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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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

From Wine to Wonder: The Art of Homemade Vermouth

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

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.

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.

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.