Scotch Whisky Production & Distillation Flashcards
7 cards from real CSP practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 7 Scotch Whisky Production & Distillation flashcards as text
Which of the following describes 'triple distillation' as practiced at some Scottish distilleries such as Auchentoshan?
Answer: Passing the wash through three separate pot stills to produce a lighter, more refined spirit
Triple distillation involves running the spirit sequentially through three pot stills — wash still, intermediate still, and spirit still — producing a lighter, more delicate new make spirit.
What is the Scotch Whisky Regulations' definition of the maximum cask size permitted for maturation?
Answer: 700 litres
The Scotch Whisky Regulations 2009 specify that maturation must occur in oak casks not exceeding 700 litres in capacity.
What term describes the practice of finishing Scotch whisky in a second cask type after initial maturation?
Answer: Cask finishing (or double maturation)
Cask finishing (sometimes called double maturation) involves transferring a nearly mature whisky to a different cask type — such as sherry, port, or wine — for an additional period to add complexity.
What is the minimum bottling strength for Scotch whisky under the Scotch Whisky Regulations 2009?
Answer: 40% ABV
The Scotch Whisky Regulations 2009 require that Scotch whisky must be bottled at a minimum of 40% ABV.
What is 'pot ale' (also called 'burnt ale') in Scotch whisky distillation?
Answer: The liquid residue remaining in the wash still after distillation, rich in proteins and yeast
Pot ale is the spent liquid left in the wash still after distillation, containing proteins, dead yeast, and unfermentable sugars; it is typically processed into animal feed or dark grains.
In the context of Scotch whisky production, what is the 'spirit safe'?
Answer: A locked glass-and-brass apparatus through which the distillate flows, allowing the stillman to assess its character without direct contact
The spirit safe is a glass-and-brass device, traditionally under HMRC lock, through which distillate flows so the stillman can assess clarity and density to make cut decisions without touching the untaxed spirit.
What is the role of 'yeast strain' selection in Scotch malt whisky production?
Answer: It significantly influences fermentation character, alcohol yield, and ester production, affecting new make spirit flavour
Yeast strain choice affects fermentation speed, alcohol yield, and crucially the production of esters and other flavour congeners that carry through to the new make spirit and ultimately the matured whisky.