Whether or not sour mashing creates a better-tasting drink is a controversial topic. While some distillers opt for the regular mash route because they believe it produces a cleaner and smoother final product, some still enjoy using a sour mash because it balances the pH of the wash and creates consistent flavors for every bottle{…}
Gin is a distilled spirit where botanicals are added to a neutral base sprit (think vodka) and then redistilled to create the final drink. Most of us are familiar with the taste, but aren’t as well versed in the manufacturing process, so how long is gin normally aged for? Unlike whiskey, rum, and tequila, gin{…}
Brandy is one of the easiest spirits to make when you’re starting out – though can be challenging to master! The process uses minimal ingredients that you can purchase at your nearest store. And, we can safely say your liquor will be ready for consumption within three months. So, how do you make this magical{…}
Are you wondering how to test for methanol in your drink? Amateur distillers, commercial brewing professionals, and keen alcohol drinkers may be interested in testing for methanol in alcoholic beverages. Below, we talk about what methanol is, where we commonly find methanol, and why it’s important to test for methanol in alcoholic beverages. Later, we’ll walk{…}
Distillation is one of the most useful processes in chemistry. It can separate mixtures into their components, concentrating a product from what was once a reaction mixture. In this post, we’ll be looking at the difference between batch distillation and continuous distillation. What Is Distillation? Distillation is the process of separating parts of a (liquid){…}
A vapor management still is 1 of 3 different methods for the control of reflux within a distillation column. These include vapor management (VM), liquid management (LM), and cooling management (CM). What is a vapor management still? A vapor management still is a method of reflux control set by a gate valve or ball valve. Vapor{…}
Turbo yeast has made fermenting a high-ABV wash fast and easy. It works by using high alcohol tolerant strains of yeast and a concoction of potent yeast nutrients. These sachets can be incredibly efficient, but also lead to producing some nasty flavors and overall a poor quality product. In this article, we’ll explain how to{…}
Oaking or ‘aging’ whiskey is what gives it all of it’s color, and a lot of its taste an aroma. In fact, Dan Szor, CEO and Founder of Costwalds Distillers estimates that wood contributes 60% to 70 % towards the taste of the final whiskey product. “Wood is known to take out the bad through{…}
There are currently over 1500 varieties of yeast available to choose from. But yeast is yeast, right? Well while they may all seem similar enough, there are plenty of differences you should be aware of. Some yeast types perform better than others based on the ingredients you’re fermenting. Others impart unique flavors that are critical{…}
Aging whiskey is one of the most important aspects of this wonderful elixir. It’s the bridge between an okay-tasting whiskey and a perfectly smooth, intensely flavored drink. Whether you want to age your own whiskey, or just like reading about aging whiskey, here’s everything you need to know about the art. How Do You ‘Age’ Spirits?{…}
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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