Whisky production combines centuries-old tradition with state-of-the-art technology: the characteristic distillate is created from crushed grain - usually barley - in several stages. In this guide, you will go through all the stages of whisky production: from mash production and fermentation to distillation in pot stills or column stills and cask maturation, which gives the whisky its aromas and colour. Finally, you will learn how the bottling process ensures that every drop meets the high standards, what role water, yeast and wooden casks play and why even the smallest parameters such as the distillation speed or the cask storage climate have a significant influence on the flavour of your whisky!
How is barley malt produced?
What happens on the malting floor and why does malting influence the flavour of whisky? Discover traditional and modern malting processes - from germination to activation and drying - for the highest malt quality in whisky production.
What happens during mashing?
In the mash tun, hot water is added to convert the malt starch into fermentable sugar. Get to know the decisive steps for optimum preparation for fermentation and distillation: Temperature profiles, enzyme activity and mash tun technology. They shape the flavour of the future whisky.
First alcohol formation!
During fermentation, the yeast converts the sugar solution into alcohol. This is the first step in the production of spirits. Which yeast strains are used? How do fermentation time, temperature and mash quality influence the flavour? Find out everything you need to know about yeast and fermentation processes here.
Pot stills and column stills characterise whisky distillation.
But how do you separate the foreshot, heart and aftertaste? Why is copper essential for flavour formation? Find out all about stills, distillation steps and their influence on purity and flavour.
How do wood and ageing influence the flavour and colour of whisky?
Find out how cask type, pre-seasoning, climate and ageing time in sherry, bourbon or wine casks shape complex flavours.
How do production styles differ in different countries?
Is the production process the same for Scotch, Irish whiskey, bourbon and Japanese whisky? Discover the pot still vs. column still process, grain types and legal regulations in Scotland, Ireland, USA, Canada and Japan - clearly explained with photos and videos.
