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.
Don't refresh. All questions and answers are randomly picked and ordered every time you load a test.

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. In the U.S. - Brandy must achieve a minimum bottling of 80 proof (40% abv). In Europe - the minimum strength at bottling is...
caramelized wood sugars in the barrel
Flavor extraction method & base spirit selection
36% alcohol72 proof
Rum

2. Scotch whisky requires a longer maturation than its bourbon cousin because...
Holland or Belgium
Evaporation and condensation
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
Charcoal

3. 'Mixto Tequila' requires a minimum content of ________ agave.
Hydrolysis
51% agave
Water
Compounding

4. Genever/Hollands style Gins are not limited to being fermented and distilled in either...
160 proof
Holland or Belgium
Gold (Gold is not recognized as a classification; Gold is Joven Abocado classification.)
Grapes/Fruits

5. The most prevalent form of Rum production is...
3 years
Industriel
Two and one-half percent (2.5%)
decomposed plant matter

6. Liqueur is derived for the latin term 'liquifacere' meaning...
marc
loral and fruity
Dissolve or melt
Grains

7. Dunder - in rum - is most similar to what New World whiskey makers refer to as __________________.
Two and one-half percent (2.5%)
Backset - also called Sour Mash Method.
requires topping barrels from other barrels in a series (similar to Sherry Solera Process).
3 years

8. The least costly method of producing liqueurs is...
London Dry gin
Brouillis
Compounding
Heart

9. The global definition for whiskey is...
Crafted from grain - Distilled at less than 190 proof - Aged in oak containers - Bottled at no less than 80 proof c.
6--8 years
pre-used white oak whiskey barrels
Pulque

10. The process step in which the inulin is converted to fermentable sugars is called...
to drink
with juniper - although any other botanicals may be used also
Aguamiel
Hydrolysis

11. Which of the following is NOT a proprietary liqueur?
warmer
pre-used white oak whiskey barrels
the intent is to create a neutral spirit by cooking off most odor and flavor compounds
Curacao

12. Armagnac may be the result of a single distillation in a...
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
Pulque
Full-bodied and pungent
column/pot combination still

13. The alcohol range for most Gin in the U.S. is...
to drink
80--94
Curacao--a bitter orange liqueur derived from oranges from the Curacao island of the Caribbean. Now a generic liqueur
Compounding

14. If an American whiskey is labeled 'Straight' - what does that signify?
45% alcohol by volume
to drink
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
Crafted from grain - Distilled at less than 190 proof - Aged in oak containers - Bottled at no less than 80 proof c.

15. Missionaries brought distilling technology to Ireland in the 5th century - calling the product 'Uisge Beatha' - meaning...
Heart
permit added caramel coloring
125 proof or less
water of life

16. The origin of Rum is generally considered to be...
10% a year
The Caribbean Islands
Cut the flower stalk
160 proof

17. Natural ethanol is described as resembling...
Barley
Evaporation and condensation
a solvent with a hint of lemon
Jicama

18. The 'New World' styles of whiskey showcase the impact of...
Curacao--a bitter orange liqueur derived from oranges from the Curacao island of the Caribbean. Now a generic liqueur
maturation profile
caramelized wood sugars in the barrel
Mixto (will be labeled as 'Tequila')

19. Every whiskey is crafted with the same five sources of flavor: grain recipe - fermentation process - distillation process - maturation process and...
Cold Compounding and Compounding Essence
Mixto (will be labeled as 'Tequila')
3 years
Water

20. The maximum proof of distillation for bourbon whiskey is...
t least one year
Pineau de Charentes
more than one distillery
160 proof

21. The two distinct families of Brandy are...
120 proof
Cold Compounding and Compounding Essence
Grapes/Fruits
3 years

22. Bourbon whiskey produced at one distillery - during one distilling season - aged a minimum of four years and bottled at 100 proof - is called...
with juniper - although any other botanicals may be used also
Bottled in Bond
caramelized wood sugars in the barrel
Prior to fermentation

23. Vodka is distilled to a very high proof level because producers want...
Fewer congeners
charcoal mellowed
36% alcohol72 proof
The Caribbean Islands

24. In the United States - a 'straight bourbon' must remain in a new - charred oak barrel for a minimum of________ years...
2 years minimum
pre-used white oak whiskey barrels
120 proof
the age of the youngest rum in the blend

25. The blue agave is reproduced commercially through asexual reproduction and will be ready for harvest in...
Noble
6--8 years
in any country; generic liqueur
Water

26. The term 'beverage' is derived from the Latin bibere - meaning...
Grapes/Fruits
Grains
Dissolve or melt
to drink

27. Which of the terms below is NOT one of the five classifications of post-distilled tequila?
Curacao
Gold (Gold is not recognized as a classification; Gold is Joven Abocado classification.)
column/pot combination still
36% alcohol72 proof

28. A Gin spirit base may be distilled from...
t least one year
pyrolysis
125 proof or less
Sugar cane or molasses - Grape concentrate - Root vegetables - Gin does not specify a particular spirit source.

29. The agave is classified in plant terminology as a...
Industriel
Succulent
decomposed plant matter
requires topping barrels from other barrels in a series (similar to Sherry Solera Process).

30. Non-alcoholic beverages - such as beer and wine may contain no more than_____ percent alcohol by Volume (abv).
Full-bodied and pungent
Jicama
0.5% abv
More full-bodied

31. The non-distilled beverage alcohol crafted from agave is called...
Place of work
Pulque
Aguamiel
loral and fruity

32. Holland became famous for what type of liqueur...
Dissolve or melt
the age of the youngest rum in the blend
Grains
Curacao--a bitter orange liqueur derived from oranges from the Curacao island of the Caribbean. Now a generic liqueur

33. Prior to harvesting an agave plant for tequila a necessary step is to...
Crisp and Clean - Medium - Creamy
Cut the flower stalk
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
Gold (Gold is not recognized as a classification; Gold is Joven Abocado classification.)

34. Vodka regulations require distillation at 190 Proof or higher because...
Curacao
the intent is to create a neutral spirit by cooking off most odor and flavor compounds
Grapes/Fruits
120 proof

35. If an age statement for barrel aging is stated on the label it signifies...
decomposed plant matter
Dissolve or melt
Compounding
the age of the youngest rum in the blend

36. In whiskey - 'mash' refers to...
mixture of cooked grains and water before adding yeast
50/50
Compounding
charcoal mellowed

37. Peat - which gives Scotch Whisky a distinctive smoky aroma and flavor is...
80--94
decomposed plant matter
Grains
Prior to fermentation

38. Anejo tequila must be aged in wooden barrels no larger than 600 liters for...
Full-bodied and pungent
Evaporation and condensation
t least one year
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

39. 'Compound Gin' may be created in which two methods...
3 years
Mixto (will be labeled as 'Tequila')
51% agave
Cold Compounding and Compounding Essence

40. Gin requires an additional flavoring beyond its spirit base as part of its standard identity.At an absolute minimum - it must be flavored...
more than one distillery
191.2 proof
with juniper - although any other botanicals may be used also
Gold (Gold is not recognized as a classification; Gold is Joven Abocado classification.)

41. What are the five requirements for Bourbon Whiskey?
Water
Curacao--a bitter orange liqueur derived from oranges from the Curacao island of the Caribbean. Now a generic liqueur
Jicama
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

42. Sambuca liqueur can be made...
only made in Ireland
80--94
in any country; generic liqueur
the age of the youngest rum in the blend

43. Irish Pot Still Whiskey is made from 100% barley in malted and unmalted form and is...
Tahona
in any country; generic liqueur
only made in Ireland
water of life

44. If labeled as '100% Agave' the tequila must be...
Hemi-cellulose component
Kidney and bladder problems
Distilled and bottled in Mexico
pyrolysis

45. The Highlands Region of Tequila produces a style of tequila that is considerably more_______________ than the Lowland Tequila Region.
Tahona
Be made from raw sugar cane - not molasses
with juniper - although any other botanicals may be used also
loral and fruity

46. Agave is derived from the Greek word for...
Noble
Hydrolysis
decomposed plant matter
Distiller's beer

47. If a Rum is produced in the Agricole tradition - it must...
only made in Ireland
Hemi-cellulose component
Be made from raw sugar cane - not molasses
Heart

48. The first New World spirit category to be developed commercially is...
Rum
caramelized wood sugars in the barrel
160 proof
in any country; generic liqueur

49. The primary flavoring agent for Sloe Gin is...
Blackthorn Plum
Rum
Brouillis
Cold Compounding and Compounding Essence

50. The primary contributor to the color of whiskies ...
Crisp and Clean - Medium - Creamy
caramelized wood sugars in the barrel
Jicama
Brouillis