Spirits Glossary | What do the names mean?

Armagnac – produced in the Armagnac region of France distilled in a column still

Bourbon – distilled whiskey – mash is at least 51% corn

Brandy – a strong spirit distilled from wine or fermented fruit juice

Calvados – apple brandy made in the Calvados region of France

Cognac – high quality brandy distilled twice in a pot still in Cognac, France

Liqueurs – liquor bottled with added sugar and/or flavorings

Mezcal – made outside of the 5 areas that tequila is made and made from the agave plant

Single Grain – whisky made from a single distillery doesn’t have to be made from barley nor does it need to be malted grains.  Usually made from corn or wheat or a blend of the two

Single Malt – whisky made from a single distillery and made from malted barley

Spirits – liquor that contains no added sugar and has at least 20% ABV (40 proof)

Tequila – made in one of 5 areas of Mexico from the agave plant

Whiskey – distilled spirit made from malted grain

Whisky – distilled spirit made in Scotland, Canada, Japan