As a beginner home distiller, you might have come across the term low wines. It’s one of those terms advanced home distillers often throw around and skimp over, making it difficult for newbies to grasp some basics of the craft. Low wines are the result of the first distillation. They are produced from a fermented{…}
If you’re anything like me, the further you get into the distilling hobby, the more you whish you had a degree in chemical engineering.. When people start talking ‘Azeotropes’, ‘temperature gradients’, and ‘equilibirum points’.. its clear that temperature plays a crucial role in the distilling process – but what does this all mean!? In this{…}
Corn is the basis for the production of whiskey and moonshine. It has a starch content necessary for fermentation, and when combined with a decent enzyme, it can create the desired ABV. But not all corn is created equal. Some varieties, like corn flour, have a low starch content and are only suited to making{…}
Double pitching and co-pitching are two different techniques to alter the fermentation process of your beer, wine, or spirit wash. Double pitching involves adding more of the same yeast, while co-pitching is where two different yeast are mixed together to get a particular flavor, aroma, or fermentation characteristic. Both are somewhat controversial topics in the{…}
Genever, commonly referred to as Dutch Gin, has been enjoyed for centuries in Holland. It’s a malt-based spirit blended with unique herbs and spices like juniper berries, coriander, cloves, and licorice – making it botanical-rich. The traditional version is typically unaged, but modern variations – young genever, tend to be aged in oak casks. Not{…}
Infused and cold compound gin can get monotonous over time. Yes, they introduce fantastic flavor to your spirit. But there comes a time when you yearn for smooth and light alcohol. Luckily, you can achieve that with a gin basket. A gin basket extracts botanical flavors through a vapor infusion method. It’s placed in the{…}
There are a plethora of devices and techniques you can use to create a superbly flavored drink. These include a gin basket, maceration, and infusion. But one technique that isn’t always talked about is the use of a soxhlet extractor. The device has been used by chemists since its discovery in 1879. It’s renowned because{…}
There are various ways to purify water. From distilling, deionizing, and reverse osmosis. Most of these methods treat the water you use at home. Distilling water is a common technique used commercially and it can be replicated at home. Distilled water is water that’s steamed, condensed, and collected in sterile jars. This ensures an excellent level{…}
Flooding is frustration – throwing your still out of equilibrium and often ruining your product.. But, the good news is that you can fix it mid-distillation or prevent it from happening in the future. Flooding still is often a result of a higher than normal reflux rate. It could also mean there’s a high feed{…}
As a new distiller, one of the most dampening feelings is winding up with a puking still. Even more so, when you’ve excitedly set up your still and have it running and had it run for the whole run. So, what exactly caused it to boil over? A few common causes of a still boilover are increased heat,{…}
Pitorro is a popular Puerto Rican drink, especially during special occasions. It follows the same{...}
With so many whiskey-making stills on the market, choosing one that will cater to your{...}
I make a lot of gin, and to make gin you need vodka first. Over{...}
One aspect that allows us to create high-quality spirits hinges on having a reliable and{...}
One question we get asked a lot in the Facebook group and our Ask an{...}
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