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...
Brouillis
191.2 proof
Jicama
Gold (Gold is not recognized as a classification; Gold is Joven Abocado classification.)

2. Two of the four sources of flavor for all liqueurs are...
Fewer congeners
Flavor extraction method & base spirit selection
10% a year
the intent is to create a neutral spirit by cooking off most odor and flavor compounds

3. Which of the following is NOT a cold extraction method...
one year minimum
2 years minimum
with juniper - although any other botanicals may be used also
Distllation---distillation is a heat extraction method.

4. The harvested stem of the agave is called a cabeza or...
Up to 15% wine base - but 12.5% of the 15% must be of the same fruit listed on the label.
water of life
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
Pina

5. The historic trade pattern of Rum from the Caribbean colonies to the U.S. to Africa was referred to as...
to drink
varietal-specific brandies
The Triangle Trade
51% agave

6. Liqueur is derived for the latin term 'liquifacere' meaning...
Bottled in Bond
Dissolve or melt
water of life
charcoal mellowed

7. The first New World spirit category to be developed commercially is...
The Triangle Trade
Rum
Curacao
50/50

8. In the U.S. - Fruit Flavored Brandy may contain...
more than one distillery
Pulque
Full-bodied and pungent
Up to 15% wine base - but 12.5% of the 15% must be of the same fruit listed on the label.

9. What are the five requirements for Bourbon Whiskey?
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
More full-bodied
t least one year
Aguamiel

10. Armagnac may be the result of a single distillation in a...
6--8 years
the intent is to create a neutral spirit by cooking off most odor and flavor compounds
permit added caramel coloring
column/pot combination still

11. The least costly method of producing liqueurs is...
Dissolve or melt
191.2 proof
Crisp and Clean - Medium - Creamy
Compounding

12. The two distinct families of Brandy are...
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
Prior to fermentation
Water
Grapes/Fruits

13. Mexican law allows some finished tequilas to be...
36% alcohol72 proof
exported in bulk and bottled outside the country
Barley
to drink

14. Bourbon whiskey produced at one distillery - during one distilling season - aged a minimum of four years and bottled at 100 proof - is called...
2 years minimum
Bottled in Bond
50/50
warmer

15. 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
Fuller-tasting rums
t least one year
Place of work

16. In the U.S. - Brandy must achieve a minimum bottling of 80 proof (40% abv). In Europe - the minimum strength at bottling is...
51% agave
36% alcohol72 proof
exported in bulk and bottled outside the country
45% alcohol by volume

17. Under E. U. rules - Armagnac may produce both vintage dated and...
3 years
Hydrolysis
in any country; generic liqueur
varietal-specific brandies

18. Vodka is distilled to a very high proof level because producers want...
marc
Evaporation and condensation
Grains
Fewer congeners

19. If an age statement for barrel aging is stated on the label it signifies...
Sugar cane or molasses - Grape concentrate - Root vegetables - Gin does not specify a particular spirit source.
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
the age of the youngest rum in the blend
Fewer congeners

20. In general terms - Plymouth Gin will be _________________________than London Dry Gin.
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
Grains
More full-bodied
Dissolve or melt

21. Every whiskey is crafted with the same five sources of flavor: grain recipe - fermentation process - distillation process - maturation process and...
Curacao--a bitter orange liqueur derived from oranges from the Curacao island of the Caribbean. Now a generic liqueur
charcoal mellowed
Water
3 years

22. The process step in which the inulin is converted to fermentable sugars is called...
Hydrolysis
only made in Ireland
80--94
Backset - also called Sour Mash Method.

23. Only Bourbob whiskey must be aged at...
More full-bodied
45% alcohol by volume
Prior to fermentation
125 proof or less

24. Throughout history a great stone wheel was used to separate the fibrous pulp from the agave. This wheel is called the...
mixture of cooked grains and water before adding yeast
Succulent
Grains
Tahona

25. The most prevalent form of Rum production is...
Holland or Belgium
Industriel
Mixto (will be labeled as 'Tequila')
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

26. Non-alcoholic beverages - such as beer and wine may contain no more than_____ percent alcohol by Volume (abv).
permit added caramel coloring
Fewer congeners
0.5% abv
Compounding

27. For rums - U.S. recognizes only Anejo designation at a...
pre-used white oak whiskey barrels
Distilled and bottled in Mexico
one year minimum
Be made from raw sugar cane - not molasses

28. Slower-working yeast cultures cause more esters to develop in fermentation - thus creating...
Two and one-half percent (2.5%)
Fuller-tasting rums
mixture of cooked grains and water before adding yeast
Rum

29. If a Rum is produced in the Agricole tradition - it must...
requires topping barrels from other barrels in a series (similar to Sherry Solera Process).
only made in Ireland
Be made from raw sugar cane - not molasses
the intent is to create a neutral spirit by cooking off most odor and flavor compounds

30. Holland became famous for what type of liqueur...
decomposed plant matter
requires topping barrels from other barrels in a series (similar to Sherry Solera Process).
Curacao--a bitter orange liqueur derived from oranges from the Curacao island of the Caribbean. Now a generic liqueur
Cut the flower stalk

31. Which of the terms below is NOT one of the five classifications of post-distilled tequila?
Evaporation and condensation
Gold (Gold is not recognized as a classification; Gold is Joven Abocado classification.)
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
column/pot combination still

32. Dunder - in rum - is most similar to what New World whiskey makers refer to as __________________.
Rum
Backset - also called Sour Mash Method.
Pina
one year minimum

33. Barrel aged Rum may lose up to _________ a year of product to evaporation in the hotter producing areas.
Pineau de Charentes
10% a year
173F
Full-bodied and pungent

34. Spain produces and consumes large quantities of gin. What is the most prevalent gin style in Spain?
3 years
Dissolve or melt
London Dry gin
Charcoal

35. If 'dunder' and 'skimmings' are introduced during the rum production process - it must be...
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
191.2 proof
50/50
Prior to fermentation

36. If labeled as '100% Agave' the tequila must be...
Distilled and bottled in Mexico
Pineau de Charentes
London Dry gin
Mixto (will be labeled as 'Tequila')

37. A Tennessee whiskey is different from a bourbon whiskey because it is...
Crisp and Clean - Medium - Creamy
charcoal mellowed
Succulent
Gold (Gold is not recognized as a classification; Gold is Joven Abocado classification.)

38. Agave is derived from the Greek word for...
charcoal mellowed
Noble
Crisp and Clean - Medium - Creamy
Succulent

39. Anejo tequila must be aged in wooden barrels no larger than 600 liters for...
6 months in barrel; 1 year in larger casks
mixture of cooked grains and water before adding yeast
Distilled and bottled in Mexico
t least one year

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

41. Scotch whisky requires a longer maturation than its bourbon cousin because...
Full-bodied and pungent
water of life
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

42. The term 'beverage' is derived from the Latin bibere - meaning...
t least one year
3 years
Up to 15% wine base - but 12.5% of the 15% must be of the same fruit listed on the label.
to drink

43. EU Brandy rules stipulate that brandy aged in oak barrels or casks...
Compounding
Distiller's beer
6 months in barrel; 1 year in larger casks
Jicama

44. Water boils at 212 F. At about what temperature will ethyl alcohol boil?
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
173F
Curacao--a bitter orange liqueur derived from oranges from the Curacao island of the Caribbean. Now a generic liqueur
45% alcohol by volume

45. The primary flavoring agent for Sloe Gin is...
Blackthorn Plum
Pulque
Brouillis
Hydrolysis

46. In Rum production - a finished product may be the result of...
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
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
Gold (Gold is not recognized as a classification; Gold is Joven Abocado classification.)
45% alcohol by volume

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

48. Vodka in its 'original' form comes in three flavor presentation styles - that are...
pre-used white oak whiskey barrels
Fuller-tasting rums
Charcoal
Crisp and Clean - Medium - Creamy

49. The blue agave is reproduced commercially through asexual reproduction and will be ready for harvest in...
Heart
6--8 years
10% a year
t least one year

50. Irish Pot Still Whiskey is made from 100% barley in malted and unmalted form and is...
water of life
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
only made in Ireland
Grapes/Fruits