Scotch whisky requires a tremendous amount of time to create. It is a tedious process that may last for quite a few years. However, if it is crafted the right way, the end product is one that’s worth the long wait.
Initial, the barley is immersed in tanks of water for roughly 72 hours. The moisture causes the barley to begin the germination process. Once germinated, the barley will then be moved to the malting section of the distillery where it is placed into drums also known as the malting floor.
The reason for the germination process is to convert the starch in the grains into fermentable sugars. The yeast will metabolize the sugars producing alcohol in the fermentation phase. Turning the barley frequently ensures the temp will stay consistent. Wooden spades generally known as sheils are utilized to turn the grains on a traditional malting floor. The grains will die-off if the temperatures gets above 71 degrees Fahrenheit. This would thus stop the process because the starch will not be changed into fermentable sugars.
The grain is kiln dried to halt the germination process and the continuation of sugar consumption. Usually, a traditional kiln is often a building standing two levels tall with the top perforated permitting all heat to escape. The first floor contains peat bricks which are burned. During this procedure the grain is dried and absorbs the peat aroma and taste. The pagoda roof design on a distillery is a very distinct characteristic. Today, the majority of the distilleries purchase all their malt from a central malting company. Then again, there remain a small selection that continue to be traditional and do everything themselves.
The grain is milled into grist and combined with water in mash tubs. The mixture is heated to 60 degrees. During the mashing period the water is changed at least four times to remove sediment. The result of this mashing is called wort. The wort needs to be cooled off before combining with yeast. This huge container is never filled totally since wort froths quite a bit because of co2. By the time two or three days have passed, all of the yeast is killed from the ethanol it released. The ultimate product of the cycle is termed wash. It has 5 to 8 percent alcohol.
The stills where wash is placed are made of copper and are regulated to a certain shape that allows for proper distillation to occur. Distillation is typically performed two times, however, many distillers do it 3 x or more. Immediately after the entire process is complete the distillate is put into kegs made of oak, for a no less than three years. However, many Scotch whiskies are aged for considerably longer.
Learn more about making whiskey on the Internet. Anyone can understand how to make whiskey and uncover an intriguing history around this spirit.