Glossary Terms

Wort

A liquid composed of grist mixed with hot water, which helps extract sugars before the yeast is added to begin fermentation. Wort is mash that has been strained of solids. For more information, see “How

Worm tub

A component in the distillation apparatus that converts the spirit from a gas to a liquid by running the vapor through a copper tube set in a pool of cold water. Although most distilleries now

White dog

Whisky that has just come off the still; also referred to as new make.

Whisky

A distilled spirit made from fermented grain and typically matured in wooden containers for some period of time. Whisky can be made anywhere in the world. Certain countries—like Scotland, Ireland, the United States, and Canada—have

Whiskey

A distilled spirit made from fermented grain and typically matured in wooden containers for some period of time. Whisky can be made anywhere in the world. Certain countries—like Scotland, Ireland, the United States, and Canada—have

Whisky thief

A tubular tool used to remove small quantities of whisk(e)y from a barrel, usually for sampling.

Wheated bourbon

A bourbon made with wheat as a dominant secondary ingredient. These whiskeys often have a delicate flavor and can be referred to as “wheaters.”

Wheat whiskey

In the U.S., a whiskey with a mashbill composed of at least 51% wheat, distilled to no more than 80% ABV, aged in charred new American oak containers with an entry ABV of no more

Washback

The container in which wort or mash is fermented through the addition of yeast before distillation. See also Fermenter.

Wash

The alcoholic liquid produced through fermentation that is then distilled to produce a spirit. It generally has 7-10% ABV. See also Distiller’s beer.

Warehouse

A building used for storing barrels of aging whisky. The materials that the building is constructed from, as well as the location of the barrel in the building, can affect the maturation process. In the

Valinch

A tubular tool used to remove small quantities of whisky from a barrel, usually for sampling.