How to Distill

Book excerpt: Learn every aspect of distilling, from the fundamentals to flavor development control and packaging, in this definitive guide to small-scale distilling. Whether you want straightforward information for your first distillation or you’re a seasoned distiller looking to perfect your craft, this is the book for you. Certified industry expert and seasoned home distiller Aaron Hyde lays out the how and why of all the key processes, starting at the mash and fermentation, working through more than 100 pages on distilling, and ending with expert information on aging spirits.This is the only book that goes beyond the basics to cover it all: An Overview of Distilling: The fundamentals of distillation, concise distillation theory, still design, distilled products, and the raw materials. Pre-Distillation: Move on to learn about ingredient processing and preparation, fermentation theory and technology, the fermentation process, and calculating the potential of wash. Distilling: Finally, the main event! A robust section on distilling covers modern distillation technology, the distillation process, key decisions during distillation, process control, collection, and further distillation. Post-Distillation: Last but not least, work your way through flavor development and control, the aging process, quality considerations, distillery co-products, and packaging considerations. With reliable, tested, up-to-date information, this is the new standard for distilling.