Distillation is a process that has been in practice for many years and involves turning raw materials into alcoholic beverages, making every liquor store open near you a gateway to different selections. It involves separating mixtures based on their boiling points through evaporation and condensation. Despite the differences between each type of spirit, the distillation process is the same. Here are six different steps of distilling:
Prepare Ingredients
Depending on the kind of spirit being produced, basic raw materials can be grains such as barley, corn, or rye or fruits such as grapes or apples. Fermentable sugars are significant because they are the primary source of alcohol. After selection, the ingredients are processed by milling, mashing, or pressing to release the required sugars. Staple foods are usually ground into a coarse meal and then boiled in hot water to swell up the grains and release their starches. Fruits are crushed to extract their pulps.
Begin Fermentation
After the ingredients have been prepared, the process of fermentation starts. Yeast is added to the mash or juice and ferments the sugars into alcohol and carbon dioxide. This step is significant because the type of yeast used will affect the flavor and character of the final spirit. A fermentation period may take as little as a few days or up to several weeks. The end product is a low-alcohol liquid called the wash or wine. This liquid contains the compounds that will be concentrated in the distillation process.
Process Distillation
Distillation is the process of purifying the fermented wash to obtain the alcohol. The fermented wash is placed in a still where heat is applied. Since alcohol boils at a lower temperature than water, it evaporates. This vapor is then cooled and condensed into liquid form, separating and purifying the alcohol. Two main categories of stills used in the process are pot stills and column stills.
Pot stills are used for whiskey and brandy, operate in batches, and need several cycles to reach the required alcohol concentration. Column stills, used for vodka and rum, enable continuous distillation, which results in a higher-proof spirit in one run. This process must be strictly regulated to achieve the desired separation of alcohol from the mixture. The distiller has to pay attention to the temperature and the cut points to discard the unwanted components called heads and tails while retaining the hearts, which is the purest part of the spirit.
Refine the Spirit
The purification stage involves proofing or dilution of the spirit with water to the desired level of alcohol content. Water quality is significant at this stage because impurities can affect the final taste and texture. Some spirits, like vodka, are often filtered through charcoal or other additives. They help to improve the clarity and surface finish of the material. The concept is to polish the spirit while retaining its attributes.
Perfect Aging
The process of aging contributes to the flavor and character of spirits. Some wines, such as whiskey, brandy, and certain rums, are stored in wooden barrels where they undergo a process of aging through interaction with the wood. This aging process adds flavor, rounds off harsh edges, and deepens the color of the spirit. The type of wood used, the char level of the barrels, and the aging time all play a role in determining the character of the beverage. There are some spirits, like gin and rum that do not need to be aged and can be bottled right after distillation and filtration.
Test Quality
When the spirit has been refined, the liquid is subjected to a series of tests to check its quality and standard before it is sealed and labeled. The clarity, aroma, taste, and feel of the whisky in the mouth are all assessed by master distillers. This is done in a controlled manner to confirm that the spirit is not contaminated. Consumers can find different drinks in a liquor store open near them that have been produced to the best of the distiller’s ability.
Visit a Liquor Store Open Near You
Having learned the process of distillation, you can try the end product. Go to a liquor store to see a wide range of wines, spirits, and craft drinks. If you want quality, professional advice, and a wide range of products, visit a reputable store. Experienced staff always help you choose the right bottle for any occasion. Visit a liquor store today whether you are looking for a premium whiskey, a fine vodka, or a craft spirit.
