What are cuts in distilling?

Distillation cuts are the output streams from a distillation tower. They are called “cuts” because they are the result of separating the crude oil into its constituent parts based on the different temperatures at which they evaporate and condense (e.g., cut points).

What to do with heads after distilling?

Once the distiller makes the first cut, the heads are generally either disposed of or redistilled in able to collect more alcohol from them. After the distiller has decided that the quality of the incoming distillate is good enough to keep for drinking purposes, they will cut to “hearts”.

How much methanol is produced during fermentation?

Depending upon the strain of yeast during fermentation, some 10\% of all alcohol created can be methanol. Fermentation usually achieves 8\%–10\% ethanol in total. That means that about 1\% of the total wash can be methanol. Most of the methanol is removed during distillation by reputable distilleries.

At what proof do you stop distilling?

around 10-20 proof
When the Distillation Process Ends Experienced commercial distillers generally run their stills until the alcohol from the wash has reduced to somewhere around 10-20 proof. It is not worth the time and energy to distill further to separate the little remaining alcohol from the water.

What proof do I need to stop distilling?

When the Distillation Process Ends Experienced commercial distillers generally run their stills until the alcohol from the wash has reduced to somewhere around 10-20 proof. It is not worth the time and energy to distill further to separate the little remaining alcohol from the water.

What are heads and tails in distilling?

Heads: Spirits from the beginning of the run that contain a high percentage of low boiling point alcohols and other compounds such as aldehydes and ethyl acetate. Hearts: The desirable middle alcohols from your run. Tails: A distillate containing a high percentage of fusel oil and little alcohol at the end of the run.

Can you’re distill tails?

However, you can always combine the tails with the heads that you’re not using and re-distill them as neutral spirits. Again, the temperatures listed here are great guidelines for beginners, but the more you distill, the more you’ll be able to decide when to make your cuts based on your own taste and aroma preferences.

How can you tell the difference between heads hearts and tails?

Does distillation increase alcohol content?

This beer is so low in alcohol content that it is useless as a fuel and must be further concentrated to obtain mixtures that will ignite and burn. For this reason a distillation column is used to produce a higher alcohol concentration.

Does distilling alcohol make it stronger?

The first distillation separates the alcohol — as well as other lower-boiling-point substances in the fermented liquid — sitting at the bottom of what’s called the wash still (the fermented liquid at this point is actually called the “wash.”) Alcohol vaporizes at 173°F, so the liquid collected will be higher in …

Can You distill beer into whiskey?

Though distilling beer into whiskey is the most obvious choice (since both tend to be made from the same grain), some recent distillates have been even more high-concept. This past year, Rhode Island-based spirits producer Sons of Liberty introduced their True Born Gin, The Belgian Wheat Act, a liquor made from a Belgian-style wheat beer.

What do whiskey distillers do with their heads and tails?

Most people know that distillers make heads and tails cuts when they’re making whiskey, which separates the good parts of the spirit from the poisonous and/or unappealingly flavored portions. But have you ever wondered what distillers actually do with the unused heads and tails?

What makes a good whiskey?

A whiskey that’s intended to be bottled and consumed relatively young, like American craft whiskey, might benefit from tighter heads and tails cuts to produce a very clean-tasting distillate.

What are the best cuts of whiskey to make it clean?

A whiskey that’s intended to be bottled and consumed relatively young, like American craft whiskey, might benefit from tighter heads and tails cuts to produce a very clean-tasting distillate. A whisky intended for long aging, however, like a Scotch, might benefit from a looser set of cuts,…