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. Common heat distillation cannot exceed...
Succulent
Coffee or wine
a solvent with a hint of lemon
191.2 proof

2. Under E. U. rules - Armagnac may produce both vintage dated and...
Rum
varietal-specific brandies
Up to 15% wine base - but 12.5% of the 15% must be of the same fruit listed on the label.
Tahona

3. Dunder - in rum - is most similar to what New World whiskey makers refer to as __________________.
the intent is to create a neutral spirit by cooking off most odor and flavor compounds
The Caribbean Islands
in any country; generic liqueur
Backset - also called Sour Mash Method.

4. In the U.S. - Brandy must achieve a minimum bottling of 80 proof (40% abv). In Europe - the minimum strength at bottling is...
36% alcohol72 proof
50/50
Cold Compounding and Compounding Essence
Impurities in the alcohol after distillation

5. Agave is derived from the Greek word for...
36% alcohol72 proof
Curacao--a bitter orange liqueur derived from oranges from the Curacao island of the Caribbean. Now a generic liqueur
Backset - also called Sour Mash Method.
Noble

6. Bourbon whiskey produced at one distillery - during one distilling season - aged a minimum of four years and bottled at 100 proof - is called...
in any country; 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
Bottled in Bond
requires topping barrels from other barrels in a series (similar to Sherry Solera Process).

7. Vodka in its 'original' form comes in three flavor presentation styles - that are...
Succulent
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
Aguamiel
Crisp and Clean - Medium - Creamy

8. The Highlands Region of Tequila produces a style of tequila that is considerably more_______________ than the Lowland Tequila Region.
Charcoal
Noble
loral and fruity
125 proof or less

9. Spain produces and consumes large quantities of gin. What is the most prevalent gin style in Spain?
mixture of cooked grains and water before adding yeast
requires topping barrels from other barrels in a series (similar to Sherry Solera Process).
The Caribbean Islands
London Dry gin

10. For rums - U.S. recognizes only Anejo designation at a...
Brouillis
one year minimum
with juniper - although any other botanicals may be used also
Sugar cane or molasses - Grape concentrate - Root vegetables - Gin does not specify a particular spirit source.

11. Only Bourbob whiskey must be aged at...
125 proof or less
The Caribbean Islands
Kidney and bladder problems
Tahona

12. The primary contributor to the color of whiskies ...
Hydrolysis
Barley
Industriel
caramelized wood sugars in the barrel

13. The harvested stem of the agave is called a cabeza or...
Holland or Belgium
Be made from raw sugar cane - not molasses
Noble
Pina

14. Brandy made by the Solera Process...
Aguamiel
Pulque
requires topping barrels from other barrels in a series (similar to Sherry Solera Process).
the age of the youngest rum in the blend

15. In Cognac - the first distillation produces what is referred to in French as __________________.
Bottled in Bond
Brouillis
160 proof
Prior to fermentation

16. In England - Gin distillers tend to favor a heavier mixture of __________
Pina
Impurities in the alcohol after distillation
decomposed plant matter
Barley

17. EU Brandy rules stipulate that brandy aged in oak barrels or casks...
Prior to fermentation
Place of work
6 months in barrel; 1 year in larger casks
the intent is to create a neutral spirit by cooking off most odor and flavor compounds

18. Which of the following is NOT a proprietary liqueur?
Curacao
Blackthorn Plum
Backset - also called Sour Mash Method.
Fuller-tasting rums

19. Caramelized oak sugars from toasting or charring a barrel come primarily from the...
Fuller-tasting rums
Hemi-cellulose component
Cold Compounding and Compounding Essence
Distilled and bottled in Mexico

20. Gin requires an additional flavoring beyond its spirit base as part of its standard identity.At an absolute minimum - it must be flavored...
Up to 15% wine base - but 12.5% of the 15% must be of the same fruit listed on the label.
Distiller's beer
with juniper - although any other botanicals may be used also
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

21. Non-alcoholic beverages - such as beer and wine may contain no more than_____ percent alcohol by Volume (abv).
6--8 years
Impurities in the alcohol after distillation
Brouillis
0.5% abv

22. Throughout history a great stone wheel was used to separate the fibrous pulp from the agave. This wheel is called the...
Hydrolysis
Pineau de Charentes
Tahona
Hemi-cellulose component

23. If a Rum is produced in the Agricole tradition - it must...
36% alcohol72 proof
Curacao--a bitter orange liqueur derived from oranges from the Curacao island of the Caribbean. Now a generic liqueur
Be made from raw sugar cane - not molasses
45% alcohol by volume

24. The great majority of tequilas consumed outside of Mexico are termed...

25. 'Overproof Rum' is an official classification that requires a minimum bottling proof of...
Be made from raw sugar cane - not molasses
120 proof
Distllation---distillation is a heat extraction method.
Barley

26. 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?
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
column/pot combination still
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
50/50

27. Gin was originally crafted for medical reasons - specifically to deal with...
ugar cane juice and/or molasses
Kidney and bladder problems
to drink
one year minimum

28. The historic trade pattern of Rum from the Caribbean colonies to the U.S. to Africa was referred to as...
2 years minimum
The Triangle Trade
Pulque
Backset - also called Sour Mash Method.

29. The first New World spirit category to be developed commercially is...
Curacao
pre-used white oak whiskey barrels
Rum
Place of work

30. The term 'beverage' is derived from the Latin bibere - meaning...
to drink
in any country; generic liqueur
only made in Ireland
Sugar cane or molasses - Grape concentrate - Root vegetables - Gin does not specify a particular spirit source.

31. Agave is one of the six primary areas of tequila flavor. Of the following five - which is NOT a primary source of flavor?...
Fuller-tasting rums
Jicama
Distllation---distillation is a heat extraction method.
80--94

32. Tequila is a word of Nahuatl derivation which means...
Impurities in the alcohol after distillation
6 months in barrel; 1 year in larger casks
exported in bulk and bottled outside the country
Place of work

33. Blended (Vatted) Malt Scotch Whisky: a blend of Single Malt Scotch Whiskies - which have been distilled at ________________ - Do not confuse with 'Blended Scotch Whisky.'
160 proof
Charcoal
Distiller's beer
more than one distillery

34. Irish Pot Still Whiskey is made from 100% barley in malted and unmalted form and is...
only made in Ireland
Bottled in Bond
Be made from raw sugar cane - not molasses
Rum

35. The two distinct families of Brandy are...
Grapes/Fruits
Prior to fermentation
Cut the flower stalk
Curacao

36. The agave is classified in plant terminology as a...
Hydrolysis
Heart
Succulent
Coffee or wine

37. Barrel aged Rum may lose up to _________ a year of product to evaporation in the hotter producing areas.
Compounding
2 years minimum
10% a 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

38. The least costly method of producing liqueurs is...
Sugar cane or molasses - Grape concentrate - Root vegetables - Gin does not specify a particular spirit source.
Compounding
Curacao--a bitter orange liqueur derived from oranges from the Curacao island of the Caribbean. Now a generic liqueur
Grapes/Fruits

39. The predominant ingredient used for vodka production throughout the world is...
pyrolysis
Grains
Bottled in Bond
36% alcohol72 proof

40. Vodka regulations require distillation at 190 Proof or higher because...
the age of the youngest rum in the blend
the intent is to create a neutral spirit by cooking off most odor and flavor compounds
The Triangle Trade
more than one distillery

41. Which of the following is NOT a cold extraction method...
Distllation---distillation is a heat extraction method.
Kidney and bladder problems
Up to 15% wine base - but 12.5% of the 15% must be of the same fruit listed on the label.
Flavor extraction method & base spirit selection

42. The origin of Rum is generally considered to be...
warmer
The Caribbean Islands
Bottled in Bond
Two and one-half percent (2.5%)

43. Missionaries brought distilling technology to Ireland in the 5th century - calling the product 'Uisge Beatha' - meaning...
water of life
50/50
Up to 15% wine base - but 12.5% of the 15% must be of the same fruit listed on the label.
a solvent with a hint of lemon

44. If 'dunder' and 'skimmings' are introduced during the rum production process - it must be...
Hemi-cellulose component
Prior to fermentation
10% a year
Kidney and bladder problems

45. Two of the four sources of flavor for all liqueurs are...
to drink
Flavor extraction method & base spirit selection
6--8 years
Gold (Gold is not recognized as a classification; Gold is Joven Abocado classification.)

46. Rums from French Guyana or Haiti would be most likely to fall into the predominant style of...
Bottled in Bond
only made in Ireland
Dissolve or melt
Full-bodied and pungent

47. The 'New World' styles of whiskey showcase the impact of...
in any country; generic liqueur
0.5% abv
maturation profile
London Dry gin

48. If labeled as '100% Agave' the tequila must be...
Distilled and bottled in Mexico
10% a year
Impurities in the alcohol after distillation
permit added caramel coloring

49. The initial distillation to separate alcohol vapors from water yields...

50. The minimum aging time in barrel for Extra Anejo tequila is...
maturation profile
Barley
caramelized wood sugars in the barrel
3 years