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.
Fundamentals
Understanding the fundamentals of proper mashing or cooking can be essential to producing good spirits.
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.
Adding a brewery to a distillery—or vice versa—can open up some options for makers, bringing new efficiencies and opportunities for creativity.
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.
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
A distiller’s choice of still design can have a significant impact on their product lineup—and vice-versa.
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.
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.
Making vermouth at home allows for endless exploration and limitless flavor opportunities.