Test your basic knowledge |

Certified Specialist Of Spirits

Instructions:

Answer 50 questions in 15 minutes.
If you are not ready to take this test, you can study here.
Match each statement with the correct term.
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This is a study tool. The 3 wrong answers for each question are randomly chosen from answers to other questions. So, you might find at times the answers obvious, but you will see it re-enforces your understanding as you take the test each time.

1. The Highlands Region of Tequila produces a style of tequila that is considerably more_______________ than the Lowland Tequila Region.
loral and fruity
Holland or Belgium
Cut the flower stalk
the intent is to create a neutral spirit by cooking off most odor and flavor compounds

2. Liqueur is derived for the latin term 'liquifacere' meaning...
Dissolve or melt
Brouillis
Mixto (will be labeled as 'Tequila')
Pulque

3. In tequila - the Lowlands region of the Valle de Tequila is noticeably ___________ than the Highlands.
a solvent with a hint of lemon
warmer
1. Made in USA 2. minimum 51% corn 3. maximum 160 Proof distillation 3. maximum 125 Proof in barrel 4. Aged in charred - new American white oak barrel 5. Water only additive
permit added caramel coloring

4. If an age statement for barrel aging is stated on the label it signifies...
A blend of pot still and column still distillation - a blend of sugar cane and molasses base - a blend of aged and un-aged rums
the age of the youngest rum in the blend
requires topping barrels from other barrels in a series (similar to Sherry Solera Process).
Succulent

5. 'Overproof Rum' is an official classification that requires a minimum bottling proof of...
loral and fruity
It is from a single barrel of whiskey - it is made from 100% corn grain - it is aged for a minimum of two years in charred barrels - no additives but caramel coloring for consistency can be used
120 proof
Water

6. The maximum proof of distillation for bourbon whiskey is...
160 proof
Distllation---distillation is a heat extraction method.
51% agave
Compounding

7. Vodka in its 'original' form comes in three flavor presentation styles - that are...
Crisp and Clean - Medium - Creamy
mixture of cooked grains and water before adding yeast
in any country; generic liqueur
The Caribbean Islands

8. The least costly method of producing liqueurs is...
Place of work
Cut the flower stalk
one year minimum
Compounding

9. The extracted and cooked sap of the harvested agave is called...
Aguamiel
It is from a single barrel of whiskey - it is made from 100% corn grain - it is aged for a minimum of two years in charred barrels - no additives but caramel coloring for consistency can be used
permit added caramel coloring
ugar cane juice and/or molasses

10. The first New World spirit category to be developed commercially is...
Rum
Crafted from grain - Distilled at less than 190 proof - Aged in oak containers - Bottled at no less than 80 proof c.
50/50
a solvent with a hint of lemon

11. The primary contributor to the color of whiskies ...
Up to 15% wine base - but 12.5% of the 15% must be of the same fruit listed on the label.
Coffee or wine
caramelized wood sugars in the barrel
The Caribbean Islands

12. Gin was originally crafted for medical reasons - specifically to deal with...
mixture of cooked grains and water before adding yeast
Coffee or wine
Heart
Kidney and bladder problems

13. If an American whiskey is labeled 'Straight' - what does that signify?
Heart
It is from a single barrel of whiskey - it is made from 100% corn grain - it is aged for a minimum of two years in charred barrels - no additives but caramel coloring for consistency can be used
in any country; generic liqueur
Be made from raw sugar cane - not molasses

14. Which of the following is NOT a proprietary liqueur?
Tahona
Be made from raw sugar cane - not molasses
Curacao
Distilled and bottled in Mexico

15. The blue agave is reproduced commercially through asexual reproduction and will be ready for harvest in...
Hemi-cellulose component
6--8 years
Brouillis
in any country; generic liqueur

16. Caramelized oak sugars from toasting or charring a barrel come primarily from the...
Up to 15% wine base - but 12.5% of the 15% must be of the same fruit listed on the label.
The Caribbean Islands
Hemi-cellulose component
Aguamiel

17. The most prevalent form of Rum production is...
Industriel
requires topping barrels from other barrels in a series (similar to Sherry Solera Process).
Tahona
Compounding

18. Under E. U. rules - Armagnac may produce both vintage dated and...
Hemi-cellulose component
pyrolysis
varietal-specific brandies
loral and fruity

19. Blended (Vatted) Malt Scotch Whisky: a blend of Single Malt Scotch Whiskies - which have been distilled at ________________ - Do not confuse with 'Blended Scotch Whisky.'
more than one distillery
Be made from raw sugar cane - not molasses
warmer
Distiller's beer

20. Agave is one of the six primary areas of tequila flavor. Of the following five - which is NOT a primary source of flavor?...
Distiller's beer
Charcoal
Jicama
Dissolve or melt

21. Cordial is derived from the Latin word 'cordialis' meaning...
0.5% abv
marc
in any country; generic liqueur
Heart

22. Most barrel aged rums use...
Water
pre-used white oak whiskey barrels
191.2 proof
Curacao--a bitter orange liqueur derived from oranges from the Curacao island of the Caribbean. Now a generic liqueur

23. Dunder - in rum - is most similar to what New World whiskey makers refer to as __________________.
Tahona
Industriel
Backset - also called Sour Mash Method.
3 years

24. Gin requires an additional flavoring beyond its spirit base as part of its standard identity.At an absolute minimum - it must be flavored...
Be made from raw sugar cane - not molasses
It is from a single barrel of whiskey - it is made from 100% corn grain - it is aged for a minimum of two years in charred barrels - no additives but caramel coloring for consistency can be used
with juniper - although any other botanicals may be used also
Pina

25. What are the five requirements for Bourbon Whiskey?
10% a year
1. Made in USA 2. minimum 51% corn 3. maximum 160 Proof distillation 3. maximum 125 Proof in barrel 4. Aged in charred - new American white oak barrel 5. Water only additive
6--8 years
Industriel

26. Vodka is distilled to a very high proof level because producers want...
Fewer congeners
warmer
3 years
It is matured in used barrels - It is stored in a cool - damp environment - It is generally stored in stone barrel houses - The climatic conditions are cooler than in the USA

27. Which of the following is NOT a brandy?
more than one distillery
Pineau de Charentes
only made in Ireland
Up to 15% wine base - but 12.5% of the 15% must be of the same fruit listed on the label.

28. The agave is classified in plant terminology as a...
London Dry gin
6 months in barrel; 1 year in larger casks
Succulent
Jicama

29. The congener acetaldehyde in vodka would most likely produce aroma/flavor characteristics of...
only made in Ireland
marc
Coffee or wine
to drink

30. Holland became famous for what type of liqueur...
Be made from raw sugar cane - not molasses
varietal-specific brandies
Curacao--a bitter orange liqueur derived from oranges from the Curacao island of the Caribbean. Now a generic liqueur
column/pot combination still

31. The process step in which the inulin is converted to fermentable sugars is called...
1. Made in USA 2. minimum 51% corn 3. maximum 160 Proof distillation 3. maximum 125 Proof in barrel 4. Aged in charred - new American white oak barrel 5. Water only additive
Distllation---distillation is a heat extraction method.
Hydrolysis
Full-bodied and pungent

32. Agave is derived from the Greek word for...
Evaporation and condensation
Water
Noble
Pineau de Charentes

33. In general terms - Plymouth Gin will be _________________________than London Dry Gin.
Charcoal
Cold Compounding and Compounding Essence
More full-bodied
London Dry gin

34. The minimum sugar content allowed in liqueurs is...
Two and one-half percent (2.5%)
Pineau de Charentes
loral and fruity
The Caribbean Islands

35. If a Rum is produced in the Agricole tradition - it must...
Barley
Be made from raw sugar cane - not molasses
more than one distillery
in any country; generic liqueur

36. Genever/Hollands style Gins are not limited to being fermented and distilled in either...
51% agave
Dissolve or melt
Holland or Belgium
80--94

37. A Gin spirit base may be distilled from...
Kidney and bladder problems
It is from a single barrel of whiskey - it is made from 100% corn grain - it is aged for a minimum of two years in charred barrels - no additives but caramel coloring for consistency can be used
Full-bodied and pungent
Sugar cane or molasses - Grape concentrate - Root vegetables - Gin does not specify a particular spirit source.

38. Sambuca liqueur can be made...
It is matured in used barrels - It is stored in a cool - damp environment - It is generally stored in stone barrel houses - The climatic conditions are cooler than in the USA
London Dry gin
Rum
in any country; generic liqueur

39. Mexican law allows some finished tequilas to be...
exported in bulk and bottled outside the country
More full-bodied
Two and one-half percent (2.5%)
pre-used white oak whiskey barrels

40. Rums from French Guyana or Haiti would be most likely to fall into the predominant style of...
the age of the youngest rum in the blend
Two and one-half percent (2.5%)
Rum
Full-bodied and pungent

41. Brandy made by the Solera Process...
0.5% abv
Impurities in the alcohol after distillation
125 proof or less
requires topping barrels from other barrels in a series (similar to Sherry Solera Process).

42. The non-distilled beverage alcohol crafted from agave is called...
173F
Succulent
A blend of pot still and column still distillation - a blend of sugar cane and molasses base - a blend of aged and un-aged rums
Pulque

43. The 'New World' styles of whiskey showcase the impact of...
Gold (Gold is not recognized as a classification; Gold is Joven Abocado classification.)
maturation profile
51% agave
Succulent

44. The two distinct families of Brandy are...
Grapes/Fruits
3 years
Curacao--a bitter orange liqueur derived from oranges from the Curacao island of the Caribbean. Now a generic liqueur
with juniper - although any other botanicals may be used also

45. The historic trade pattern of Rum from the Caribbean colonies to the U.S. to Africa was referred to as...
Fewer congeners
Place of work
ugar cane juice and/or molasses
The Triangle Trade

46. In England - Gin distillers tend to favor a heavier mixture of __________
Barley
varietal-specific brandies
Grains
Dissolve or melt

47. European Union Brandy allows ______________
only made in Ireland
decomposed plant matter
permit added caramel coloring
Fuller-tasting rums

48. The predominant ingredient used for vodka production throughout the world is...
173F
Grains
one year minimum
loral and fruity

49. Slower-working yeast cultures cause more esters to develop in fermentation - thus creating...
10% a year
Fuller-tasting rums
More full-bodied
pre-used white oak whiskey barrels

50. Non-alcoholic beverages - such as beer and wine may contain no more than_____ percent alcohol by Volume (abv).
varietal-specific brandies
Holland or Belgium
0.5% abv
Heart