Byrons Liquor - SPIRITS QUESTIONS

F.A.Q.'S: SPIRITS

Q: I have a bottle of 12 year old Scotch that my grandfather bought 20 years ago. It has never been opened. Is it still good, and is it now 32 year old Scotch?

ANSWER: Yes, it is still good. No it is not 32 year old Scotch. It is 20 year old bottle of 12 year old Scotch. Distilled spirits do not age in glass as do wines.

Q: What is Proof?

ANSWER: Proof is a percentage of alcohol contained in a bottle. 200 proof is 100% alcohol. 80 proof is 40% alcohol. 100 proof is 50%. Get the picture?

Q: What is the difference between Bourbon and Whiskey?

ANSWER: Whiskey can be made anywhere from any grain. Bourbon can only be made in the United States, (predominantly, Kentucky). Must be made from at least 51% corn, aged for a minimum of two years in new charred oak barrels and lastly, it cannot be flavored or filtered.

Q: What is the difference between Brandy and Cognac?

ANSWER: Brandy is a product made by distilling wine. Brandy can be made anywhere in the world. Cognac is a brandy made only in the Cognac region of France. Just by being able to put the name Cognac on the bottle does not give a guarantee of superior quality. Many quality brandies are made in other places of the world.

Q: Why is there a worm in some Tequila and not in others?

ANSWER: There is never a worm in Tequila. Mezcal has a worm in it, not Tequila. Tequila is made in the Mexican region of Tequila. Mezcal is made in the region of Oaxaca. Mezcal can be made from any Agave plant. Tequila can only be made from the Weber Blue Agave plant.