Spirits

• Catering
• Further Education (Key Stage 5)

Spirits

What is the spirit market worth in the Uk ?

Exports of spirits and liqueurs (which do contain additives such as sugar as sweetener) increased by 37 percent to a combined export value of 7.6 billion British pounds while imports were valued at 988 million British pounds in 2022.

Spirits and liqueurs 

Spirits are drinks which have been produced by concentrating the alcohol present in a fermented liquid by distillation. They are normally sold at between 37% and 43% alcohol (by volume), compared to around 12% for most table wines.

A liqueur is a spirit which has been both sweetened and flavoured. Originally used as medicines, most liqueurs are now used in cocktails. 

Stills used for distillation  

There are 2 types of still used 

a Pot still and a column still.

Distillation 

Pot Still – This method involves heating the liquid (wine for brandy). The vapour that is released travels along a pipe and is allowed to cool transforming it back to a liquid.

This liquid is richer in alcohol, around 25 – 35% abv. This liquid can be distilled again to further concentrate the alcohol (up to 70% abv) and flavour.

SPIRITS

Brandy – Distilled from wine known as Cognac and Armagnac.

There is no official vintage classification in brandy production but the following are used:

VS (very superior) – a minimum of two years cask aging

VSOP (very superior old pale) a minimum of four years cask aging.

XO (extra old) a minimum of six years cask aging.

Spirits 

Whisky is distilled from malted grains.

Scotch is a blend of whisky from a number of distilleries it must be aged for at least 3 years.

Single malt is made in one particular distillery.

Vodka is a neutral spirit originating from the Baltic countries. It can be distilled from a variety of raw materials and is mainly consumed as an alcoholic vehicle for whatever it is mixed with. In Russia and Poland, vodkas flavoured with herbs and spices are popular.

Spirits can be made from different flavours 

some spirits include:

Whisky

Rum

Tequila

Brandy 

what do you think they are made from?

1. Whisky- Malted Barley
2. Rum- Molasses
3. Tequila-Agave
4. Brandy- Grape juice 

Liqueurs 

Liqueurs are made using either of two main processes:

Maceration – Fruit is left to soak in the spirit for a long time.

Infusion – the warmed alcohol is pumped over the flavouring.

Liqueurs 

Research a liqueur from each of these flavours :

Orange – 

Aniseed – 

Cherries – 

Almonds – 

Peaches – 

Coffee – 

Liqueurs 

The following liqueurs are made with the following flavourings:

Orange – Cointreau & Grand Marnier

Aniseed – Pernod & Ouzo

Cherries – Kirsch

Almonds – Amaretto

Peaches – Archers & Schnapps

Coffee – Kahlua & Tia Maria

"Water of Life" 

Fruit Eaux-de-Vie are the result of distilling fermented fruit, which is then aged, generally in glass. The spirits generally have no colour and are usually served very cold to accentuate the fruit flavour. Such spirits are made widely in Europe, the finest of which are considered to come from Alsace in France and the Black Forest in Germany. Examples of the most popular are: Slivovitz (from Bosnia), Poire William (made from pears) and Zwetschgen (made from blue plums).

Vermouths 

Vermouths such as Martini, Noiully Prat , Dubonnet Punt e mes & Cinzano are distilled from wine.

The wine is blended with mistelle (blended grape juice and alcohol), lemon and raspberry spirits, and fortified with alcohol to 19 – 20 ABV. After this the blend is piped into barrels containing a secret blend of herbs and spices. ( the blend may contain camomile, ginger root, vanilla, cinnamon, cloves, centaury, dittany, lemon balm, iris roots, bitter orange peel) Each manufacturer has its own jealously-guarded secret recipe, known only to a few trusted people.

Before and after a meal 

An aperitif is usually served before a meal to stimulate the appetite.

A digestif is served at the end of a meal to aid digestion.

What is a pot still used for?

1. Making whiskey
2. Fermenting wine
3. Brewing beer
4. Distilling spirits

What is the average alcohol content in spirits?

1. 40%
2. 50%
3. 70%
4. 30%

Which process is used to create spirits?

1. Distillation
2. Crystallization
3. Oxidation
4. Aeration

Which type of drink is commonly served as a digestive?

1. Milk
2. Liqueur
3. Soda
4. Juice

What is the purpose of a digestive?

1. To satisfy hunger
2. To aid digestion
3. To stimulate appetite
4. To quench thirst

How is vermouth often served?

1. As a main course beverage
2. As an aperitif or in cocktails
3. Mixed with hot water
4. As a dessert wine

When is a digestive served?

1. During a meal
2. Before a meal
3. After a meal
4. As an appetizer

What does the term VS,VSOP and Xo mean on a bottle of Cognac ?

How long must Scotch whisky be aged in oak casks?

1. Minimum of 10 years
2. Minimum of 3 years
3. Minimum of 1 year
4. Minimum of 5 years

In which three colours are rum produced?

1. Red
2. Dark
3. Gold
4. White