A spirited adventure
Let’s take a look at how distillers craft spirits, and more specifically, the art of distillation.
Our journey begins with the growth and harvest of ingredients (grapes, grains – such as corn, wheat, barley, rye, and agave). These raw materials are generally shredded, milled, or pressed before a pinch of magic is added. Picture malted barley or a touch of smoked peat, don’t judge, it’s really a flavour thing!
Next comes the fermentation fiesta, in other words the process by which yeast converts sugar into alcohol and carbon dioxide. Think of yeast as the life of the party they kickstart! Whether wild or cultivated, yeast can help distillers differentiate the flavours and complexity of their spirits. Fermentation is where flavours groove and aromas bloom. While some distillers hit the dancefloor for three to five days, others go for a seven to nine-day fermentation stint.
It's essential to appreciate that at its core, distillation is a separation technique. As temperatures rise, different elements within the mixture evaporate at varying rates. The outcome of distillation is categorised into three main parts: the heads, the heart, and the tails.
The craft of distillation is an intricate combination of chemistry, intuition, and expertise. It’s the finesse to discern the precise junctures to ‘cut’ the heads and tails and preserve only the most exquisite essence, the heart!
Distillers like great culinary Chefs must choose the right utensils… Pot stills craft robust, flavourful spirits while column stills with their tall, slender allure create a light and breezy distillate style. Scotch and Irish whiskey tango in stills two or three times, resulting in a smoother, lighter character. Vodka likes to dance to the tune of countless distillations to achieve impeccable neutrality.
While many clear spirits such as vodka and gin don’t undergo a maturation process, some spirits flirt with barrels - just like wine - to add flavour, colour and aroma (think American charred oak for Bourbon as an example). Some distillers rest their spirits in glass or clay vessels to mellow the spirit without adding colour, flavour or aroma.
Now on to blending, that’s when distillers expertly combine (blend) different distillates to craft a balanced spirit that sings on your palate.
On to proofing which aims to strike the perfect balance between alcohol potency and taste, ensuring a smooth and enjoyable drinking experience. The process involves adding water to the spirit to reduce its strength while maintaining the intended flavour profile and overall character.
With every filtration choice, a story unfolds. One that blends science, aesthetics, and the pursuit of perfection. Filtration involves sieving out both large and minuscule particles while adding a touch of finesse to the essence.
Some producers venture into the realm of chill filtering while a growing number of distillers forgo this to preserve the spirit’s inherent flavours and textures.
That’s another story entirely…
