Skip to content
Liquor Laboratory

Liquor Laboratory

  • Guides
  • Cocktails
  • Bottles
  • About
  • Get in Touch
WhiskeyBourbonTequilaVodkaRumGinWineBeerBrandy

Lydia Martin

Lydia Martin is the editorial byline of Liquor Laboratory. Articles published under this name are researched, written and edited by our editorial team against our editorial standards — every ABV verified against the current label, every regulatory claim cited to the governing instrument, and no invented prices or ratings.

Is Tequila a Stimulant or a Depressant? (2022 Updated)

September 11, 2026 by Lydia Martin
Is Tequila a Stimulant or a Depressant

Tequila is claimed to be the only distilled spirit that operates as a stimulant rather than a depressant, as you’ve surely heard. As a result, many people are s

Categories FAQs, Spirits, Tequila Leave a comment

How Much Is a Dram of Whiskey?

September 11, 2026 by Lydia Martin
Lab-journal plate comparing a US fluid dram (1/8 ounce) with UK 25 or 35 mL pub pours and a 1.5 ounce shot.

A dram is not a legal US shot. The US fluid dram is 1/8 oz (3.70 mL). UK pubs pour 25 or 35 mL. A US shot is 1.5 oz.

Categories FAQs, Spirits, Whiskey Leave a comment

What Does Brandy Taste Like?

September 11, 2026 by Lydia Martin
What Does Brandy Taste Like

Brandy taste is not a TTB class. Brandy is 27 CFR 5.145, bottled at 40% or more unless a stated exception. Cognac is a type. Typical US 40% — FLAG. No ranking.

Categories Brandy, FAQs Leave a comment

What Is Vodka Proof?

September 11, 2026 by Lydia Martin
Vodka rocks glasses with lime, proof

US proof is twice ABV. Unflavored vodka must be at least 80 proof (40% ABV). Flavored vodka can be 60 proof. A 1.5 oz 80-proof pour is one standard drink.

Categories FAQs, Vodka Leave a comment

Cachaça vs Rum: What’s the Difference?

September 11, 2026 by Lydia Martin
Cachaca vs Rum 1

Cachaça is a Brazilian sugarcane spirit. TTB 27 CFR 5.147 treats it as a type of rum and a distinctive product of Brazil. It may be labeled cachaça or rum in the US. No ranking.

Categories FAQs, Rum Leave a comment

Tequila Reposado vs Añejo: What’s the Difference?

September 11, 2026 by Lydia Martin
Tequila Reposado vs Anejo 1

NOM-006: reposado ages at least 2 months in oak; añejo at least 1 year in ≤600 L oak. Extra añejo is 3 years. Most US bottles are 40% ABV. Age is not extra ethanol.

Categories FAQs, Tequila Leave a comment

D’USSÉ vs Hennessy: What’s the Difference?

September 11, 2026 by Lydia Martin
Dusse vs Hennessy 1

These are two Cognac brands, not a trophy pair. BNIC grades are age floors. Typical US bottles print 40% — FLAG. Hennessy V.S 40% on official title this project. No ranking.

Categories Brandy, Cognac, FAQs Leave a comment

Scotch vs Irish Whiskey: What’s the Difference?

September 11, 2026 by Lydia Martin
Scotch vs Irish Whiskey 1

Both Scotch and Irish whiskey must mature at least 3 years and bottle at ≥40% ABV. The split is place and each GI’s rules — not a guaranteed extra proof. A 1.5 oz 40% pour is one standard drink.

Categories FAQs, Scotch, Whiskey Leave a comment

Courvoisier vs Hennessy: What’s the Difference?

September 11, 2026 by Lydia Martin
Courvoisier vs Hennessy 2

Both Courvoisier VS and Hennessy V.S are Cognac AOC brandies, typically 40% ABV in the US. Same BNIC age floors. Campari closed the Courvoisier purchase in April 2024. A 1.5 oz pour is one standard drink.

Categories Brandy, Cognac, FAQs Leave a comment

Tequila vs Whiskey: What’s the Difference?

September 11, 2026 by Lydia Martin
Tequila vs Whiskey 1

Tequila is a Mexican agave Denomination of Origin spirit (CRT / 27 CFR 5.148). Whiskey is a grain distillate stored in oak (5.143). Most US bottles of either are 40% ABV.

Categories FAQs, Tequila, Whiskey Leave a comment
Older posts
Newer posts
← Previous Page1 … Page173 Page174 Page175 … Page186 Next →

Recent Posts

  • Tequila, Explained
  • Whiskey, Explained
  • Bar Basics
  • Vodka, Explained
  • Wine, Explained

Recent Comments

No comments to show.
© 2026 Liquor Laboratory • Built with GeneratePress