what event in France in the 1870’s?
17. Besides heat distillation, there is another way to increase the alcohol % from a beer or wine. How is this accomplished?
18. How does awamori differ from sake? There are two answers, one pertains to the ingredients and one to production method.
19. What distillery has an old revolver displayed in the office and why is it there?
20. Japanese firms own a few distilleries in Scotland. Name the distilleries and the Japanese companies that own them.
21. Absinthe is commonly associated with a type of wood. What was this wood used for in medicinal treatments?
22. Name the only California made rye whiskey on the market.
23. The Buena Vista in San Francisco is generally credited for what drink?
24. Akavit or Aquavit is typically and most commonly flavored with what? And what does the term “Linie” in conjunction with Akavit mean?
25. Middleton Distillery produces a large number of brands of Irish Whiskey. Name 5 of these brands of whiskey and one brand of gin, one brand of vodka produced here as well.
26. What is the distinction between Brandy, Cognac and Armegnac?
27. Korea has several types of alcohol classifications. One classification is by characteristics and has 5 types – Cheongju, chunju, hongju, iyangju, gahangju. The other classification is by purpose and has 4 types. Name the 4 types.
28. Gin is made by addition of herbs to alcohol. What is the primary one added to makes gin distinctive in aroma and taste?
29. One of the earliest distillers in Bourbon County was also a Baptist minister. Name him.
30. What is a Polmos?
31. What is the main difference(s) between Mescal and Tequila? There are actually two answers here, one as to ingredients and one as to production method.
32. Vodka can be made from different raw materials. Name four (4) of the ones commonly used.
33. What in general, are the main differences between Polish, Russian and the Western styles of Vodka?
34. What was the triangle trade and what does booze have to do with it?
35. Give the Latin names of the two types of grass used to flavor what is called Buffalo or Bison Grass Vodka
36. Scotch production is classified by regions. Name at least 5 of these regions. Note: there are several different breakdowns used. Just saying Highlands isn’t good enough to earn a booze certificate!
37. Bai Jiu is “white alcohol” in Chinese. It’s typically made from a combination of 5 grains. This may also be called Mou Tai by some. Name these grains. Note: there are a few different variations but just one of the three I’ve seen will do. Extra points if you get more than two.
38. What are Conegers? Fusel Oils? What role do they play in booze?
39. Tequila is mainly produced in the western region of Mexico. Name the Mexican states in this western region and the one state on the eastern coast of Mexico producing tequila as well.
40. Yoichi Whisky from Nikka is named after the founder of the distillery. What distillery did the founder serve as an apprentice at in Scotland?
41. Glenfiddich is by far the best known and best selling single malt due to shrewd marketing. Name the best selling blended whisky on the market.
42. What is the largest distillery –by number of stills- in Scotland and who owns it?
43. China had distillation methods that possibly date back to the 12th century based off recent discoveries in Hubei province. They also aged their alcohol for the same reason others do. They did not age their alcohol in oak barrels. What did they use?
44. Shochu is commonly made from sweet potato. It can also be made from rice, barley, buckwheat. Name two more somewhat unusual ingredients used to make shochu.
45. What is the difference between kourui shochu and honkaku shochu?
46. Churchill loved martinis. In what condition did he like them? Hint – it’s a common condition found in many martial artists.
47. James Bond likes martinis too. What are the ingredients used in the version he orders in Casino Royale?
48. Booze plays a large part in history. Name 3 leaders of their respective country-empire-kingdom-despotism, or other country form, or military leaders, where their problems with alcoholism – either personal or in their family – played a major part in the leaders life(or death)
49. Is it possible to get drunk without consuming any alcohol? If so, explain how.
50. What brand of whisky was Lister drinking in Red Dwarf “Thanks for the Memories” episode?
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1. Who was the original “Old Grand Dad”?
Basil Hayden
2. Why is oak usually preferred for casks when aging hard alcohol?
Oak is porous, so it facilitates the exchange of gases with the atmosphere. This makes it very suitable for aging alcohol. The gas exchange enriches the aging alcohol with wood components that are extracted by the alcohol, giving it distinctive odor and flavor notes, namely vanillin and ellagic acid (a wood breakdown product).
3. When discussing Bourbon whiskey, what is the difference between a ‘straight whiskey’ and a ‘bottled in bond’ whiskey?
Straight whiskey is a 100% made in a single distillery, like a single malt scotch. A bottled in bond whiskey is a 100 proof whiskey from a Government bonded warehouse. Bottled in Bond was a means to ensure quality control and make sure taxes were paid properly.
4. What is the difference between a single malt whisky and a pure malt/vatted whisky?
Single malt is made entirely in a single distillery. A pure malt/vatted whisky is all malt whisky but is usually made by combining single malt whiskies from a number of different distilleries to achieve a balance in flavors and aromas desired by the bottler.
5. What is a pot still?
A simple copper boiler with a condenser attached for extracting alcohol by heat. Can be small or enormous as in Irish and Scotch distilleries
6. What is a continuous still?
A single column still which is capable of completing the distillation process with steam in a single pass of the beer or wash.
7. Name two theories on the still and the country of origin.
From the Middle east – specifically, Persia and the second theory is from China. Originally stills were thought to have been used for making perfumes and medical uses.
8. Which distillery takes pride in it’s founder being one of the first Government licensed distillers and having fought battles with his bootlegging neighbors with pistols given to him by the Laird of Aberlour? Name the distillery and founder.
Glenlivet distillery and the founder is John Smith
9. Speaking of Aberlour, what does this translate to in English?
Mouth of the Chattering Burn
10. What does “Sour Mash” mean?
A portion of the previous mash bill, which has had all the sugars consumed by the yeast, hence is called ‘soured’, is added to the new batch to ensure quality and consistency from batch to batch. This prevents strange yeasts from possibly contaminating the fermenting mash and affecting flavors and aromas.
11. Who is given credit for being the first to make large scale use of the sour mash process in America?
James Crow of the Old Crow distillery
12. George Washington used run a distillery on his Mt Vernon property. It’s said he made $7500 a year when the distillery was at peak production in 1799. That’s about $82,000 now. What mashbill did he use based on research done via George’s own notes?
Rye chiefly, and Indian Corn in a certain proportion, compose the materials from which the Whiskey is made
13. Rum is made from what? There are two (three if you want to split hairs) correct answers.
Sugar Cane – either juice or syrup, and Molasses
14. What is the distinction between Rum Agricole and Rum Industriel?
Agricole is made from sugar cane juice, freshly pressed, Industriel is made from molasses.
15. What was just built in the Presqu’île Sauvage? Why is it somewhat unique?
It’s the only Scotch style whisky distillery in France
16. The growth of Scotch whisky in Great Britain, as well as for export, was partially due to what event in France in the 1870’s?
Widespread Phylloxera infestation killed off the grape crops, impacting the manufacturing of brandies. Scotch and Irish Whiskies were bought to fill the market demand.
17. Besides heat distillation, there is another way to increase the alcohol % from a beer or wine. How is this accomplished?
Freezing the beer or wine, the alcohol does not freeze, and the ice is removed leaving behind a higher alcohol percent in the remaining liquid.
18. How does awamori differ from sake? There are two answers, one pertains to the ingredients and one to production method.
Awamori is distilled as opposed to fermented, awamori also uses grains other than rice in production.
19. What distillery has an old revolver displayed in the office and why is it there?
Maker’s Mark, The revolver belongs to the distillery manager, who is a descendent of the one of the members of the James Gang.
20. Japanese firms own a few distilleries in Scotland. Name the distilleries and the Japanese companies that own them.
McCallan – Suntory (partial ownership)
Auchentoshen – Suntory
Bowmore – Suntory
Glen Garioch – Suntory
Ben Nevis – Suntory
Tomatin – Takara Shuzo & Okura
Ben Nevis – Nikka
21. Absinthe is commonly associated with a type of wood. What was this wood used for in medicinal treatments?
Wormwood – used to kill parasites, treat stomach problems, heartburn, liver, cardiac stimulant, externally used for bruises, sprains as a topical analgesic.
22. Name the only California made rye whiskey on the market.
Old Potrero
23. The Buena Vista in San Francisco is generally credited for what drink?
Irish Coffee
24. Akavit or Aquavit is typically and most commonly flavored with what? And what does the term “Linie” in conjunction with Akavit mean?
Caraway seed is the primary flavoring. Linie means the akavit has crossed the equator or the “line”. A traditional means of aging, this means it’s aged for a guaranteed amount of time in a proper environment. Several companies maintain fleets of ships simply to carry akavit on ocean voyages across the equator to age properly.
25. Middleton Distillery produces a large number of brands of Irish Whiskey. Name 5 of these brands of whiskey and one brand of gin, one brand of vodka produced here as well.
Paddys, Jameson, Tullamore Dew, Powers, Hewitts, Dunphys, Middleton Very Rare, Paddy’s- Irish Whiskies. Cork Dry Gin, Huzzar Vodka
26. What is the distinction between Brandy, Cognac and Armagnac?
The region where it is made. Both Cognac and Armanac are brandies and Cognac and Armagnac refer to the region of France where it was made.
27. Korea has several types of alcohol classifications. One classification is by characteristics and has 5 types. The other classification is by purpose and has 4 types. Name the 4 types.
5 types
Cheongju- short fermentation
chunju- premium, 100 days of aging
hongju-made with red koji and sticky rice
iyangju- generic category for alcohols which use unusual methods
gahangju- alcohols made using flowers or herbs.
4 types
sangyongju: These are for drinking all year round.
yakmiju: These are specialized for those who seek medicinal results.
gineungju: These are used for special occasions, bathing, and cooking.
sesiju: This is made according to special seasonal customs.
28. Gin is made by addition of herbs to alcohol. What is the primary one added that makes gin distinctive in aroma and taste?
Juniper
29. One of the earliest distillers in Bourbon County was also a Baptist minister. Name him.
Elijah Craig
30. What is a Polmos?
Polski Monopol Spirytusowy, This was the Polish Spirit Monopoly which was broken up into several companies. The acronym is still used when referring to these companies.
31. What is the main difference(s) between Mescal and Tequila? There are actually two answers here, one as to ingredients and one as to production method.
Tequila is a type of mescal, but is made only from blue agave, mescal can be made from any type of agave. Tequila typically uses either steamed or roasted agave, with mezcal the agave is roasted in an oven or fire pit.
32. Vodka can be made from different raw materials. Name four (4) of the ones commonly used.
Rye, wheat, potatoes, barley.
33. What in general, are the main differences between Polish, Russian and the Western styles of Vodka?
Western vodkas are very clean and highly purified, almost neutral in aroma and mouth feel. Ideal for mixing. Polish and Russian vodkas are heavier in both aroma and mouth feel, with more flavors of the grain used apparent and more fusel oils giving it a heavier oily feel. This is not a bad thing, it’s intended to be that way.
34. What was the triangle trade and what does booze have to do with it?
Molasses, rum, slaves. Molasses was used to make rum. The rum was sold or traded for buying slaves.
35. Give the Latin names of the two types of grass used to flavor what is called Buffalo or Bison Grass Vodka
Hierochloe odorata, Anthoxanthum odoratum
36. Scotch production is classified by regions. Name at least 5 of these regions. Note: there are several different breakdowns used. Just saying Highlands isn’t good enough to earn a booze certificate!
Campbelton, Islay, Lowlands, Northern Highlands, Orkney, Speyside(comprised of the sub-regions of Deveron, Dufftown, Findhorn, Livet, Inverness, Strathisla, Lossie, Rothes) Eastern Highlands, Perthshire(also called Midlands), Western Highlands, and Islands.
37. Bai Jiu is “white alcohol” in Chinese. It’s typically made from a combination of 5 grains with Sorghum and rice as the base in all variations. This may also be called Mou Tai by some. Name the grains used. Note: there are a few different variations but just one of the many I’ve seen will do. Extra points if you get more than two.
Sorghum, rice, peas, barley, wheat
Sorghum, rice, wheat, barley, corn
Sorghum, rice, wheat, millet, beans
Sorghum, rice, corn, barley, oats
38. What are Conegers? Fusel Oils? What role do they play in booze?
Conegers are impurities, by-products of distillation, which develop flavors in the alcohol as it ages. Fusel Oils are a type of coneger. These are actually toxic to some degree.
39. Tequila is mainly produced in the western region of Mexico. Name the Mexican states in this western region and the one state on the eastern coast of Mexico producing tequila as well.
Jalisco, Nayarit, Guanajuato, Michoacan, Tamaulipas
40. Yoichi Whisky from Nikka is named after the founder of the distillery. What distillery did the founder serve as an apprentice at in Scotland?
Hazelburn Distillery in Campbelton
41. Glenfiddich is by far the best known and best selling single malt due to shrewd marketing. Name the best selling blended whisky on the market.
Johnny Walker Red
42. What is the largest distillery –by number of stills- in Scotland and who owns it?
Tomatin and it is owned by Takara Shuzo & Okura.
43. China had distillation methods that possibly date back to the 12th century based off recent discoveries in Hubei province. They also aged their alcohol for the same reason others do. They did not age their alcohol in oak barrels. What did they use?
Clay Pots
44. Shochu is commonly made from sweet potato. It can also be made from rice, barley, or buckwheat. Name two more somewhat unusual ingredients used to make shochu.
Chestnuts, sake lees
45. What is the difference between kourui shochu and honkaku shochu?
Kourui shochu is distilled twice or more, is lighter and more neutral in flavor and aroma. Honkaku is only distilled once, and has more intense aromas and flavors of the ingredients used.
46. Churchill loved martinis. In what condition did he like them? Hint – it’s a common condition found in many martial artists.
Bruised, meaning shaken vigorously so air is incorporated and ice flakes into the drink
47. James Bond likes martinis too. What are the ingredients used in the version he orders in Casino Royale?
Three measures of Gordon’s Gin, one of vodka, half a measure of Kina Lillet. Shake it very well until it’s ice-cold, then add a large thin slice of lemon-peel.
48. Booze plays a large part in history. Name 3 leaders of their respective country-empire-kingdom-despotism, or other country form, where their problems with alcoholism – either personal or in their family – played a major part in the leaders life(or death)
Obviously, more than these exist, but any of these will do.
Mangu Khan- Mongol empire
Ulysses S Grant –United States of America
King Edward VIII
Kemel Ataturk – President of Turkey
Franklin Pierce- President of the United States of America
Alexander the Great – Macedonian King
Andrew Johnson Junior – Son of President Johnson
George Washington Adams – Son and Grandson of President(s) Adams
Winston Churchill – A functional alcoholic, he played up his drinking reputation to mislead others into misjudging him.
Joseph Stalin – USSR
Henry VIII – English King
Peter the Great
Ivan the Terrible
49. Is it possible to get drunk without consuming any alcohol? If so, explain how.
Yes, the body ferments sugars in your food intake into alcohol. In some people, this is excessive and they can actually become drunk.
50. What brand of whisky was Lister drinking in Red Dwarf “Thanks for the memories ”episode?
Glen Tokyo
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