malt – n. grain, especially barley, that is soaked in water and used in making alcoholic drinks (such as beer and whiskey)

distill – v. to make (a liquid) pure by heating it until it becomes a gas and then cooling it until it is a liquid again; to purify (a liquid) by distillation

single malt – n. a kind of whiskey that comes from one place and that is not blended with other kinds of whiskey — often used before another noun

proof – n. a measurement of how much alcohol is in an alcoholic drink

expression – n. a variation of whisky that is different from another

underdog – n. a less powerful person or thing that struggles against a more powerful person or thing (such as a corporation)

consumer – n. a person who buys goods and services

extract – v. to remove (something) by pulling it out or cutting it out

evaporate – v. to change from a liquid into a gas

toast – v. to make (food, such as bread) crisp and brown by heat

boom – n. a rapid increase in growth or economic success

oxidation – n. the process of combining with oxygen

exotic – adj. very different, strange, or unusual

variation – n. something that is similar to something else but different in some way — often + on

mature – v. to continue developing to a desired level

mellow – adj. having a pleasing rich flavor that develops over time

sherry – n. a strong wine with a nutty flavor that is made especially in Spain

port – n. a strong, sweet, usually dark red wine that is made in Portugal

rare – adj. not common or usual; not often done, seen, or happening