Lesson Four: White Spirits

When we talk about “white” and “brown” spirits, we are using rough approximations of color, style and production method. “White” spirits are clear, generally devoid of color, because they have usually not been aged in color-inducing wooden barrels. Sure, some of them are aged in barrels and then filtered so they look clear (like one very famous rum brand). “Brown” spirits have absorbed color (as well as flavors, aromas and textures) from the wooden vessels in which they’re aged, though sometimes they’ve been assisted with a dose of caramel coloring. Not always, just sometimes. Just saying.

• Chapter One: Vodka
• Chapter Two: Gin
• Chapter Three: Rum
• Chapter Four: Tequila