CSW Spirits, Beer & Other Beverages 1 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What is the minimum aging requirement for 'straight' bourbon whiskey in new charred oak containers?
- 6 months
- 2 years (Correct answer)
- 4 years
- 1 year
Correct answer: 2 years
Straight bourbon must be aged a minimum of 2 years in new charred oak containers; if aged less than 4 years, the age must be stated on the label.
Question 2: Which grape variety accounts for approximately 90% of grapes used in Cognac production?
- Folle Blanche
- Colombard
- Ugni Blanc (Correct answer)
- Chardonnay
Correct answer: Ugni Blanc
Ugni Blanc (known as Trebbiano in Italy) dominates Cognac production because its high acidity and low alcohol make it ideal for distillation.
Question 3: What is the minimum Blue Agave content required by Mexican law for a spirit to be labeled as tequila?
- 100%
- 80%
- 75%
- 51% (Correct answer)
Correct answer: 51%
Tequila must contain at least 51% Blue Agave (Agave tequilana Weber); spirits using exactly 51% are called 'mixto,' while 100% agave tequilas are premium.
Question 4: Which type of still is legally required for the production of Scotch single malt whisky?
- Column still
- Alembic still
- Coffey still
- Pot still (Correct answer)
Correct answer: Pot still
Scotch single malt whisky must be distilled in copper pot stills, which produce a heavier, more complex spirit than continuous column stills.
Question 5: What flavor characteristic most distinguishes Islay Scotch whiskies from other Scottish regions?
- Light and floral
- Sweet and sherry-influenced
- Heavily peated and smoky (Correct answer)
- Fruity and delicate
Correct answer: Heavily peated and smoky
Islay whiskies are famous for intense peat smoke character derived from drying malted barley with local peat, imparting medicinal, iodine, and smoky notes.
Question 6: Cognac is produced in which French department?
- Gironde
- Charente (Correct answer)
- Hérault
- Côte-d'Or
Correct answer: Charente
Cognac is produced in the Charente and Charente-Maritime departments of southwestern France, centered around the town of Cognac.
Question 7: Which Caribbean territory is the world's largest single source of rum by volume?
- Cuba
- Barbados
- Jamaica
- Puerto Rico (Correct answer)
Correct answer: Puerto Rico
Puerto Rico is the world's largest rum-producing region by volume, largely due to Bacardi's massive production facility there.
CSW Spirits, Beer & Other Beverages 1
What is the minimum aging requirement for 'straight' bourbon whiskey in new charred oak containers?