How to Produce Liquor and Distill Delicious Spirits
This video provides a brief overview on how to produce delicious spirits / liquor (whiskey, brandy, vodka, rum etc.) using the BREWHA complete brewing and distilling system. The production of liquor first involves the making of beer or 'wash' as it is called in the distilling world, which is discussed in many other articles on the BREWHA website; it is recommended to use the best beer making methods (don't use short cuts) in order to make the best liquor. Low quality beer/wash makes it much harder to yield great tasting liquor.
What is Distillation?
Distillation is a process that involves heating a liquid to create vapor and then cooling that vapor to create a liquid. This method is used to separate components in a liquid mixture based on their boiling points. In the context of producing liquor, distillation is crucial for concentrating alcohol and creating flavorful spirits.
Understanding the Basics
Before diving into the distillation process, it's essential to understand the basic components involved. The key elements include a still (pot still or column still), fermented liquid (mash or wash), heat source, condenser, and collection vessel. Each component plays a vital role in the distillation process.
The Distillation Process
The distillation process begins by heating the fermented liquid in the still. As the liquid heats up, alcohol vaporizes at a lower temperature than water, allowing the alcohol to separate from the other components. The vapor then travels through the condenser, where it cools and condenses back into a liquid form. The resulting liquid, known as distillate, is collected in the vessel.
Quality Control and Flavor Development
Producing high-quality spirits requires careful attention to detail and precision. Factors such as temperature control, distillation speed, and the quality of ingredients all impact the final product. Additionally, the type of still used and the number of distillation runs can influence the flavor profile of the spirits.
Art and Science of Distillation
Distilling spirits is a blend of art and science, where creativity meets technical expertise. Experimenting with different ingredients, refining the distillation process, and honing your skills as a distiller are all part of the journey towards creating exceptional spirits.
Final Thoughts
Mastering the art of distilling spirits is a rewarding endeavor that requires dedication, patience, and a passion for craftsmanship. By understanding the principles of distillation and continuously refining your techniques, you can produce liquor and distill delicious spirits that delight the senses and captivate the palate.
Tip: empty yeast from the bottom of the fermenter before distilling and if making a recipe for the first time, check the elements before distilling; if they are coated with yeast, clean them off before distilling or they might scorch when heating up. Using a low-flocculant yeast will help minimize coating on the heaters.
Recipe for the rum in this video:
- 4.54kg/10lb of organic cane sugar
- 1.3kg/3lb of fancy molasses
- 5g lactic acid (to lower pH)
- 7.5g Go Ferm to yeast hydrating water
- 10g Distillavite (yeast nutrient at end of boil)
- 10g Distilimax SR yeast fermented at 29C/84F
Yield
- 200mL foreshots (discarded)
- 300mL heads
- 3000mL hearts
- 300mL tails