Whiskey Production Chapter 2

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Questions and Answers

What is the purpose of turning the barley during the germination process?

To enhance enzyme activity

To prevent the sprouts from intertwining and forming unmanageable clumps (correct)

To accelerate the germination process

To reduce the risk of mold growth

What is the purpose of heating the malt in a kiln?

To stop the germination process (correct)

To enhance enzyme activity

To add flavor to the malt

To dry the malt (correct)

What is the purpose of 'chalking the malt'?

To check the moisture content of the malt

To test the starch conversion of the malt (correct)

To check the enzyme activity in the malt

To measure the phenol content of the malt

What is the purpose of introducing peat smoke during the kilning process?

To add a smoky flavor to the malt Signup and view all the answers

What is the typical ratio of phenols in malt versus phenols in the actual spirit?

3:1 Signup and view all the answers

What is the main component of peat?

Sphagnum moss Signup and view all the answers

What is the estimated percentage of the world's land surface that is peat bogs?

2% Signup and view all the answers

What type of whiskey is made from 100% barley malt?

Malt whiskey Signup and view all the answers

What is a unique characteristic of rye?

It grows exceptionally tall for a grass Signup and view all the answers

What was desired by the Romans about rye?

Its bitter, earthy taste Signup and view all the answers

What is the name of the plant that corn descends from?

Teosinte Signup and view all the answers

Why is corn considered 'king' in North America?

It is a staple crop in North America Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of calcium in whiskey making?

To provide nutrients to the yeast Signup and view all the answers

What is the result of the conversion of starches to sugars in the mash tun?

The mash becomes slippery and slick with sugars Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of sparges in whiskey making?

To wash out the remaining sugars from the mash Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of sour mash in traditional American distilleries?

To fill the remaining volume in the fermenter Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary effect of increased heat during fermentation?

Faster fermentation and more aromatic compounds Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of reflux in distillation?

To remove impurities from the spirit Signup and view all the answers

What is the difference between shell and tube condensers and worm condensers?

Effect on the spirit's character Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of the lyne arm in a pot still?

To allow vapor to exit the still and enter the condenser Signup and view all the answers

What is the 'heart cut' in the distillation process?

The pure, middle part of the spirit Signup and view all the answers

Why are distillers careful to keep their yeast clean and healthy?

To ensure consistent aromas and flavors Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of the 'foreshots' and 'feints' in distillation?

To clean the spirit of impurities Signup and view all the answers

What is the effect of a shorter, squat still versus a taller still?

Less reflux and a heavier spirit Signup and view all the answers

What is the main difference between column stills and pot stills?

Column stills run continuously, while pot stills run in batches. Signup and view all the answers

What happens to the wash as it moves downward in the column still?

It meets steam, and the alcohol evaporates and moves upward with the steam. Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of the perforated plates in the column still?

To hold the wash and allow steam to strip away the alcohol. Signup and view all the answers

What is the typical proof of the spirit after the final distillation step in bourbon production?

No more than 160 proof. Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of the rectifier in the Coffey still?

To produce a cleaner, purer stream of alcohol. Signup and view all the answers

What is the typical proof of the spirit entering the rectifier in grain whiskey production?

Above 90% alcohol. Signup and view all the answers

What happens to the liquid waste from the bottom of the column still?

It is cooled and used as sour mash in bourbon fermentation. Signup and view all the answers

What is the main difference between bourbon distillation and Scottish distillation?

Bourbon distillation uses a single column still, while Scottish distillation uses a classic 2-column still. Signup and view all the answers

What is the basis of all whiskeys?

Grains Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of malting in whiskey production?

To convert starches to sugars Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of yeast in whiskey production?

To produce carbon dioxide and alcohol Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of heating the mixture in a still?

To extract the alcohol from the mixture Signup and view all the answers

What happens to the starches in the grain during malting?

They are broken down by enzymes Signup and view all the answers

Why do distillers want to maximize the yield of each kernel?

To reduce the cost of production Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of distillation in whiskey production?

To extract the alcohol from the mixture Signup and view all the answers

Why is barley a preferred grain for whiskey production?

It has a higher starch content than other grains Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Making Whiskey: Fermentation and Distillation

Whiskey is made from grains, including barley, corn, rye, and wheat, which are converted into sugars through fermentation.
Yeast consumes the sugars, producing alcohol and carbon dioxide as byproducts.
The mixture is then distilled to extract and concentrate the alcohol.

The Mother Grain: Barley

Barley is the preferred grain for whiskey due to its high starch content, which is easily converted into sugar.
Malting is an ancient process that involves soaking the barley in water to activate enzymes that break down the starches.
The barley is then dried in a kiln to stop the germination process and preserve the enzymes.

Peat and Smoky Flavor

Peat is partially decayed vegetation that is burned to dry the malt, imparting a smoky flavor.
The amount of peat smoke absorbed by the malt is measured in parts per million (ppm) of phenols.
The smoky flavor is a result of the phenols, which are aromatic compounds that give whiskey its distinctive flavor.

Rye

Rye is a young grain that is relatively recently domesticated, around 500 BCE.
It is known for its bitter, earthy taste and is often used in whiskey production.
Rye is a hardy grain that can grow in poor soil and is often used as a volunteer crop.

Corn

Corn is a thick-stalked grain with a large cob and protective husk.
It is a dominant crop in North America and is often used in whiskey production.
Corn is difficult to malt, but it provides a lot of sugar and is often used in combination with other grains.

Cooking the Mash

The grains are milled into a grist and mixed with water to create a mash.
The mash is then heated to convert the starches into sugars.
The temperature and water quality are crucial in the mashing process.

Fermentation

The mash is fermented to convert the sugars into alcohol and carbon dioxide.
The fermentation process is typically done in a fermenter and takes around 5-6 days.
The temperature and yeast strain can affect the fermentation process and the final product.

Distillation

Distillation is the process of extracting and concentrating the alcohol from the fermented mash.
There are different types of stills, including pot stills, column stills, and hybrid stills.
The type of still used can affect the final product and the character of the whiskey.

Pot Still Distillation

Pot stills are used in batch distillation, where the wash is heated and then cooled to produce a spirit.
The spirit is then distilled again to increase the proof and clean the spirit.
The reflux process, where the vapor condenses and falls back into the still, is crucial in pot still distillation.

Column Still Distillation

Column stills are used in continuous distillation, where the wash is fed into the column and the spirit is produced continuously.
The column still is more efficient and produces a higher proof spirit than pot stills.
The spirit is then distilled again to increase the proof and clean the spirit.

Hybrid Still Distillation

Hybrid stills combine the benefits of pot stills and column stills.
The column still is adjustable, allowing distillers to run it as a pot still or a column still.
Hybrid stills offer more flexibility and control over the distillation process.