Spirits Glossary | Learn what 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
Gin - Juniper berry flavor in a neutral alcohol
Grappa - Italian brandy that uses the pulps of grapes
Irish Whiskey - Made in Ireland and the flavor is obtained from malted barley in its mash
Jigger - Small glass to measure liquor used mostly in America
Julep - Spirit based cocktail flavored with fresh mint leaves
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
Muddle - Using a muddler to mash ingredients
Neat - To consume a liquor that is undiluted
Proof - Measures alcohol content by volume - used in America
Rum - Distilled spirit using sugar cane that is distilled and fermented. Oftentimes flavored with fruit or spices
Rye Whiskey - Must contain at least 51% rye
Scotch Whisky - Single malts are made 100% at one distillery; blends are 40% malt and 60% grain whisky
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
Sour Mash Whiskey - Whiskey that a portion of the old mash is mixed with the new mash creating character and smoothness of flavor
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
Vodka - Originally made in Russia and Poland. It is a colorless, grain-based spirit and can be made from any grain, fruit or potato
Whiskey – Distilled spirit made from malted grain
Whisky – Distilled spirit made in Scotland, Canada, Japan