Glossary Terms

Barrel proof

Refers to whisky that’s bottled at or very near its alcohol strength when it emerged from the barrel at the end of maturation, undiluted by added water. In the U.S., TTB regulations require “barrel proof” whiskey

Intermediate still

In triple-distillation using pot stills, the still used after spirit emerges from the wash still and before it goes into the spirit still.

Spirit still

In double-distillation using pot stills, the still that distills the low wines.

Wash still

In pot distillation, the first still that distills the wash.

Spirit safe

A locked box with a glass front that allows the distiller to watch the spirit leaving the still, measure certain characteristics, such as ABV and temperature, and divert the emerging spirit to different locations as

Sour mash

In American whiskey, a process that uses leftover mash from a previous batch to start the fermentation of a new batch; or a term identifying whiskey made using this process. Also referred to as backset.

Sourced

Refers to whisky purchased from a distiller by a third party and then bottled as a distinct brand. May be blended with other whiskies.

Small batch

A term that is not legally defined, often used in marketing to suggest any product made in lesser quantites than the distiller’s standard offerings.

Small barrel

Not a regulated term, but generally refers to any barrel less than the standard 53 gallons, often used by new distilleries as a way to mature whisky faster, since the surface area to volume ratio

Quarter cask

In Scotland, a cask with a capacity of 127-159 liters.

Non-distiller producer

A producer that does not distill, but instead purchases whisky from a distillery to sell under its own brand name. Often abbreviated as NDP.

NDP

Short for non-distiller producer. A producer that does not distill, but instead purchases whisky from a distillery to sell under its own brand name.