Fermentation

Fermentation is an essential process in home distilling. It involves the breakdown of sugars into alcohol and other organic compounds by yeast, resulting in the flavorful alcoholic drinks that we all love.

To kick-start your home distilling journey, we’ve compiled a comprehensive glossary of the most essential fermentation terms you need to know.

How does Fermentation Work?

Simply put, fermentation is the conversion of sugary substances by specific types of yeast into ethyl alcohol and carbon dioxide. During the fermentation process, yeast consumes the sugars and releases ethanol and CO2.

To start fermentation, the ingredients, usually consisting of water and sugar or a sugar-rich solution, are heated and cooled to the right temperature, and then yeast is added.

The yeast feeds on the sugar, breaks it down, and produces alcohol as a result.

After fermentation is complete, the alcohol can be distilled to produce a higher proof spirit.

It’s important to note that fermentation takes place in an anaerobic environment without oxygen, and temperature, pH levels, and nutrition are all critical factors in its success.

Air Still

An air still is a popular type of still used in home distilling that relies on yeast to ferment a mixture of sugar and water into alcohol. The air still then boils and condenses the alcohol vapor into a liquid, resulting in a clear and tasteless alcohol that can be used for making a variety of alcoholic drinks.

See: best air stills to distill alcohol

Yeast

Yeast is a crucial component in fermentation as it is responsible for breaking down the carbohydrates in the sugar mixture to produce alcohol. Different types of yeast produce different flavors and aromas, so it’s essential to choose the right yeast strain for your desired end product. Some unique and uncommon methods include using champagne yeast for a more effervescent wine or a sourdough starter for sour beers.

See: best yeasts to distill alcohol

Mash

Mash refers to the mixture of sugar and water that is fermented by yeast to produce alcohol. A mash can be made from a variety of sources, including grains, fruits, and vegetables, and the choice of ingredients will impact the taste and quality of the final product.

Distillation

Distillation is the process of separating alcohol from the fermented mixture by boiling and condensing the alcohol vapor. It results in a higher alcohol concentration and smoother taste than the fermented mixture alone.

Examples of Fermented Products

Fermentation is used to produce a wide range of alcoholic drinks, including wine, beer, whiskey, gin, and vodka. Each of these drinks has a unique flavor and aroma profile that comes from the specific ingredients used in the mash and the yeast strain used for fermentation.

By understanding these fundamental fermentation terms, you can embark on successful home distilling and experience the joy of making your favorite alcoholic drinks. Remember to choose the right yeast type for your desired outcome and experiment with different ingredients to find the taste that suits you best.