Glossary
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AbsintheAn alcoholic drink popularized in France in the early 20th century associated with Bohemian life...
AbsolutesConcentrated essential oils extracted by means of the enfleurage method - used to obtain...
AgaveThis is the plant from which drinks such as Tequila , Mixto and Pulque are made from. It...
AgingPeriod during which eau-de-vie is stored in barrels to acquire the characteristics of the wood...
AguardentePortuguese term for eau-de-vie .- Alcohol Concentration%v/v - is an abbreviation for percentage volume of a substance of the total volume - e.g. 12.5 %...
Alcohol hydrometer= Alcoholmeter- Alcoholic volumeTerm used to designate the level of alcohol present in an alcoholic beverage. The alcoholic...
- AlcoholmeterOenology instrument also known as Alcohol hydrometer which allows for the measurement of the...
AlembicDistillation apparatus employed for the distillation of eau-de-vies , essential oils and...
Alembic head= Vapour Chamber
AlquitarDistilling apparatus suitable for distilling eau-de-vies , essential oils and floral waters...
AmygdalaStructure that forms part of the limbic system responsible for processing memory and emotions.
AnalgesicA generic term that describes the various pharmacological substances used for relieving pain....
AngelicaAn herbaceous plant from the Nordic regions with a flavour similar to juniper . It is much used...
Angels sharePortion of alcohol that is lost through evaporation when aging wines and eau-de-vies . This...
AniseedAn herbaceous plant from the Mediterranean. It has excellent antiseptic properties and is...- AnthelminticPharmacological agent used to combat intestinal worms.
- Anti-inflammatoryPharmacological agent used to combat inflammation. These substances may also act as analgesics .
- AntipyreticPharmacological agent for reducing fever and its associated symptoms.
- AntisepticPharmacological agent that stops the proliferation of bacteria on the external regions of the...
AntispasmodicPharmacological substance that helps prevent and calm muscle spasms (involuntary muscle...
AraghTradicional Iraq's Moonshine made from raisins and with an alcoholic grade never below 45%.
ArakA strong tasting middle-eastern drink made from aniseed .
ArmagnacA French eau-de-vie with an alcoholic volume greater than 40% from 3 distinct regions ( Bas...- AromaDistinctive smell or odour perceived by the olfactory system. Wine or perfume fragrance. With...
AromatherapyA complimentary therapy for restoring emotional and physical wellbeing with the use and...
Aromatic bathThe addition of essential oils turns an ordinary bath into an aromatic bath. It is recommended...
Aromatic herbsHerbs with aromatic leaves, flowers, stems or roots that impart flavour and aroma to food or...- Aromatic plantsPlants with aromatic leaves, flowers, stems or roots that impart flavour and aroma to food or...
AvocadoFruit of the avocado tree originally from Mexico. This fruit is very rich in sugars, proteins,...
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- BagaçoTraditional Portuguese Moonshine, resulting from the mix of the skins and branches of the grapes...
Bain-MarieMethod employed to heat a substance slowly and gently by immersing one recipient in another with...- BarikGlass used to serve the Arak mixed with water and ice.
Bas ArmagnacThe name of one of the 3 French districts where Armagnac is produced. The Bas Armagnac region...
BergamotA citrus fruit originally from China, similar yet more bitter than orange. In aromatherapy...
Bois OrdinairesOne of the six Cognac producing regions in France. This coastal region produces earthy...- Bons BoisOne of the six Cognac producing regions in France. Cognacs with a high alcoholic volume and...
- BorderiesOne of the six Cognac producing regions in France. This region has chalky soils and is...
- BouquetThis is the fragrance or aroma of a wine that has undergone the aging process. It may also...
BourbonThis is the renowned American corn whiskey . It may also include wheat, rye or malted barley....
BrandyTerm that designates alcoholic spirits distilled from wine or the residue of the wine making...
Brass unionA threaded union that that facilitates the fastening of different parts of the alembic and...
- Bagaço
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CachaçaTradicional Brazil's Moonshine, made from sugar cane, produced in small farms.
CalvadosCider Brandy from the French region of Normandy.
CamomileOne of the oldest medicinal plants used by man, native to Europe and used in aromatherapy , for...
Carrier oilA vegetable oil, also known as base oil, used to dilute essential oils for massage treatments...
CaskA wooden container, usually oak or some other wood, with a bulging midsection. Wines or...
CassisFamous French liqueur often used to make desserts made from the cassis berry or blackcurrant.
CedarThis tree is native to the Middle East and the Himalayas and often used in landscaping, for...- ChauffeA French term that refers to the distillate from the first distillation process. Bonne...
- ChocoSmall cylindrical cup on which sake is served.
- ChordFragrance resulting from a combination of various notes .
CiderA low alcoholic beverage made from fermented apples or apple juice. The famous French brandy ,...
CloveAn oriental aromatic plant cultivated all over the world, used in cuisine, for making...
CognacA well known eau-de-vie or brandy produced in French region of Charante. There are six...
CompressPiece of gauze or cloth (linen or cotton) applied on wounds. In aromatherapy the compress is...- ConcretesConcentrated essential oils extracted by means of the enfleurage method - used to obtain...
- CondensationPhysical phenomenon that occurs when a substance passes from its gaseous phase to its liquid...
Condensation unitPart of an alembic or alquitar where the vapours are cooled and condensed by the cold water...- CondenserPart of an alembic or alquitar where the vapours are cooled and condensed by the cold water...
CopperCopper has been known and used for centuries. It is an excellent conductor of electricity,...
CorianderAn aromatic plant native to South East Asia and North Africa with a characteristic aroma and...- Cut off pointsTerm that designates the points of separation of the different parts of the distillate. The...
CypressA tree native to Southern Europe but also found across Europe and North America. It is known for...
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DermisLayer of skin directly below the epidermis that consists of connective tissue and contains...- DesalinationProcess of obtaining potable water from sea water by the elimination of dissolved salts and may...
- DistillateThis is the final result from the distillation of a fermented wash in an alembic or...
- DistillationThe extraction of components of a substance by heating and collection of resultant vapours by...
- DiureticA substance that stimulates the kidneys to increase the amount of urine produced.
Draining pipeAn alembic accessory that facilitates cleaning and discharge after a distillation run.
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Eau-de-VieA generic term for alcoholic beverages obtained from the fermentation and subsequent...- EbullitionRefers to the boiling point of a liquid when a substance passes from a liquid phase to a gaseous...
- EmenogoguePharmacological substance that induces a menstrual flow.
EnfleurageA traditional method of extracting essential oils from delicate flowers such as rose or...
EpidermisThe outer layer of the skin that together with the dermis and hypodermis protects the body...
Escherichia coli O157The Escherichia coli is a bacterial parasite found in the human intestine. The presence of E....
EssencierA recipient that allows for the simultaneous collection and separation of essential oils and...- Essential oilsHighly aromatic, volatile and insoluble substances extracted from leaves, flowers, stems and...
- EstersChemical substances resultant from the interaction of acids from organic materials with alcohol...
- EthanolIs the colourless alcohol soluble in water and other organic compounds present in alcoholic...
- Ethyl carbamateA toxic substance which results from the conversion of cyanide in the stones of fruits during...
EucalyptusA tall tree native to Australia used for timber, to extract resin, to produce cellulose,...- EvaporationPhysical phenomenon that occurs when a substance passes from its liquid phase to its gaseous...
- ExpectorantPharmacological substance that acts upon the respiratory system, promoting the release of phlegm...
ExpressionMethod of essential oil extraction, also known as cold pressing, used for citrus fruits such...
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FennelAn herbaceous plant from the Mediterranean often used in cuisine, for dental products and for...- FermentationProcess of conversion of sugars (sucrose, glucose, fructose) into alcohol ( ethanol ) and carbon...
- Fins BoisOne of the six Cognac producing regions in France. The chalky soils of this region produce...
Floral watersAre a by-product of the distillation and are also known as hydrolats or hydrosols. Floral...
Foot bathA traditional and simple method for relieving tired feet and legs by hot water immersion. By the...
Fractionating columnThe column allows for a fractional distillation process with a resultant high alcohol...
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GeraniumA garden plant native to Southern Africa and used for the extraction of essential oils , for...
GerminationInitial embryonic stages of plant growth from a seed, bulb or tuber.
GinThis is the famed Dutch eau-de-vie made from juniper berries, at first introduced into England...- Grande ChampagneGrand Champagne has nothing to do with champagne, the sparkling drink but is one of the six...
GrappaThis is the Italian term for a vinic alcohol or grape spirit eau-de-vie . In Italy coffee may...
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- Haut ArmagnacOne of the three French districts where Armagnac is produced. This district produces lower...
- HeadsRefers to the first part of alcoholic distillate to flow from the condenser that is separated...
- HeartsThis is the part of distillate fit for human consumption, the part with the ethanol . The...
- Hydrolats= Floral waters
HypodermisThe lowermost layer of skin with loose connective tissue and fat cells that together with the...- HypothalamusThis is a region of the brain below the thalamus responsible for processing emotions, for the...
HyssopAn aromatic plant native to the Mediterranean and Central Asia, highly esteemed for its...
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- JabukovacaTypical Serbian Moonshine, brandy made from apples.
JasmineOriginally found in the European, Asiatic and African continents and highly appreciated for its...- JaundiceYellow colouration of the skin and the white of the eyes from excess bile pigment in the blood...
JeropigaThis is a sweet wine made in Portugal. A Jeropiga is made by suspending the fermentation...- JigaA Portuguese unit of measure used by the older generations. 1 Jiga is equal to 10 litres.
JojobaNative to arid regions of Central and South America. Jojoba oil is extracted from the flowers...
JuniperThis plant is native to the European continent. Its berries have many culinary uses including...
- Jabukovaca
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- LambanogTypical Philippian Moonshine, made from coconut flower and with a high alcoholic grade (between...
Lavanda= Lavender- LavenderAn aromatic plant native to the Mediterranean whose flowers are highly prized by virtue of its...
LindenAn aromatic plant used for flavouring liqueurs , for making teas, pharmacological substances...
LinseedLinseed oil is extracted from the seeds and used for making varnish and various pharmacological...
LiqueurAlcoholic beverage produced from alcohol, sugar , fruits and aromatic herbs .
- Lambanog
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- MacerationMethod of extracting active ingredients from a substance. This method is used for making...
- MaltBarley or some other grains that have undergone the malting process.
MaltingThis is a process in whiskey production which involves the soaking and germination of barley...- MaromiMix of solid and liquid sake parts.
- MashMaterial, welches durch das Zerdücken von Trauben oder anderen Früchten entsteht. Davon...
- MashingDuring this whiskey process the malted grains are grinded so a greater quantity of starch may...
MasuTraditional square wooden vessel where sake is served. It may be placed on a saucer or a cup can...
MeadAn ancient alcoholic beverage enjoyed by the Celts, Saxons and Vikings made from the...- MestarResult of the fermentation of the liquid harvested from the grapes/dates in Arak production.
Metallic belt structureThe metallic belt structure consists of a number of belts which are permanently welded along the...- MethanolAlso known as methyl alcohol or wood alcohol and is a highly flammable and toxic alcohol. It is...
- MezedesThese are Greek gastronomic delights similar to the Spanish tapas and are normally served...
MixtoTequila made from 51% blue agave sugars and 49% from other sources.- MolassesA thick sticky syrup produced as a by product of the sugar refining process.
MoonshineName given to high alcoholic grade beverages, characteristic of each Country, many times...
MustPressed mass of grapes in their juice where fermentation will take place.
- Maceration
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Parrot spoutA fundamental accessory placed at the exiting spout of a condenser and used in conjunction...
PatchouliA plant native to India with therapeutic properties used to make essential oils and perfumes.- PeatDecaying plant matter found in marshes and swamps and used as a combustible fuel.
- Petite ChampagneOne of the six French Cognac producing regions. The soil is similar to that of Grand...
- pHRefers to the measure of acidity or alkalinity in a solution - the lower the pH the higher the...
PhylloxeraThis insect is native to the American continent and was introduced to Europe by vines brought...
PotThis is the part of the alembic where the wash or mash is placed and heated to encourage...
Pre-heaterThis is like a holding tank or reservoir for the Charentais Alembic . This recipient with its...
PulqueAn ancient fermented beverage made from aguamiel, the juice extracted from the agave plant....- PuskarTradicional Estonian Moonshine, made from potatoes.
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- RakiTraditional Turkish Moonshine made from aniseed.
Refining lentilAn alembic accessory placed between the vapour chamber of the alembic and the swan neck...- Refining platesThese plates or trays are placed horizontally in the fractionating column and allow for the...
Reflux columnThis horizontal column is placed on top of the alembic unit and functions much like the...
RivetThis is a small round metal peg used in the construction of riveted union alembics and...
RosemaryAn aromatic plant of Mediterranean origin often used as a condiment, for teas and for flavouring...
RumRum is a distilled beverage made from molasses and may have distinctive properties depending...
- Raki
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SakazukiVessel similar to a saucer used to serve sake.
SakeJapanese liqueur made out of fermented rice and water with an alcoholic grade between 18% and 20%.
SandalwoodA tropical Asian tree valued for its wood and used for extracting essential oils used in the...
SchnappsThis is a German term for a strong clear unsweetened distillate or eau-de-vie made from...
Serpentine coilThis is a spiral tube in the interior of the condenser or condensing unit which allows for the...
Sesame seedsThe oily seeds of this plant, native to India, are used for making vegetable oils, flour and...
SherrySherry is a fortified wine from the Jerez de la Frontera region in Spain. It is a strong sweet...
ShuboGrain paste result of the mixture between Kóji , water and vaporized rice. It is left to...
SieveThis perforated plate is incorporated in some alembics especially for the steam distillation...- SljivovicaTypical Serbian Moonshine, brandy made from plums.
- SolubleTerm that expresses the ability of a substance to dissolve in another substance.
- SpirtoResult of the distillation of Mestar.
SpoutThis is the outlet pipe for the distillate from the condensation unit of an alembic or...
Star AnisThis plant is native to China and Japan and is similar to aniseed although more potent .It has...- StimulantPharmacological agent that acts upon the central nervous system for increasing physical...
SugarCarbohydrate found naturally in fruits and vegetables. Sugar may be made from sugar cane, sugar...- Sulphuric AcidA strong mineral acid that is soluble in water and accumulates in alembics when not used for...
- Swan neckConnecting pipe between the vapour chamber and the condensing unit with the characteristic...
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- TailsThis is the final portion of distillate to exit the condenser and together with heads should...
- TanninsOrganic substances present in wine responsible for characteristics such as colouration and...
TapetusaTradicional Colombia's Moonshine, made from corn.- TenarèzeOne of the three French districts where Armagnac is produced. These lands have chalky clay...
TequilaPopular Mexican alcoholic spirit made from the fermentation of the blue agave plant juices....
TetrahydrocannabinolThis is the active substance found in cannabis also known as THC that is responsible for the...- ThalamusPart of the diencephalon located at the base of the brain responsible for processing and...
- TharraTradicional Indian Moonshine, made from the fermentation of sugar cane pulp.
ThermometerAn alembic accessory which may be separated or incorporated in the alembic which allows for...- ThujoneThe principle ingredient in Artemisia Absinthum or wormwood-used in making essential oils and...
- TójiName given to the ones who produce sake. Highly respected job in Japan that is passed as a...
- TonicA substance or agent that that reinvigorates a debilitated organism.
- TurfDecaying plant matter found in marshes and swamps and used as a combustible fuel.
- Tails
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- Vapour chamberThis is the onion shaped alembic dome lid where evaporating vapours from the pot or boiler...
- VasodilatorThis is a substance that dilates the blood vessels and thus decreases blood pressure.
VeronicaThe leaves of this aromatic plant are used to flavour liqueurs , for making teas and...
VetiverThis plant is used to make essential oils , in the perfume industry and in aromatherapy . The...- ViljamovkaTypical Serbian Moonshine, brandy made from pears.
VodkaThis alcoholic spirit is made from various cereals (corn, rye and wheat), tubers (potatoes,...- Volatile= Volatile Component .
- Volatile componentDescriptive of certain substances, liquids or solids that evaporate easily. During distillation...
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- WashA fermentable solution for alcohol production that may be of fruit, cereals or sugar.
WhiskyWhisky may be made from malted or unmalted barley depending on the desired result. Barley is the...- White LightningTypical Moonshine from the Appalachia area, USA, made from corn and sugar.
WormwoodA bitter extract is obtained from wormwood for flavouring liqueurs and wines.It was much used...
- Wash
