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American Whiskey Distilling
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American Whiskey Distilling The process behind the spirits that define a good time Written by Laura Canter Whiskey distilling can be considered a fine art for those individuals familiar with the process. For those who aren’t familiar with how Bourbon whiskey, Rye whiskey, Corn whiskey and Blended whiskey are made, then by all means keep reading.
BOURBON WHISKEY Bourbon is made from a typical grain mixture, known as the mash bill, which is 70 percent corn while the rest is made from wheat, rye and malted barley. The grain is ground, dissolved in water, and usually, mash from a previous distillation is added to ensure a consistent pH across the many batches. The last step requires yeast being added and the mash is fermented. The fermented mash is then distilled to between the standard 65 percent and 80 percent alcohol. Next the transparent drink is placed in charred oak barrels for aging, during which it gains color and flavor from the wood. Evaporation and chemical processes such as oxidation also 22
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Fitzgerald’s ear Bourbon
Food & DRINK Production contribute to changes to the drink. Bourbons gain more color and flavor the longer they age. Maturity is the goal, not so much a particular age. If bourbon is aged too long, it can become woody and unbalanced. After aging, bourbon is removed from the barrel, usually diluted with water and bottled to at least 80 US proof, and at this stage this is where most bourbon whiskey is sold. Other common proofs are 86, 90, 94, 100 and 107, and whiskeys of up to 151 proof have been known to be sold. Some higher proof whiskeys known as “barrel proof,” have not been diluted after removal from the barrels. “Diluted bourbon” is bourbon whiskey sold at less than 80 proof.
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RYE WHISKEY In the United States, “rye whiskey” is required by law to be made from a mash of at least 51 percent rye, while other ingredients of the mash typically involve corn and malted barley. It is distilled to no more than 160 (U.S.) proof, and aged in charred, new oak barrels. The whiskey has to be placed into such barrels at not more than 125 (U.S.) ’S R EDITO CE proof. Rye I CHO whiskey that has been aged for at least 2 years may be further designated as “straight,” as in “straight rye whiskey.” Templeton Rye Whiskey
Gold Stack Corn Whisky
Rye whiskey was especially popular in the northeastern states, such as Pennsylvania and Maryland, but largely disappeared after Prohibition. A few brands, such as Old Overholt, did survive. Currently, Heaven Hill, Catoctin Creek, Copper Fox, Jim Beam and Wild Turkey also produce rye whiskeys. A distillery at Mount Vernon, home to George Washington, sells a version of the Washington made rye. Rye is presently making a small comeback in the United States.
CORN WHISKEY This type of American whiskey was developed due to the abundant supply of corn, and is a predecessor to Bourbon. The manufacturing of corn whiskey is probably the least complicated process. Corn whiskey is an American liquor made from a mash made of at least 80 percent corn. www.foodanddrinkdigital.com January 2011 25
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The whiskey is typically run off to high proof and cut to not less than 40 percent alcohol by volume. Corn whiskey does not have to be aged; but if necessary, it is characteristically aged in new or used uncharred oak barrels. The aging process does not last very long, typically six months or less, during which time the whiskey accumulates color and flavor from the barrel while its harshness is reduced. Imperial Blended Whiskey
BLENDED WHISKEY
The name is self explanatory; a blended whiskey is the result of blending different types of whiskies together. Blended whiskey is generally the product of mixing one or more single malt whiskies that are made from 100 percent malted grain such as barley or rye, with other grain whiskies or neutral grain spirits. The origin of these blends can typically be found in Scotland, Ireland and Canada. A vatted malt is defined as a mix of only single malts, sans grain whisky. Most blended whiskies do not list an EDITO R’S CHOIC age. When a blended whiskey does list an E age, each individual malt and grain whiskey must be at least as old as the age listed. Two of the most widely known examples of blended whiskey are Johnnie Walker and Seagram’s Seven Crown, more but there are many others such http://www. foodanddrinkdigital. articles as Jameson, Chivas Regal, Old com/industry-focus/ Visit St Andrews, Isle of Skye and Food-production Website Black & White.
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