Know your Algonguin from your El Diablo
The Glossary
Sometimes it can appear that us bartenders are speaking in a foreign tongue, this page helps to get us all speaking the same language.
B
Balance
A term use to describe a drink that has all the good qualities expected combined in it. It has no deficiencies in its flavours or character. A well balanced drink is always a good drink, often a great drink.
Barmaid
A Woman who serves and operates behind a bar or a counter to dispense drinks.
Barman
A Man who serves and operates behind a bar or counter to dispense drinks.
Beer
Fermentation ( average 4% alc by vol ) of malted barley, water, yeasts and hops. Can also have others cereals, caramel and invert sugar added.
Bitter Ale
A copper coloured beer that has a high proportion of hops to give a bitter taste.
The most popular of beers in Britain.
Bitters
Spirits of varying alcoholic strenghts, flavoured with roots and herbs. Having in common only their bitterness and their claim to medicinal powers. Used in cocktails.
Brandy Baloon
The name given to the " nosing glass " , has a large bowl and narrow lip. Used for nosing wines during production. Is favoured by the British as a Brandy glass.
Brewer
A person or a company who ( brew ) makes beer.
Brewery
A building for making beer.