Picture this: You stand amid the cool tranquility of an aging cellar, rows upon rows of barrels quietly slumbering, each imbued with a wealth of complex flavors patiently maturing over the years. Welcome to the world of whiskey and spirits tourism – a niche, yet increasingly popular aspect of global travel. Must-visit Distilleries in the […]
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Craft Distillers Push for Direct-to-Consumer Sales
The alcohol industry, with its rich history and intricacies, has long been a pillar of the American economy. Yet, the space for small-scale producers, specifically craft distillers, has been challenging, with cumbersome regulations often restricting growth and direct consumer engagement. Now, in an era where e-commerce and home delivery have become normalized, there’s a burgeoning […]
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Does it Matter Where Whisky is Matured?
Climate: The Natural Regulator The climate where whisky is matured can greatly influence its character. Temperature and humidity can accelerate or decelerate the aging process. In hotter regions like Kentucky or Taiwan, whisky matures faster due to higher average temperatures, leading to a more significant interaction between the spirit and the wood. In contrast, the […]
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Why Aren’t Whisky and Gin Taxed Like Beer?
Prohibition and Excise Taxes The temperance movement and Prohibition era in the USA (1920-1933) left a significant imprint on the American alcoholic beverage industry. Spirits, including whisky and gin, were targeted due to their higher alcohol content and the perceived societal harm they could cause. Thus, post-Prohibition, the higher taxation rates for spirits as compared […]
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What’s a Mash Filter and How Does It Work?
Central to a whiskey distiller’s toolkit is the mash filter—a modern alternative to the traditional lauter tun. Essentially, a mash filter separates liquid wort from the solid grain material post-mashing. Though relatively newer to the whiskey industry, mash filters have been used in beer production for decades. The Anatomy of the Filter A mash filter […]
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Designing the Modern Whisky Distillery
Functional Flow At the heart of any whisky distillery, modern or traditional, is the process flow. A smooth transition from grain intake to mashing, fermentation, distillation, and finally maturation, ensures efficiency. In the contemporary distillery, every square foot counts. Silos for grain storage must be strategically placed for easy unloading. Mash tuns, washbacks, and stills […]
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Accelerating the Whisky Maturation Process
Whisky is aged for a long time to develop its signature aroma and nuanced flavor. Whisky investors and connoisseurs have long held to this belief, respecting the long aging time required to turn raw spirits into liquid wealth. Distillers that think that shortening the maturing time of whisky is not only conceivable, but the future […]
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An Essex Woman’s Quest for Sustainability
Despite whisky’s reputation for conservatism, a new movement is gaining momentum thanks to the bold efforts of a former strategy consultant named Annabel Thomas. Thomas, as the founder of Highland Distillery Nc’nean, is shaking things up in the whisky industry by advocating for more sustainable methods and a greener approach. Nc’nean, a distillery, and a […]
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