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

2. Armagnac may be the result of a single distillation in a...
a solvent with a hint of lemon
0.5% abv
column/pot combination still
Prior to fermentation

3. Brandy made by the Solera Process...
Distiller's beer
requires topping barrels from other barrels in a series (similar to Sherry Solera Process).
Impurities in the alcohol after distillation
permit added caramel coloring

4. Agave is derived from the Greek word for...
Curacao--a bitter orange liqueur derived from oranges from the Curacao island of the Caribbean. Now a generic liqueur
Noble
Evaporation and condensation
permit added caramel coloring

5. In general terms - Plymouth Gin will be _________________________than London Dry Gin.
the age of the youngest rum in the blend
Pineau de Charentes
More full-bodied
Heart

6. Throughout history a great stone wheel was used to separate the fibrous pulp from the agave. This wheel is called the...
10% a year
Evaporation and condensation
with juniper - although any other botanicals may be used also
Tahona

7. Water boils at 212 F. At about what temperature will ethyl alcohol boil?
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
173F
the age of the youngest rum in the blend
marc

8. Blended (Vatted) Malt Scotch Whisky: a blend of Single Malt Scotch Whiskies - which have been distilled at ________________ - Do not confuse with 'Blended Scotch Whisky.'
10% a year
Fuller-tasting rums
charcoal mellowed
more than one distillery

9. The historic trade pattern of Rum from the Caribbean colonies to the U.S. to Africa was referred to as...
Barley
The Triangle Trade
decomposed plant matter
Compounding

10. The non-distilled beverage alcohol crafted from agave is called...
Pulque
Water
Noble
more than one distillery

11. Vodka is distilled to a very high proof level because producers want...
Cut the flower stalk
More full-bodied
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
Fewer congeners

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

13. What are the five requirements for Bourbon Whiskey?
Succulent
more than one distillery
6 months in barrel; 1 year in larger casks
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

14. Holland became famous for what type of liqueur...
Curacao--a bitter orange liqueur derived from oranges from the Curacao island of the Caribbean. Now a generic liqueur
Tahona
2 years minimum
the intent is to create a neutral spirit by cooking off most odor and flavor compounds

15. The least costly method of producing liqueurs is...
Pulque
decomposed plant matter
Compounding
Pineau de Charentes

16. Gin was originally crafted for medical reasons - specifically to deal with...
10% a year
80--94
Kidney and bladder problems
Industriel

17. Cordial is derived from the Latin word 'cordialis' meaning...
Succulent
the intent is to create a neutral spirit by cooking off most odor and flavor compounds
Heart
Curacao

18. Bourbon whiskey produced at one distillery - during one distilling season - aged a minimum of four years and bottled at 100 proof - is called...
45% alcohol by volume
caramelized wood sugars in the barrel
Pina
Bottled in Bond

19. If an age statement for barrel aging is stated on the label it signifies...
Noble
only made in Ireland
the age of the youngest rum in the blend
The Triangle Trade

20. The two distinct families of Brandy are...
3 years
The Triangle Trade
Grapes/Fruits
in any country; generic liqueur

21. The 'New World' styles of whiskey showcase the impact of...
maturation profile
Flavor extraction method & base spirit selection
Pulque
Distiller's beer

22. Which of the terms below is NOT one of the five classifications of post-distilled tequila?
requires topping barrels from other barrels in a series (similar to Sherry Solera Process).
Gold (Gold is not recognized as a classification; Gold is Joven Abocado classification.)
a solvent with a hint of lemon
Cut the flower stalk

23. The French designation for a pomace brandy is...
marc
More full-bodied
mixture of cooked grains and water before adding yeast
Mixto (will be labeled as 'Tequila')

24. Natural ethanol is described as resembling...
173F
The Triangle Trade
a solvent with a hint of lemon
Distllation---distillation is a heat extraction method.

25. Vodka regulations require distillation at 190 Proof or higher because...
exported in bulk and bottled outside the country
the intent is to create a neutral spirit by cooking off most odor and flavor compounds
More full-bodied
Coffee or wine

26. In Cognac - the first distillation produces what is referred to in French as __________________.
Distilled and bottled in Mexico
36% alcohol72 proof
more than one distillery
Brouillis

27. Common heat distillation cannot exceed...
10% a year
t least one year
Full-bodied and pungent
191.2 proof

28. Dunder - in rum - is most similar to what New World whiskey makers refer to as __________________.
Backset - also called Sour Mash Method.
45% alcohol by volume
10% a year
pyrolysis

29. A product listed as '90 Proof' would be equivalent to...
45% alcohol by volume
loral and fruity
Pina
with juniper - although any other botanicals may be used also

30. The congener acetaldehyde in vodka would most likely produce aroma/flavor characteristics of...
requires topping barrels from other barrels in a series (similar to Sherry Solera Process).
Coffee or wine
3 years
More full-bodied

31. Agave is one of the six primary areas of tequila flavor. Of the following five - which is NOT a primary source of flavor?...
Jicama
0.5% abv
exported in bulk and bottled outside the country
Pina

32. The minimum aging time in barrel for Extra Anejo tequila is...
More full-bodied
Pineau de Charentes
3 years
Up to 15% wine base - but 12.5% of the 15% must be of the same fruit listed on the label.

33. The term 'beverage' is derived from the Latin bibere - meaning...
Blackthorn Plum
Industriel
to drink
marc

34. For rums - U.S. recognizes only Anejo designation at a...
Tahona
Industriel
Crisp and Clean - Medium - Creamy
one year minimum

35. The alcohol range for most Gin in the U.S. is...
80--94
marc
Rum
Evaporation and condensation

36. Tequila is a word of Nahuatl derivation which means...
London Dry gin
Place of work
Pulque
Distllation---distillation is a heat extraction method.

37. 'Compound Gin' may be created in which two methods...
caramelized wood sugars in the barrel
Pulque
in any country; generic liqueur
Cold Compounding and Compounding Essence

38. The global definition for whiskey is...
more than one distillery
36% alcohol72 proof
Crafted from grain - Distilled at less than 190 proof - Aged in oak containers - Bottled at no less than 80 proof c.
Pulque

39. Spain produces and consumes large quantities of gin. What is the most prevalent gin style in Spain?
London Dry gin
Distilled and bottled in Mexico
Water
water of life

40. The minimum sugar content allowed in liqueurs is...
a solvent with a hint of lemon
Two and one-half percent (2.5%)
Flavor extraction method & base spirit selection
Distiller's beer

41. Prior to harvesting an agave plant for tequila a necessary step is to...
Backset - also called Sour Mash Method.
Cut the flower stalk
the age of the youngest rum in the blend
Brouillis

42. Which of the following is NOT a proprietary liqueur?
Bottled in Bond
Aguamiel
Impurities in the alcohol after distillation
Curacao

43. Vodka in its 'original' form comes in three flavor presentation styles - that are...
Crisp and Clean - Medium - Creamy
120 proof
varietal-specific brandies
Mixto (will be labeled as 'Tequila')

44. In the U.S. - Fruit Flavored Brandy may contain...
Place of work
Heart
Up to 15% wine base - but 12.5% of the 15% must be of the same fruit listed on the label.
2 years minimum

45. The primary contributor to the color of whiskies ...
caramelized wood sugars in the barrel
Hydrolysis
with juniper - although any other botanicals may be used also
Pina

46. The blue agave is reproduced commercially through asexual reproduction and will be ready for harvest in...
Pina
3 years
6--8 years
permit added caramel coloring

47. Gin requires an additional flavoring beyond its spirit base as part of its standard identity.At an absolute minimum - it must be flavored...
Charcoal
with juniper - although any other botanicals may be used also
Water
Blackthorn Plum

48. Mexican law allows some finished tequilas to be...
Distllation---distillation is a heat extraction method.
exported in bulk and bottled outside the country
the age of the youngest rum in the blend
Backset - also called Sour Mash Method.

49. Every whiskey is crafted with the same five sources of flavor: grain recipe - fermentation process - distillation process - maturation process and...
column/pot combination still
Water
Two and one-half percent (2.5%)
Prior to fermentation

50. A Tennessee whiskey is different from a bourbon whiskey because it is...
permit added caramel coloring
Aguamiel
charcoal mellowed
10% a year