Frequently Asked Questions: Spirit Details
FAQs About Spirits
1. What’s the difference between whiskey, bourbon, and scotch?
Whiskey is the umbrella term for spirits made from grains and aged in barrels. Bourbon is a type of whiskey made primarily from corn (at least 51%) and aged in new charred oak barrels, often with a sweeter flavor. Scotch is whisky (notice the lack of an “e”) from Scotland, typically made from malted barley and known for its smoky, peaty notes. Think of it as a family tree—bourbon and scotch are the cousins of the whiskey world.
2. Why is tequila divided into blanco, reposado, and añejo?
It all comes down to aging! Blanco (aka silver) tequila is unaged and bottled right after distillation, showcasing pure agave flavors. Reposado is aged for 2-12 months in oak barrels, giving it smoother, lightly oaky notes. Añejo, on the other hand, is aged 1-3 years, resulting in a richer, deeper flavor. In short: blanco is fresh and bold, reposado is mellow and balanced, and añejo is rich and complex.
3. What makes vodka “premium”? Is it worth the extra cash?
Premium vodka is typically distilled multiple times for smoothness and filtered to remove impurities. It’s often made with higher-quality ingredients like winter wheat or potatoes. Is it worth it? For sipping or cocktails where vodka is the star (like a Martini), absolutely. But if you’re mixing it with soda or juice, a mid-tier bottle can do the trick just fine.
4. What’s the difference between gin and vodka?
The key difference is botanicals! Vodka is a neutral spirit with little to no flavor, while gin starts as a neutral spirit but is infused with juniper berries and other botanicals (like citrus, coriander, or cardamom). If vodka is the blank canvas, gin is the painting.
5. What’s the best way to store spirits?
Keep your spirits cool, dry, and out of direct sunlight—think pantry, not patio. Once opened, most spirits (like whiskey, rum, or vodka) can last for years if sealed tightly. Liqueurs and fortified wines, however, should be consumed within 6-12 months since they can lose flavor or spoil.
6. Why does rum taste so different depending on the bottle?
Rum’s flavor depends on three things: where it’s made, what it’s made from, and how it’s aged. Rums from the Caribbean often have tropical and molasses-forward flavors, while Latin American rums can lean lighter and more floral. Aging also plays a role—light rums are unaged, while dark rums soak up flavors from barrels.
7. What’s the best spirit for beginners who want to start sipping neat?
Start with something smooth and approachable. A good bourbon like Maker’s Mark or an aged rum like Diplomatico is perfect for beginners. These spirits are rich, sweet, and easy on the palate—no burn, just pure enjoyment. Sip slowly and let the flavors unfold—you’ll thank me later.
OF COURSE - “THE COURSE”
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