Quality Assurance & Compliance Flashcards

What is the primary QA role of monitoring the distillery's fermentation Brix (degrees Brix) over time?

Answer: To track sugar conversion and fermentation progress, ensuring complete attenuation before distillation

Brix readings decline as yeast convert sugars to alcohol; a stalled Brix indicates a fermentation problem that must be resolved before distilling.

Which labeling statement is REQUIRED on a straight bourbon whiskey label if the product was aged less than 4 years?

Answer: An age statement disclosing the actual duration of aging

Any straight bourbon aged under 4 years must display a truthful age statement so consumers know the maturation period.

A distillery's sensory panel identifies persistent acetaldehyde in finished bourbon. Which production stage is the most likely source?

Answer: Improper cuts during distillation, retaining too much foreshots in the hearts cut

Acetaldehyde concentrates in the foreshots fraction; poor heads cuts allow it to carry over into the hearts, producing green-apple off-notes.

What is the purpose of a 'retain sample' program in bourbon bottling QA?

Answer: To preserve a reference bottle from each production lot for future comparison, complaint investigation, or regulatory review

Retain samples serve as a legal and quality baseline, allowing traceback if a consumer complaint or regulatory issue arises after release.

Under which condition can the word 'Kentucky' appear on a bourbon label as a geographic designation?

Answer: When the bourbon was both distilled and aged in Kentucky

TTB rules require that state geographic designations on bourbon labels reflect where the spirit was distilled and aged, not merely bottled.

A QA team measures the ullage (headspace) in aging barrels and finds it increasing faster than expected. What does this most likely indicate?

Answer: Higher-than-normal evaporation losses (angel's share) due to elevated temperature or humidity swings

Excessive ullage growth signals accelerated evaporation, often from unusually hot or dry rickhouse conditions that increase angel's share losses.

Which document must accompany every shipment of bulk bourbon transferred between bonded premises under TTB regulations?

Answer: A Transfer in Bond (TIB) record documenting quantity, proof, and origin

Transfers in Bond require documented TIB records so the TTB can track taxable spirits moving between federally bonded facilities without tax payment.