Alcohol distillation is a process which produces ethanol, as well as by-products known as faints which may add flavour or colour. They may also reduce purity levels in your final spirit product or even make it toxic and should therefore be monitored carefully during production.
Ethanol is a volatile liquid with a low boiling point that can be extracted by distillation from water, making this process the primary means by which most alcoholic beverages are created.
However, to extract pure ethanol from other undesirable components you require a high temperature difference; this is where distillation becomes more complicated. As more energy is expended to heat up your condenser and complete distillation.
Weather considerations should also play an important role in maximising efficiency. Tracking daily barometric readings will enable you to pinpoint exactly when and where to cut back, which ensures more of your finished product makes its way through cask maturation stage.
Distilleries are increasingly turning their attention to innovative methods of minimizing their environmental footprint. Utilizing renewable energy sources, recycling materials and equipment, and upcycling wastewater to promote nature habitats are all ways that you can make an impactful statement about their commitment.
