From A for Abgang (finish) to Z for Zuckercouleur (caramel coloring) – we explain the most important technical terms related to spirits in an understandable and compact way.
The world of spirits is full of exciting terms – from Single Malt to Angels' Share. For beginners, these terms can be confusing, but our spirits dictionary will help you understand them. Get to know the most important terms in the world of spirits and impress with your knowledge!
What is a spirits dictionary and why is it important?
A spirits dictionary or spirits glossary is a reference work that explains terms and concepts from the world of spirits. It helps you to better understand the different categories, production methods and special features. Our spirits glossary provides you with an overview of terms you should know, whether you are a whisky lover, gin connoisseur or rum fan.
What are spirits? The basis for connoisseurs
Spirits are alcoholic beverages with a minimum alcohol content of 15% vol., which are produced by distillation from fermented raw materials such as grain, fruit or sugar cane. Whether whisky, rum or gin – each category has its own special characteristics.
The most important spirits terms collected in the dictionary
1. Single Malt Whisky – The Classic
ASingle Malt Whiskyis produced in a single distillery and consists only of malted barley. "Single" means that it has not been blended with whiskies from other distilleries.
2. Blended Whisky – The Blend Makes It
ABlended Whiskyis a combination of different whiskies, often from several distilleries. It often tastes milder and is ideal for whisky newcomers.
3. Mocktail – Alcohol-Free Cocktail
A mocktail is a cocktail without alcohol. Instead, juices, syrups oralcohol-free spiritsare used. Perfect for anyone who wants to enjoy in style without alcohol.
4. Cask Strength – Whisky Directly from the Cask
Cask Strength means that the whisky is bottled directly from the cask without being diluted with water. It often has a very high alcohol content.
5. Angels' Share – A Part for the Angels
When stored in wooden casks, part of the spirit evaporates. This "lost" portion is called the Angels' Share – the angels' share.
6. Navy Strength – Extra Strong Alcohol
Spirits with the designation Navy Strength have at least 57.1% alcohol. The British Navy used such high-proof beverages to ensure that gunpowder would still function even in an emergency.
7. Botanicals – Ingredients for Gin
Botanicals are plants, spices, herbs or fruits that are used in the production of gin. They give gin its unique taste.
8. Finish – The Finishing Touch
During the finish, a spirit is transferred to another cask at the end of its storage period, e.g., a sherry cask. This gives it new aromas.
9. Terroir – Taste of the Region
Terroir describes how the place where the raw materials grow influences the taste of a spirit. The climate, soil and environment play a major role.
10. Maceration – Soaking for More Flavor
During maceration, fruits, herbs or spices are steeped in alcohol so that their aromas transfer to the alcohol. This is often done in the production of liqueurs.
11. Barrel Proof – Cask Strength Enjoyment
Barrel Proof means that the spirit is bottled directly at the alcohol content it had in the cask. Nothing is added or removed.
12. Overproof – Particularly Strong
Overproof spirits have an alcohol content of over 50%. They are often used for cocktails that need a strong flavor.
13. Peated – Smoky Whisky
Peated means that the whisky was dried over peat fire. This gives it a smoky aroma.
14. Mash – The Base Ingredient
The mash is a mixture of ground grain and water that is fermented to produce alcohol.
15. Pot Still – The Classic Still
A Pot Still is a traditional still used in the production of aromatic spirits such as whisky or rum.
16. Column Still – Modern Distillation
The Column Still, also known as a continuous still, is used for the efficient production of spirits such as vodka. It produces high-proof and pure alcohol.
17. Sherry Cask – Sweet Wooden Cask
A Sherry Cask is a cask in which sherry was previously stored. If it is used for whisky or rum, it imparts sweet and fruity aromas.
18. Heads, Hearts and Tails – Parts of Distillation
Three parts are produced during distillation:
- Heads (foreshots): This is inedible.
- Hearts (middle cut): The best part for high-quality spirits.
- Tails (feints): This part contains undesirable aromas.
