Subscriber Exclusive
The available data around flavor impacts is unclear—even contradictory—but this much we know: Distilling a range of strengths for the barrels will give you a broader range of blending options.
By: Matt StricklandFor Women’s History Month, we mix up some cocktails in honor of those who pushed for a seat at the table and a place behind the bar.
By: Sailor GuevaraFundamentals
Understanding the fundamentals of proper mashing or cooking can be essential to producing good spirits.
By: Gabe TothAs a chemist with a background in pharmaceutical quality, Ashley Barnes developed scientific discipline and a data-driven approach. Now as master blender at the Blending House, she applies that same rigor to the subject of aging and blending spirits.
By: Molly TroupeAdding a brewery to a distillery—or vice versa—can open up some options for makers, bringing new efficiencies and opportunities for creativity.
By: David NilsenAging barrels on rivers and waterways offers distillers a unique profile—and an intriguing story—for their spirits. However, there are some legal and technical challenges to overcome.
By: Hollie StephensR&D distiller Mitch Mahar describes the innovation program that helps WhistlePig choose single-cask finishes worth pursuing, as well as potential threads for their annual Boss Hog special release.
By: Liz Rhoades , Mitch MaharFundamentals
A distiller’s choice of still design can have a significant impact on their product lineup—and vice-versa.
By: Gabe TothCharacter and expression in “simple” vodka distillations? Is it really possible? The cofounder and master distiller behind this Santa Fe, New Mexico, craft distillery not only thinks so, but she walks through her process of using atypical grains and other ingredients to produce vodka with spirit and verve.
By: Sydney JonesOh, the sweetness of loss… Here’s how and why the slow, inevitable reduction of cask-aged spirit plays a valuable role in its maturation and flavor—and why some people try to prevent it anyway.
By: Matt StricklandMaking vermouth at home allows for endless exploration and limitless flavor opportunities.
By: Sailor GuevaraIn this clip from their video course, WhistlePig R&D distiller Mitch Mahar explains how the rye harvest can affect their choice of barrels for aging the spirit, as well as how cask placement can affect the final product.
By: Liz Rhoades , Mitch MaharSubscriber Exclusive
A smaller space requires any producer to be flexible—but that nimbleness can also be a strength.
By: Courtney IsemanSponsored
Understanding the science behind brewer’s yeast and how it differs from distiller’s yeast can help you optimize your fermentation and create uniquely complex spirits.
By: White Labs (Sponsored)