Quadruple Ale
A Belgian beer style known for its very high original wort and intense malt flavours. These beers are dark, full-bodied and often contain notes of dark fruit, spices and sometimes chocolate. A well-known example is the Trappist beer Westvleteren 12.
Quaffability
An informal term that describes how easy and pleasant a drink is to drink. Drinks with high ‘quaffability’ are typically lighter and more refreshing, which makes them particularly easy to drink.
Quality cask
A term often used in the whisky industry for casks that are of high quality and therefore contribute to a particularly good maturation of the whisky. These casks can be made from different types of wood, e.g. American white oak or European oak.
Quality wine
Official classification for wines from certain growing regions that fulfil strict production standards in Germany and Austria. Quality wines must pass a sensory test and be precisely defined geographically. An example would be Riesling quality wine from the Mosel.
Quassia
A bittering agent extracted from the wood of the quassia tree and used as a flavouring agent in the spirits industry. It is often added to bitter liqueurs and some herbal liqueurs to achieve the desired bitterness.
Quetsch
A traditional fruit brandy from the Lorraine region of France, made from plums. This clear brandy is known for its deep plum flavour and is often drunk as an after-dinner digestif.
Quince brandy
Fruit brandy made from quinces. It is particularly popular in regions where quinces grow and is appreciated for its unique, tart and fruity flavour.
Quince schnapps
Schnapps obtained by fermenting and distilling quinces. It has a distinctive, aromatic-bitter flavour and is appreciated as a traditional digestif in many European countries.
Quint
A rarely used term that in some cultural contexts refers to distillates that are distilled five times to achieve exceptional purity and smoothness. Such distillates often have a very smooth flavour.