Aguardiente
(n.) A generic term for a spirit distilled from a fermented fruit base or sugarcane that is defined differently from country to country. The name is a compound from the…
- story: Sophie Wirt
Whisk(e)y
(n.) A large umbrella of a category covering spirits distilled from a fermented mash of grains. In the United States, all whiskeys must be distilled under 190 proof, and bottled…
- story: Talia Baiocchi
Vodka
(n.) A close relative to neutral grain spirit, vodka is made by distilling almost anything—potatoes, grains, fruits, sugar—to above 190 proof, filtering the distillate and then bottling at more than…
- story: Talia Baiocchi
Tequila
(n.) One of Mexico’s most famous exports, tequila is made from the heart of the blue agave plants grown in Jalisco and a handful of other states, which is harvested…
- story: Talia Baiocchi
Shrub
1. (n.) A vinegar-based syrup used as a mixer. From the Arabic word sharab, meaning “to drink,” these acidic concoctions have roots in the 18th century, when colonialists in the…
- story: Talia Baiocchi
Scotch Whisky
(n.) Scotch, a type of Scottish whisky made from malted barley, must be distilled below 190 proof and aged for three years in oak barrels. Basic production works like this:…
- story: Talia Baiocchi
Rye Whiskey
(n.) Rye whiskey must be made from a grain bill of at least 51-percent rye, with the rest comprised of a mix of wheat, corn and malted barley. When aged…
- story: Talia Baiocchi
Rum
(n.) Rum is a spirit made from fermented sugar cane juice or any of its byproducts, including molasses and syrup. It must be distilled at less than 190 proof and…
- story: Talia Baiocchi
Proof
(n.) A unit of measure for alcohol strength calculated in the United States by doubling the percentage of alcohol by volume (ABV). For example, a spirit made of 40 percent…
- story: Talia Baiocchi
Pisco
(n.) Chile and Peru both lay claim to inventing this grape brandy, thought to be created some 400 years ago. There are variations, but in general, most pisco is distilled…
- story: Talia Baiocchi
