Yeast

Yeast is a single-celled microorganism responsible for converting sugar into alcohol and carbon dioxide through the process of fermentation. Yeast has a significant impact on the flavor profile of distilled spirits, and as such, home distillers need to pay close attention to its usage.

Recommended Yeasts:

• Best Yeasts for Air Stills

Yeast Usage in Home Distilling with Air Stills

Fermentation

Fermentation is a critical process in home distilling. Yeast consumes the sugar in the mash or wash, converting it into alcohol and carbon dioxide. This process occurs over several days or weeks.

Backset

Backset is a process where a portion of the previous distillation run’s stillage is added to the next mash or wash to enhance flavor and jump-start fermentation.

Baking Yeast

Baking yeast is readily available, but typically produces a lower alcohol yield than specialized distiller’s yeast strains. This yeast creates a distinct flavor, which may not be desirable for some spirits.

Distiller’s Yeast

Distiller’s yeast is a specialized yeast designed for distilling high-alcohol spirits, such as whiskey, rum, or vodka. Distiller’s yeast produces a more significant yield and a more refined final product than baking yeast.

Examples of Products Where Yeast is Used

Brandy

To create a brandy, fruit such as grapes, apples, or pears is fermented to produce wine, and then distilled. The type of yeast used in fermentation affects the final flavor and aroma of the brandy.

Gin

Gin is a neutral spirit infused with herbs and spices, such as juniper berries, coriander, and citrus peel. The yeast used in gin production is selected to create a neutral base alcohol, which is necessary for adding flavor through the infusion process.

Tequila

Tequila is made from the fermented and distilled juices of blue agave plants. The type of yeast used for fermentation can significantly impact the final flavor profile of the tequila.

Key Terms

Attenuation

Attenuation is the degree to which the yeast consumes the sugar in the mash and converts it into alcohol and carbon dioxide.

Hydrometer

A hydrometer is a tool used to measure the specific gravity of the mash or wash, indicating the amount of sugar present, and whether or not fermentation is complete or in progress.

Pitching

Pitching is the addition of yeast to the cooled mash or wash. The pitching stage is where the yeast cells begin converting sugar to alcohol.

Yeast Strain

Different yeast strains are used in distilling to create unique flavor profiles. Factors such as flavor, aroma, and alcohol tolerance vary by strain.

Conclusion

In conclusion, yeast plays a vital role in home distilling. Specialized yeast strains can be selected for their unique flavor profiles, and careful attention must be paid to ensure proper fermentation. With the right yeast, equipment, and process, home distillers can create a variety of high-quality spirits using an air still.