Glossary

Carbohydrate found naturally in fruits and vegetables. Sugar may be made from sugar cane, sugar beet or corn. When added to a must or wash it accelerates the fermentation process.

Invert sugar:Is obtained by heating sugar syrup and acidic substances to break down sucrose into its basic components - glucose and fructose.

Raw sugar:This type of sugar is not fully processed. It may include demerara and muscovado which do not undergo the refining process.

A tropical Asian tree valued for its wood and used for extracting essential oils used in the perfume and cosmetics industry. It has a warm sweet fragrance and is used in India in religious rituals.

This is a German term for a strong clear unsweetened distillate or eau-de-vie made from various grains or fruits.

This is a spiral tube in the interior of the condenser or condensing unit which allows for the distillate vapours to condense and run off.

The oily seeds of this plant, native to India, are used for making vegetable oils, flour and cosmetics.

Sherry is a fortified wine from the Jerez de la Frontera region in Spain. It is a strong sweet wine made from selected wine grape varieties.

This perforated plate is incorporated in some alembics especially for the steam distillation units to separate the organics from the water or eau-de-vie. It may also be sold separately for placing at the base of the alembic pot to avoid burning the mash or caramelising the sugars present.

Term that expresses the ability of a substance to dissolve in another substance.

This is the outlet pipe for the distillate from the condensation unit of an alembic or alquitar.

Pharmacological agent that acts upon the central nervous system for increasing physical activity, increasing levels of concentration, mood and cognitive abilities.

This plant is native to China and Japan and is similar to aniseed although more potent .It has anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, calming, digestive, and diuretic properties. It is used in cuisine, for making essential oils and to flavour liqueurs. The main component of Tamiflu, the well known medication used against bird flu (H5N1), is star anis.

A strong mineral acid that is soluble in water and accumulates in alembics when not used for some time. High concentrations of this acid may be corrosive.

Connecting pipe between the vapour chamber and the condensing unit with the characteristic swan neck shape. Evaporating vapours from the alembic pass through the swan neck and liquefy in the condenser.

Japanese liqueur made out of fermented rice and water with an alcoholic grade between 18% and 20%.

Grain paste result of the mixture between Kóji, water and vaporized rice. It is left to ferment on a vat for 30 days.

Vessel similar to a saucer used to serve sake.

Result of the distillation of Mestar.

Typical Serbian Moonshine, brandy made from plums.