Craft Beer, Whiskey, Wine Service and Hospitality Training

What is craft beer?

Beer that is handmade in small, independent breweries, allowing for experimentation and attention to detail.

What defines a craft brewery according to the Brewers Association?

A craft brewery must be small, independent, and traditional, producing less than six million barrels per year, with at least 75% ownership by the brewer.

When was the ban on home brewing lifted in the United States?

On October 14th, 1978, by President Jimmy Carter.

What is the significance of Fritz Maytag in craft beer history?

He purchased the Anchor Brewery in 1965, which is considered the birth of craft beer in America.

What are the two main types of yeast used in beer fermentation?

Top fermenting yeast (used in ales) and bottom fermenting yeast (used in lagers).

What does ABV stand for?

Alcohol by Volume.

What does IBU measure?

International Bitterness Unit, which expresses hop bitterness in beer.

What is a Pilsner?

A style of beer that originated in the Czech town of Plzen, typically crisp with sweet malt and a clean hop finish.

What characterizes an American Wheat Ale?

It contains 30-50% wheat, is clean and crisp, and often has big citrus notes.

What flavors are commonly found in a Hefeweizen?

Banana, clove, and bubble gum.

What is an India Pale Ale (IPA)?

A paler, stronger, hoppier style of pale ale, typically bitter and showcasing American hop varieties.

What distinguishes a Hazy IPA from other IPAs?

It has intense fruit flavors and aromas, a soft body, and is visually hazy with less perceived bitterness.

What is a Double/Imperial IPA?

A big and strong IPA with hops in the foreground and complex maltiness.

What are the characteristics of Amber/Red Ales?

They have a strong malt base with caramel notes and a delicate hop finish.

What are Stouts and Porters known for?

Deep dark roasty characteristics, with flavors of chocolate, coffee, and dark fruits.

What are American Wild Ales/Sours?

A category of sour beers that originated in Belgium, made by introducing wild yeasts during fermentation.

What is the role of adjuncts in craft beer?

Adjuncts are used to enhance rather than lighten flavor in beer.

What is the importance of beer pairing?

Beer pairing enhances meals by considering how the elements of beer affect the dish.

What is the typical ABV range for Pilsners?

4%-5%.

What is the typical ABV range for Hefeweizens?

4.3%-5.6%.

What is the typical ABV range for Pale Ales?

4.5%-5.5%.

What is the typical ABV range for IPAs?

5.5%-6.3%.

What is the typical ABV range for Hazy IPAs?

6%-9%.

What is the typical ABV range for Double/Imperial IPAs?

7.9%-10.5%.

What are common flavors in craft beer?

Flavors can include bready, floral, fruity, nutty, earthy, and spicy notes.

What does the term 'sessional beers' refer to?

Beers that are lower in alcohol content and meant for casual drinking over a longer period.

What is the significance of the term 'craft beer' in the context of innovation?

Craft beer is characterized by innovation, allowing brewers to create unique and distinct styles.

What is the key principle when pairing beer with food?

Balance is the most important principle, matching strength, finding harmonies, and creating contrasts.

How should delicate dishes be paired with beer?

Delicate dishes work best with delicate beers.

What factors contribute to the strength of a beer?

Alcohol strength, malt character, hop bitterness, sweetness, richness, and roastiness.

Give an example of matching strength in beer pairing.

A lighter wheat beer pairs well with a light appetizer salad.

What does finding harmonies in beer pairing involve?

Finding elements that complement each other, considering the method of preparation.

How does the nuttiness of an English Brown Ale complement food?

It complements cheddar cheese.

What is an example of using contrast in beer pairing?

Pairing a spicy dish with a malty scotch ale to balance the heat.

What is the color range of Chardonnay?

Gold to dark gold.

Describe the flavor profile of Chardonnay.

Medium to light-bodied with noticeable acidity and flavors of green plum, apple, and pear.

What is the typical color of Sauvignon Blanc?

Light straw to medium gold.

What characterizes Riesling?

It is aromatic with flowery aromas and high acidity, used for various styles of white wines.

What color is Pinot Gris/Pinot Grigio?

Clear to light straw.

What flavor notes can Pinot Grigio have?

Ripe tropical fruit notes of melon and mango.

What is the color of Cabernet Sauvignon?

Dark purple to opaque.

What is the typical profile of Cabernet Sauvignon?

Full-bodied with high tannins and noticeable acidity.

Describe Merlot's color and body.

Light purple to inky, full-bodied with high alcohol and lush tannins.

What characterizes Pinot Noir?

Light purple to brick color, least tannic red wine with red fruit aromas.

What is the color range of Syrah/Shiraz?

Dark purple to inky.

What factors affect whiskey production?

Terroir, ambient temperature, and the distiller's personal preferences.

What is the relationship between beer and bourbon in production?

They are similar until the fermentation process.

What should servers do when delivering wine glasses?

Grab the glass by the bottom half and place it to the right of the water glass.

What is the first step in wine service?

Wine ordering, pickup, and glass delivery.

How should wine be poured at the table?

Pour for all guests in a clockwise order, serving ladies first.

What should be done if a guest orders three or more glasses of wine?

Ask if they'd like to order two bottles instead of one.

What should be done with the cork after opening a wine bottle?

Bring the cork to the table and ask if they want it removed.

When should a server ask about ordering another bottle of wine?

When there is only 1/3 of the wine left in the bottle.

What is the importance of the human element in whiskey production?

The distiller's preferences and methods significantly influence the final product.

What is created when distiller's yeast is added to wort?

Distillers beer or wash

What is the process of turning alcohol vapor back into liquid called?

Condensation

What is the term for the product after distillation before aging?

New make or the white dog

What type of charcoal is used to filter Tennessee whiskey?

Hard sugar maple charcoal

What happens to the white dog during the maturation stage?

It is transferred into oak barrels to develop flavor.

How does the temperature of the rick house affect whiskey?

It influences the maturation process and flavor development.

What is germination in the context of whiskey production?

The process where grains are soaked in water to begin growth.

What is malt?

Germinated grains that have been dried through malting.

What defines Bottled in Bond whiskey?

It must be made in the USA, aged for at least four years, and bottled at 100 proof.

What is sour mash?

The acidic spent liquid added to the fermenter to prevent bacterial infection.

What is bourbon made from?

At least 51% corn and aged in new unused oak barrels.

What is rye whiskey made from?

At least 51% rye and aged in charred new oak barrels.

What characterizes single malt whiskey?

It is made from 100% one single type of malt, typically barley.

What is straight whiskey?

Whiskey aged at least two years in charred new oak barrels.

What is white whiskey?

Whiskey that is not aged in a wooden barrel, also known as new make.

What is cask strength whiskey?

Whiskey bottled at its original proof without dilution.

What are the characteristics of fragrant & floral whiskey?

Aromas of fresh-cut flowers and light green fruit, often served chilled.

What does malty & dry whiskey taste like?

Dry on the nose with cookie-like aromas, balanced by sweet oak.

What flavor profile does fruity & spicy whiskey have?

Ripe orchard fruit flavors with vanilla and sweet spiciness.

What distinguishes peaty whiskey?

Aromas from burning peat, including soot and smoked flavors.

What flavors are associated with rich & oaky whiskey?

Rich vanilla, coconut, and sweet spice from aging in new oak barrels.

What is the flavor profile of sweet wheat whiskey?

Gentle, mellow sweetness from wheat, creating a smooth palate.

What are common tasting notes for bourbon?

Brown sugar, vanilla, coffee, and caramel.

What is the significance of 'Bottle in Bond' whiskey?

It ensures quality and consistency through strict production regulations.

What is the role of rye in whiskey?

Adds a spicy or fruity flavor, enhancing complexity.

What is the main cereal used in soft corn whiskey?

Corn, which creates a sweet and buttery quality.

What is the effect of aging whiskey in new oak barrels?

It extracts rich flavors and aromas, enhancing the whiskey's profile.

What is the primary grain used in Scotch whiskey?

Barley (100% of one single type of malt)

What type of wood is used in Corsair Triple Smoke whiskey?

Imported Scottish Peat Moss, Cherry wood from Germany, and Beechwood from the U.S.

What flavor profile is associated with Prichard's Tennessee Malt whiskey?

Lighter oak char flavor with plum and raisin notes

What is the alcohol content range for Pappy Van Winkle bourbons?

10, 12, 15, 20, and 23 years

Which bourbon is rated as the #1 in the U.S.?

Pappy Van Winkle 20 year

What is the primary grain in Balcones Baby Blue whiskey?

Corn (80-100%)

What unique flavor does Balcones Brimstone whiskey have?

Described as 'Texas campfire'

What is the defining characteristic of Islay Scotch?

Smoky and peaty flavor profile

What is the fermentation temperature range for ales?

68-72 °F

What does ABV stand for in beer terminology?

Alcohol by Volume

What is the typical ABV range for Pilsner beer?

4%-5%

What type of yeast is used in lager fermentation?

Bottom fermenting yeast

What is the primary flavor profile of a Hefeweizen?

Banana, clove, and bubblegum

What is the difference between an IPA and a Double/Imperial IPA?

Double/Imperial IPA has a higher alcohol content (7.9%-10.5%) and more pronounced hop flavors

What is the food pairing for Amber/Red Ale?

Jalapeño Egg Burger, Nacho Average Nachos

What characterizes a Porter beer?

Toasty and roasty with chocolate and coffee notes

What is the primary difference between Stouts and Porters?

Stouts are typically darker and have deeper roasted characteristics

What is the purpose of adding hops to India Pale Ales?

To preserve the beer during long voyages at sea

What is the typical ABV range for India Pale Ales?

5.5% - 6.3%