Eau de Vie
The French term means "water of life" and is used for clear, colorless fruit brandies. These spirits are made from a variety of fruits other than grapes and are known for their pure, fresh fruit flavor. A well-known example is the apple brandy "Calvados".
Egg white
Egg white is used in many cocktail recipes to create a frothy, creamy texture. A well-known example of a cocktail with egg white is the Whiskey Sour.
Egg yolk
Egg yolk is used in some classic cocktails to create a rich, velvety texture. One example is the classic Golden Fizz.
Eggnog
Eggnog is a traditional Christmas drink made from milk, sugar, beaten eggs and usually rum or bourbon. Eggnog is particularly popular in the USA and Canada and is often refined with a pinch of nutmeg or cinnamon. Helgoland is also known for its Helgoland eggnog.
Elderflower liqueur
A sweet liqueur made from the flowers of the elderberry bush. This liqueur is very popular in cocktails such as the "Elderflower Collins".
Elixir
Originally a medicinal term for a remedy, now often used for flavored syrups or high-proof liqueurs used in cocktails.
Enamel
A material often used to coat metal containers for spirits to prevent corrosion and preserve the purity of the contents.
Energy drink mixer
A drink that is often mixed with spirits to create energy-packed cocktails. Popular in the young party scene, known for mixed drinks such as "Vodka Red Bull".
Enzymes
Biological catalysts that accelerate the breakdown of starch to sugar in the production of whisky and beer. Enzymes play a decisive role in the fermentation process.
Esters
Chemical compounds that play a role in the production of spirits and are often responsible for flavor development during maturation. They contribute to the complexity of the flavor.
Ethanol
The main type of alcohol in alcoholic beverages. It is produced by the fermentation of sugar by yeast.
Evaporation
The process by which liquid is converted into gas. In the spirits industry, this often refers to the loss of alcohol during storage, known as the 'angel's share'.
Excise Tax
A tax levied on the production and sale of alcoholic beverages. This tax varies from country to country and often affects the price of spirits.
Expiration Date
The date stated on products until which the manufacturer guarantees the optimum quality of the product. Many spirits do not have an expiry date as they can be kept indefinitely if stored correctly.
Export Strength
A term often used for British spirits, indicating a higher alcohol concentration traditionally intended for the export market.
Extract
Concentrated solutions of flavorings obtained from natural sources and used in the production of liqueurs and flavored spirits.
Extractive distillation
A process in which certain compounds are selectively removed by using a solvent that preferentially absorbs these compounds. This process is often used to remove impurities or unwanted flavors from the final product.
Extraction
The process of extracting flavors or other chemical compounds from ingredients, typically by heating or immersion in alcohol or water.
Extra Añejo
Designation for particularly long matured tequila that has been stored in oak barrels for at least three years. It is known for its deep color and complex aroma.
Extra Dry
Refers to drinks that contain very little sugar, particularly vermouth and champagne, where "extra dry" can paradoxically be slightly sweeter than "brut".
Extra Old (XO)
Term often used for cognac and sometimes rum to indicate that the spirit has been aged for at least six years, often much longer, giving it a rich and complex flavor.