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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.

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  1. What is 'caramel colouring' (E150a) permitted to do in Scotch whisky production?

    Answer: Adjust the colour of the whisky without altering its flavour

    E150a (spirit caramel) is the only permitted additive in Scotch whisky, used solely to standardise colour between batches without affecting flavour.

  2. In grain whisky production using a continuous still, what is the name of the column that strips alcohol from the wash?

    Answer: Analyser

    In a Coffey (patent) still, the analyser column strips alcohol and volatiles from the wash before the rectifier refines the spirit to a higher strength.

  3. What is the effect of a 'purifier' fitted between the lyne arm and condenser in some Scotch distilleries?

    Answer: It returns heavier congeners to the still for re-distillation, producing lighter spirit

    A purifier causes heavier vapour molecules to condense and fall back into the still for re-distillation, resulting in a cleaner, lighter spirit character.

  4. What is the approximate ABV range at which Scotch whisky must be distilled (maximum still output strength)?

    Answer: Must not exceed 94.8% ABV

    The Scotch Whisky Regulations require that the spirit must not be distilled to an alcoholic strength of 94.8% ABV or above, ensuring flavour-contributing congeners are retained.

  5. What is the purpose of the 'underback' vessel in a traditional Scotch malt whisky distillery?

    Answer: To collect and hold wort after it drains from the mash tun

    The underback is a holding vessel beneath the mash tun that collects the wort (sugary liquid) drained from the mash before it is transferred to the washbacks for fermentation.

  6. In Scotch whisky maturation, what is the significance of the 'angels' share'?

    Answer: The volume of spirit lost to evaporation through the cask during maturation

    The 'angels' share' refers to the 1–2% of spirit lost each year through evaporation as the whisky matures in porous oak casks.

  7. Which grain is exclusively required for the production of Single Malt Scotch Whisky?

    Answer: Malted barley

    By legal definition under the Scotch Whisky Regulations 2009, Single Malt Scotch Whisky must be produced from a mash of 100% malted barley.