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. Non-alcoholic beverages - such as beer and wine may contain no more than_____ percent alcohol by Volume (abv).
0.5% abv
6--8 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
191.2 proof

2. Which of the following is NOT a proprietary liqueur?
Mixto (will be labeled as 'Tequila')
Curacao
permit added caramel coloring
Distiller's beer

3. 'Mixto Tequila' requires a minimum content of ________ agave.
45% alcohol by volume
51% agave
Distiller's beer
Tahona

4. In Cognac - the first distillation produces what is referred to in French as __________________.
Blackthorn Plum
Charcoal
the age of the youngest rum in the blend
Brouillis

5. The Highlands Region of Tequila produces a style of tequila that is considerably more_______________ than the Lowland Tequila Region.
requires topping barrels from other barrels in a series (similar to Sherry Solera Process).
Up to 15% wine base - but 12.5% of the 15% must be of the same fruit listed on the label.
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
loral and fruity

6. In general terms - Plymouth Gin will be _________________________than London Dry Gin.
More full-bodied
London Dry gin
Charcoal
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

7. The least costly method of producing liqueurs is...
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
Flavor extraction method & base spirit selection
Rum
Compounding

8. If an age statement for barrel aging is stated on the label it signifies...
Fuller-tasting rums
the age of the youngest rum in the blend
to drink
decomposed plant matter

9. The harvested stem of the agave is called a cabeza or...
with juniper - although any other botanicals may be used also
Full-bodied and pungent
Pina
Holland or Belgium

10. Dunder - in rum - is most similar to what New World whiskey makers refer to as __________________.
the age of the youngest rum in the blend
6--8 years
Backset - also called Sour Mash Method.
one year minimum

11. The first New World spirit category to be developed commercially is...
Dissolve or melt
warmer
Rum
Distilled and bottled in Mexico

12. Tequila is a word of Nahuatl derivation which means...
6--8 years
Impurities in the alcohol after distillation
Place of work
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

13. The two distinct families of Brandy are...
Full-bodied and pungent
Grapes/Fruits
Distllation---distillation is a heat extraction method.
Two and one-half percent (2.5%)

14. The minimum aging time in barrel for Extra Anejo tequila is...
125 proof or less
Grains
Crafted from grain - Distilled at less than 190 proof - Aged in oak containers - Bottled at no less than 80 proof c.
3 years

15. Gin was originally crafted for medical reasons - specifically to deal with...
loral and fruity
Impurities in the alcohol after distillation
Industriel
Kidney and bladder problems

16. Agave is one of the six primary areas of tequila flavor. Of the following five - which is NOT a primary source of flavor?...
Fewer congeners
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
Jicama
Curacao--a bitter orange liqueur derived from oranges from the Curacao island of the Caribbean. Now a generic liqueur

17. The term 'beverage' is derived from the Latin bibere - meaning...
Coffee or wine
Distiller's beer
to drink
water of life

18. In Rum production - a finished product may be the result of...
to drink
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
Evaporation and condensation
Coffee or wine

19. Vodka in its 'original' form comes in three flavor presentation styles - that are...
Pulque
125 proof or less
Be made from raw sugar cane - not molasses
Crisp and Clean - Medium - Creamy

20. Throughout history a great stone wheel was used to separate the fibrous pulp from the agave. This wheel is called the...
pyrolysis
decomposed plant matter
Tahona
Water

21. Holland became famous for what type of liqueur...
80--94
Distllation---distillation is a heat extraction method.
Curacao--a bitter orange liqueur derived from oranges from the Curacao island of the Caribbean. Now a generic liqueur
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

22. Vodka is distilled to a very high proof level because producers want...
Fewer congeners
in any country; generic liqueur
10% a year
Fuller-tasting rums

23. 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.
Prior to fermentation
Gold (Gold is not recognized as a classification; Gold is Joven Abocado classification.)
Curacao

24. Every whiskey is crafted with the same five sources of flavor: grain recipe - fermentation process - distillation process - maturation process and...
Coffee or wine
the intent is to create a neutral spirit by cooking off most odor and flavor compounds
Water
one year minimum

25. The congener acetaldehyde in vodka would most likely produce aroma/flavor characteristics of...
More full-bodied
Coffee or wine
warmer
191.2 proof

26. Rum may be made from...
water of life
ugar cane juice and/or molasses
0.5% abv
Distilled and bottled in Mexico

27. Mexican law allows some finished tequilas to be...
120 proof
exported in bulk and bottled outside the country
Impurities in the alcohol after distillation
Grapes/Fruits

28. The primary flavoring agent for Sloe Gin is...
Blackthorn Plum
to drink
Distllation---distillation is a heat extraction method.
charcoal mellowed

29. The most commonly used process of neutralizing vodka after distillation utilizes...
Compounding
to drink
Charcoal
t least one year

30. The strength of distillation was originally 'proved pure' by burning gunpowder with spirit to achieve an even blue flame at what alcohol to water ratio?
Compounding
the intent is to create a neutral spirit by cooking off most odor and flavor compounds
50/50
caramelized wood sugars in the barrel

31. Only Bourbob whiskey must be aged at...
Compounding
125 proof or less
More full-bodied
Coffee or wine

32. Distillation is the process of separating alcohol from a fermented liquid by a series of...
The Caribbean Islands
Brouillis
Evaporation and condensation
Water

33. Under E. U. rules - Armagnac may produce both vintage dated and...
Crafted from grain - Distilled at less than 190 proof - Aged in oak containers - Bottled at no less than 80 proof c.
marc
varietal-specific brandies
Coffee or wine

34. Peat - which gives Scotch Whisky a distinctive smoky aroma and flavor is...
Pina
decomposed plant matter
only made in Ireland
Distiller's beer

35. A product listed as '90 Proof' would be equivalent to...
mixture of cooked grains and water before adding yeast
45% alcohol by volume
Curacao--a bitter orange liqueur derived from oranges from the Curacao island of the Caribbean. Now a generic liqueur
191.2 proof

36. The primary contributor to the color of whiskies ...
6 months in barrel; 1 year in larger casks
caramelized wood sugars in the barrel
Tahona
Impurities in the alcohol after distillation

37. The 'New World' styles of whiskey showcase the impact of...
51% agave
in any country; generic liqueur
Industriel
maturation profile

38. What are the five requirements for Bourbon Whiskey?
The Caribbean Islands
in any country; generic liqueur
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
with juniper - although any other botanicals may be used also

39. The predominant ingredient used for vodka production throughout the world is...
Bottled in Bond
Pineau de Charentes
Grains
Distilled and bottled in Mexico

40. Most barrel aged rums use...
pre-used white oak whiskey barrels
Coffee or wine
to drink
column/pot combination still

41. The most prevalent form of Rum production is...
more than one distillery
Industriel
t least one year
Hydrolysis

42. Caramelized oak sugars from toasting or charring a barrel come primarily from the...
Brouillis
Bottled in Bond
Jicama
Hemi-cellulose component

43. For rums - U.S. recognizes only Anejo designation at a...
one year minimum
requires topping barrels from other barrels in a series (similar to Sherry Solera Process).
Cold Compounding and Compounding Essence
Mixto (will be labeled as 'Tequila')

44. In tequila - the Lowlands region of the Valle de Tequila is noticeably ___________ than the Highlands.
Blackthorn Plum
a solvent with a hint of lemon
Crafted from grain - Distilled at less than 190 proof - Aged in oak containers - Bottled at no less than 80 proof c.
warmer

45. Cordial is derived from the Latin word 'cordialis' meaning...
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
Heart
120 proof
Kidney and bladder problems

46. The alcohol range for most Gin in the U.S. is...
exported in bulk and bottled outside the country
t least one year
Fuller-tasting rums
80--94

47. 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
caramelized wood sugars in the barrel
water of life
Crafted from grain - Distilled at less than 190 proof - Aged in oak containers - Bottled at no less than 80 proof c.

48. If labeled as '100% Agave' the tequila must be...
Distilled and bottled in Mexico
The Triangle Trade
Crafted from grain - Distilled at less than 190 proof - Aged in oak containers - Bottled at no less than 80 proof c.
10% a year

49. Common heat distillation cannot exceed...
191.2 proof
warmer
Brouillis
Rum

50. The minimum sugar content allowed in liqueurs is...
Cut the flower stalk
Two and one-half percent (2.5%)
pre-used white oak whiskey barrels
loral and fruity