Modern Bourbon Production Methods Flashcards
What is distillation dependent upon?
Boiling points of different liquids
Briefly describe distillation.
To separate pure liquids from a mixed liquid, the temperature is gradually raised. The vapors are condensed and captured, but only if the boiling points are sufficiently different.
All whiskey starts with _______.
Grain
Name the common and some lesser used grains for whiskey.
Common: Barley Corn Rye Wheat
Less Common: Oats Quinoa hybrid grains, e.g., triticale buckwheat
Name the parts of barley grain
Husk
Bran [Pericarp & Aleurone]
Endosperm (starches that get converted to sugar)
Germ
What happens to barley before it is used?
Malted, aka, prompted to sprout
Why are grains malted?
Sprouting releases enzymes that convert hard starches to softer starches; release starches from protein matrix
List the basic steps in whiskey making
Harvest & clean grain Malting (if barley is used) Grind grains Cook grains Fermentation w/ addition of yeast Distillation Stored in oak barrels
What is the mother grain for Scotch whiskey?
Barley
What does “Malt” generically refer to?
malted barley, though any grain can be malted
What is the “yield” of grain?
The amount of sugar from each kernel
Why must malting be controlled?
The shoot could consume too much starch
What happens when the barley has achieved the peak of starch conversion?
The malt is heated in the kiln to stop germination but not roast or denature enzymes
What are the grains used in rye whiskey?
51% rye, plus malt and corn
What are the grains used in bourbon?
51% corn, plus malt and either rye or wheat
