Category Archives: Spirits

The Best Grapes For Making Brandy (Read This First!)

Image of diy distilling what are the best grapes for making brandy

There are a lot of varieties of grapes used as a base for brandy. They range from sweet and fruity to soft and floral. Some grapes are sought after because of the caramel notes they impart as the wine matures, adding dimension to the distilled brandy. This article explores the best varieties and the ones{…}

What Does Brandy Taste Like (Explained!) 

Image of diy distilling what does brandy taste like and what is the difference between brandy and cognac

Brandy is a spirit that’s a little bit like a rum, a little bit like a liqueur, and a little bit like a dessert. A lot of factors come into play when producing this multi-dimensionally flavored drink – that’s why it can be so confusing when trying to describe what it tastes like. Quick Answer:When{…}

Can You Distill Wine? (Answered!)

Image of diy distilling can you distill wine and what wine is best for making brandy

Wine is a fermented drink that’s been around for over 8000 years. It’s made by pressing grapes to get their juice and natural sugars, then fermenting it with either wild or cultivated yeast to turn these sugars into alcohol. As distillers, we are fascinated by the magic that happens when you take something like wine{…}

The Best Oak For Aging Whiskey

Image of diy distilling diy distilling what is the best oak for aging whiskey french oak american oak

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{…}

The Best Yeasts For Distilling (Our Top 4!)

Image of diy distilling the best yeast for distilling 1

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{…}

What Does Moonshine Taste Like (Distiller Explains!)

Image of diy distilling what does moonshine taste like

Moonshine: while the name is familiar, many haven’t seen or tasted this infamous elixir..  Moonshine is essentially clear, unaged bourbon whisky. Otherwise known as ‘hooch’ and ‘white lightening’, the beverage is known for its high proof, notable ‘kick’, and popularity with bootleggers during prohibition. It is typically made from corn so has a similar taste to a{…}

The Best Whiskey Apps (For Whiskey Lovers) In 2023

Image of diy distilling the best mobile apps for whiskey

Almost everything today has gone digital, including whiskey. Most apps about whiskey are whiskey databases that allow the user to review their tested drink and share it on social media. However, some apps allow the user to order whiskey on demand and will even go as far as to provide whiskey cocktail advice. We surveyed{…}

The 5 Best Mobile Apps For Gin Lovers (In 2023)

Image of diy distilling the best mobile apps for gin

Gin is no longer a drink for little old ladies, it’s hit the mainstream and in the last few years has developed a cult-like status. And with that status comes the challenge of keeping track of which gins are great, which ones aren’t, and what to try next.  Being unashamed gin snobs, it’s hard work{…}

The 7 Best Whiskey Books (For Whiskey Lovers) In 2023)

Image of diy distilling the best books for whiskey makers and drinkers

These are some of the seven best books for whiskey, written by folks who have spent decades in the trenches researching and tasting whiskey, visiting distilleries, pubs, and libraries in an attempt to figure out what makes our country’s favorite spirit so excellent.  Please pick up a few of these whiskey books, study them, and{…}

The 7 Best Rum Books (For Rum Lovers) In 2023

Image of diy distilling the best books for rum makers and drinkers

Oh, the sweet and toasty taste of our beloved rum. A treasured liquor that has been around for 60 years, having originated from the West Indies. In those 60 years, well-known experts, and self-taught lovers of rum have come to have extensive knowledge of the strong drink. Said individuals have been generous to share that{…}

How to Make Pitorro At Home (Step-by-Step Guide)

Pitorro is a popular Puerto Rican drink, especially during special occasions. It follows the same{...}

The Best Still For Making Whiskey (In 2024)

With so many whiskey-making stills on the market, choosing one that will cater to your{...}

The Best Still For Making Vodka (In 2024)

I make a lot of gin, and to make gin you need vodka first. Over{...}

The Best Thermometer For Distilling (In 2024)

One aspect that allows us to create high-quality spirits hinges on having a reliable and{...}

How To Cut Heads and Tails When Making Gin

One question we get asked a lot in the Facebook group and our Ask an{...}

A Distillers’ Guide To Excise Duty (Excise Tax Considerations)

From the Author: This article has been written as a necessity given the variety of{...}