Subscriber Exclusive

When It Comes to Barrel Entry Proof, Consider Your Budget and the Science

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 Strickland

Four Trailblazing Women Who Shaped Drinking Culture

For 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 Guevara

Fundamentals

Unlocking the Goodness Locked Up in Grain

Understanding the fundamentals of proper mashing or cooking can be essential to producing good spirits.

By: Gabe Toth

S&D Podcast Episode 27: Ashley Barnes of The Blending House Uses Data to Drive Better Blends

As 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 Troupe

The Synergies of Brewstilleries

Adding a brewery to a distillery—or vice versa—can open up some options for makers, bringing new efficiencies and opportunities for creativity.

By: David Nilsen

Aquatically Aged Spirits: A Taste of the Past (with Modern Legal Hurdles)

Aging 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 Stephens

Experimenting with Different Cask Finishes for Rye Whiskey | Video Tip

R&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 Mahar

Fundamentals

Pots and Columns: Choosing the Right Type of Still

A distiller’s choice of still design can have a significant impact on their product lineup—and vice-versa.

By: Gabe Toth

S&D Podcast Episode 26: Caley Shoemaker of As Above, So Below Explores Character and Texture in Vodka Distillation

Character 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 Jones

Why the Angel’s Share Matters

Oh, 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 Strickland

From Wine to Wonder: The Art of Homemade Vermouth

Making vermouth at home allows for endless exploration and limitless flavor opportunities.

By: Sailor Guevara

From the Rows of Rye to the Rickhouse at WhistlePig | Video Tip

In 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 Mahar

Subscriber Exclusive

Small Spaces, Big Results: How Nanodistilleries Can Succeed with Compact Setups

A smaller space requires any producer to be flexible—but that nimbleness can also be a strength.

By: Courtney Iseman

Unlocking the Benefits of Brewer’s Yeast in Distilling

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)

Partners >

Latest Issue >

Latest Course >

Barrel-Aging with Santa Fe Spirits

Popular >

Craft Beer & Brewing >