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WSET Diploma North American Whiskies Exam 100% Verified
If called a Bourbon whiskey the MASH BILL must contain a minimum of 51% of what? - ANSWER 51% corn or maize.
What are some SMALL GRAINS? - ANSWER Rye, wheat, malted barley.
What is the maximum % abv Bourbon can be distilled to? - ANSWER 80% abv.
At what % abv can it maximum be aged at and what is the minimum period? - ANSWER 62.5 % abv and minimum aging for 2 years
Can colour adjustment be made? - ANSWER NO
Describe Bourbon typical flavour. - ANSWER Full bodied, sweet and punchy spirit with streaks of vanilla, coconuts, citrusy notes, toffees and spice.
How often is malted barley used in the mash bill? - ANSWER Probably always, not only for enzyme conversion but to impart that biscuity sweetness and a dry finish.
What characteristics does corn give a Bourbon? - ANSWER A signature soft sweetness. Tight and slightly grainy when young, it mellows and becomes richer with age.
What flavours/characters does rye impart to a Bourbon? ANSWER Provides Bourbon with attack. Aromatic, lemon-accented and faintly dusty when young, its presence can be recognised from mid-palate as an intense, greasy, acid bite that bites. Provides spicy life at the end
What flavours/ characters does wheat impart to a Bourbon? ANSWER General rounded and honeyed characteristics.
In general, the less corn you use in the mash bill. - ANSWER .the fuller flavored the Bourbon will be.
When is malted barley added to the cooking/mashing process? - ANSWER At the first stage, while cooking the corn to help liquify it. Also, after the rye or wheat has been added and cooked for enzyme conversion.
What is BACKSET? - ANSWER Acidic liquid residue, left at the foot of the beer column.
How does backset get used and why? - ANSWER Its added in the fermentation vessel with mash. The water used in bourbon is hard, alkaline water. Backset balances PH level of mash making it little more acidic. Helps yeast, lowers bacterial infection risk and balances character.
What is SOUR MASHING? - ANSWER When backset is added to the cooker.
Backset must, by law, make up a minimum of what % of the total mash? - ANSWER 25% of the total mash.
How long is Bourbons fermentation on average? - ANSWER 3 days.
What type of still does the majority of distillers use, what is the first runs alcohol called?
- ANSWER A BEER STILL, with sacrificial copper parts. Low-wines.
How are the low-wines further distilled and in what type of still? - ANSWER Mostly in a basic pot still called a DOUBLER which removes impurities and boost the alcohol level. Some distillers use a THUMPER.
What % of other imported mature liquors can be added to the Canadian Whisky blend?
- ANSWER 9.09% usually being wine, port, sherry, bourbon, rum, etc.
