Wine
Definitions
Aperitifs
- Aperitifs, or appetizer wines, are generally served
before meals. Champagne and Sherries are traditional
aperitifs. Light white wine may also fall into this
category.
Dessert Wines - Dessert wines are usually served
with or in place of dessert, and can be sweet or dry.
Dessert wines are officially classified as having an
alcohol content of between 17 and 21 percent. Sherry,
Tokay and Port are well known types of dessert wines.
Rosés (Blush Wines) - Rosés, or blush wines, are
light pink in color and made from several types of red
wine grapes. Their color is the result of a very short
period of contact with the grape skins during the wine
making process. Rosés are light and usually have some
sweetness.
Table Wines - Table wines can be red, white, or
blush wines. They contain 7 to 14 percent alcohol and
are still, rather than effervescent. They can come from
any grape or any combination of grapes and in any style.
Table wines may carry varietal names, names describing
the color (for example, blush) or region (such as
Chablis) or a name coined by the winery.
Gin is a white grain spirit flavored with juniper
berries. It is dry compared to other spirits and is most
commonly used in cocktails with sweeter ingredients like
tonic water or vermouth to balance this dryness.
London Dry Gin
is the most common kind of gin and is used in most mixed
drinks.
Old Tom Gin is a sweeter version of London Dry
Gin. Simple syrup is used to distinguish this old style
of gin from its contemporaries.
Plymouth Gin is a clear, slightly fruity,
full-bodied gin that is very aromatic.
Dutch Gin is a lower proof type of gin and is
distilled from malted grain mash similar to whiskey.
Sloe Gin is a common, ready-sweetened form of gin
that is traditionally made by infusing sloes (the fruit
of the blackthorn) in gin.
Rum comes from fermented and distilled sugarcane
by-products. It is a common belief that rum originated
in Barbados and to this day the majority of rum is
produced in the Caribbean and in South America, hence
the concoction's notorious connection to vacation fun
and ultimate relaxation.
RUMS
Light Rums
- Also referred to as silver or white rums, these rums
generally have very little flavor aside from a general
sweetness, and serve accordingly as a base for
cocktails. Light rums are sometimes filtered after aging
to remove any color.
Gold Rums - Also known as amber rums, these dark
colored, medium-bodied rums are generally aged in wooden
barrels (usually the charred white oak barrels that are
the byproduct of Bourbon Whiskey).
Spiced Rum - These rums obtain their flavor
through addition of spices and, sometimes, caramel. Most
are darker in color, and based on gold rums. Some are
significantly darker, while many cheaper brands are made
from inexpensive white rums and darkened with artificial
caramel color.
Dark Rum - Also known as black rum, it is
generally aged longer, in heavily charred barrels. Dark
rum has a much stronger flavor than either light or gold
rum. It is used to provide substance in rum drinks, as
well as color. In addition to uses in mixed drinks, dark
rum is the type of rum most commonly used in cooking.
Flavored Rum - Some manufacturers have begun to
sell rums infused with flavors of fruits. These serve to
flavor similarly themed tropical drinks, which generally
comprise less than 40% alcohol, and are also often drunk
neat or on the rocks.
Over Proof Rum - This grade of rum has a higher
percentage of alcohol than standard 40% alcohol. Most of
these rums bear greater than 75%, in fact, and
preparations of 151 to 160 proof occur commonly.
Premium Rum - As with other sipping spirits, such
as Cognac and Scotch, a market exists for premium and
super-premium spirits. These are generally boutique
brands which sell very aged and carefully produced rums.
They have more character and flavor than their "mixing"
counterparts, and are generally consumed without the
addition of other ingredients.
WHISKEY
The Words on Whisky Although there are different grains,
stills, flavors and countries of origin - Whisky by
another name can still be whisky. Scotland, Ireland,
America and Canada all produce a unique style of whisky.
(Or 'Whiskey') With so many different whiskeys being
made - you're sure to find one that suits your specific
palate. Below you will find some basic definitions that
will help you understand the world of whisky.
First things first: Whether it's called
Rye, Bourbon or Scotch - they're all liquor that is
distilled from a grain and therefore are all Whiskies.
Why two different spellings?:
Traditionally, whiskies made in Scotland and Canada are
spelled without an "e". Ireland and the U.S. spell it
with an "e" (Whiskey).
Blended Whiskey
- A combination of two or more (100 proof) whiskies. The
blend is then placed into a cask for a period of time
but only after each liquid has itself has been aged. The
amount of straight whisky in the blends will vary
depending on the country and the brand's formula.
Blended Whisky is the preferred style for cocktails that
call for them.
Bourbon - Named after Bourbon County, Kentucky -
this whiskey must be made from a mash of between 51 &
79% corn grain. If that percentage hits 80% or higher,
it becomes known as a Corn Whiskey. Bourbon is usually
distilled at 160 proof which is equivalent to 80%
alcohol. It must also be aged for at least 2 years in
new charred oak barrels. Blending and additives other
than water are unwelcome in any Bourbon making process.
Canadian Whisky - With a style considered more
light-bodied and versatile - blended Canadian Whisky is
a popular choice for mixed drinks. Corn and wheat -
supplemented by rye, barley or barley malt are the
primary grains used. While most are aged from 4-6 years
in oak barrels - the minimum allowed is 3 years.
Irish Whiskey - There are different types of
Irish whiskey. A single malt whiskey made from 100%
malted barley distilled in a
pot still
and a grain whiskey made from grains distilled in a
column still.
Pure pot still whiskey (100% barley, both malted and
un-malted, distilled in a pot still) is unique to Irish
whiskey. The un-malted barley gives the pure pot still
whiskey a spicy, uniquely Irish quality. Irish whiskey
malt is dried on a closed kiln, away from fire and smoke
- which separates it from Scotch.
Rye Whiskey - United States law says that Rye
must be made from at least 51% of any grain. The most
common grain used in Rye are wheat and barley. While
there are many similarities Bourbon, Rye's spicy and
slight bitter flavor set it apart. Few distilleries
restarted production after prohibition was repealed, but
Rye is currently making a trendy resurgence.
Scotch Whisky - Named for whisky made in
Scotland, 'Scotch' is usually double-distilled, and will
have a degree of smoky flavor that is derived from its
barley (into malt) drying process. A peat fire allows
smoke to come in contact with the malt - giving the
Scotch a level of "peatiness". The two types of Scotch
are blended and single-malt.
Single-Malt Scotch Whisky - To be called a
'single-malt' Scotch - it must be produced by a single
distillery - in one season from a single batch of
whisky. There are approximately 100 distilleries in
Scotland that create single-malt whisky - each with it's
own well-guarded recipe. One could spend a lifetime
learning the different the different nuances and notes
of the distilleries. The casks (wooden barrels) used to
age the single-malts include, Sherry, Port, Burgundy,
Rum, Madeira, Sauterne and many more.
Tennessee Whiskey - This is a type of American
whiskey similar to bourbon, in that it is composed of at
least 51% corn and aged in new, charred oak barrels,
typically for four or more years. The difference between
Bourbon and Tennessee whiskey is that Tennessee whiskey
goes through a filtering stage called the "Lincoln
County Process". This process consists of the whiskey
being filtered through a thick layer of maple charcoal.
This step gives the whiskey a distinctive flavor and
jump-starts the aging process. The process is named for
Lincoln County, Tennessee, which is where the Jack
Daniel's distillery was originally located. In 1871, the
Jack Daniel's distillery, and the surrounding area
became part of the newly created Moore County. See: Jack
Daniel's and George Dickel.
Private / Independent Bottler - A company that
will contract with a malt distillery to buy individual
casks of malt whisky. The 'bottler' will use it's own
label on the bottle but will indicate the distillery of
origin. Independent bottlers include, Cadenhead, Gordon
& MacPhail, Hart Brothers and Montgomeries.
TEQUILA
Contrary to popular belief, tequila isn't from a cactus
and doesn't need a worm as an essential part of the
process. Traditionally, it is made in the Tequila region
of Mexico from the fermented juices of the blue Agave
plant. Although the blue Agave may appear similar to a
cactus it actually is a member of a different genus
group altogether. As for the worm at the bottom of the
bottle, it is a very well known legend but also
completely untrue. A worm was once placed in the bottle
as a simple marketing ploy and it obviously worked.
Blanco (White or Silver)
- An unaged tequila that goes directly from distillation
to the bottle.
Oro (Gold) - This is when caramel flavors are
added to Blanco tequila in order to smooth out the
taste.
Reposado (Rested) - In order to be labeled as a
Reposado, the tequila must be aged for at least two
months in oak barrels.
Anejo (Aged) - The Anejo is aged in oak barrels
for at least one year.
Reserva - Although not a category in itself, it
is a special A
that certain distillers age in oak casks for up to 8
years.
How to Stock A Basic Party Bar:
(2) Bottles of Vodka. The Vodka will go the
fastest. Be prepared. Sure we have Grey Goose. We also
recommend Zyr.
(1) Bottle of Gin. For Martinis and your favorite
tonic. Sure we have Bombay. We also recommend Junipero.
(1) Bottle of Dark Rum. Always a crowd pleaser!
Sure we have Captain Morgan. We also recommend Ron
Zaccapa.
(1) Bottle of White Rum. Someone always prefers
the light-stuff. Sure we have Meyer's. We also recommend
10 Cane.
(1) Bottle of Tequila. For Margaritas, Shots, &
Sips. Sure we have Jose Cuervo. We also recommend El
Tesoro.
(1) Bottle of Tennessee Whisky. Used for many a
mixed drink. Sure we have Jack Daniels. We also
recommend George Dickel.
(1) Bottle of Single-malt Scotch. At least one to
start. Sure we have Macallan. We also recommend Balvenie.
(1) Bottle of Blended Scotch. Don't underestimate
its popularity. Sure we have Dewar's. We also recommend
Johnnie Walker.
(1) Bottle of Bourbon. It's not just for Coke
anymore. Sure we have Maker's Mark. We also recommend
Basil Hayden.
Other items you might consider:
(1) Bottle of Schnapps. Try Peachtree,
Rumplemintz and Black Haus for example.
(1) Bottle of Triple Sec. Bols or Binyamina.
(1) Bottle of Sweet/Dry Vermouth. Try Martini &
Rossi, Noilly Pratt, Vya, or Cinzano Boissiere.
(1) Bottle of Coffee Liquor. Try Baileys, Kahlua,
Starbucks, or Patron XO Cafe
MEASURING UP:: Wine and Liquor Measuring
How many
drinks per bottle?
Here are an estimated number of drinks can
should expect per bottle - depending on what you are
serving. Below are charts for Mixed Drinks and
Wine/Champagne |
