alcohol distillation

Climate Impact on Alcohol Distillation

Distillation may seem straightforward, but in reality it is an enormously energy-intensive undertaking. According to BIER (a sustainability coalition that represents several large beverage companies), their 2012 study revealed that from source through shipping and disposal a 750 milliliter bottle of column-still liquor produces six pounds of CO2. Pot-still spirits were even dirtier – emitting seven pounds. Most GHG emissions originate in distillation itself as well as glass packaging.

Distilleries are also water-intensive operations; on average, 12 times as much water is needed to produce one liter of alcohol than is consumed while production occurs; this water then has to be disposed of, usually through waste treatment systems; which creates both environmental and financial burdens that many producers seek to minimize.

At some of the nation’s more forward-thinking distilleries, meteorological and climate data is being utilized to guide their whiskey-making. Rachel Barrie of BenRiach Distillery in Scotland says she has scrutinized weather records to see whether heatwaves or cold snaps have had any significant impact on her spirit’s creation.

Other producers are taking it one step further. Nordic Spirits, an ethanol producer in Finland, uses spent grains from milling to fuel a biopower plant that supplies 70% of their distillation requirements, with the ashes used to fertilize barley fields recirculating carbon into the soil. Tattersall distillery in Wisconsin utilizes solar panels exclusively for their operation as well as providing surplus power back into the local grid.

Alcohol distillation is the process of turning fermented liquid into pure, clear spirits for consumption. Distillers will determine their raw materials (grains, grapes, potatoes or corn) depending on what is desired in their final product. Craft spirits producers may start from raw materials directly or buy neutral spirit and perform an additional step known as rectifification or washing to improve production efficiency – especially important for smaller-sized distillers.

Condensers are key components of distillation apparatus. This device converts hot vapors from boiling the wash into liquid that can be collected and packaged for later.

As the vapors travel upward through the neck of a still, they reach a near horizontal portion known as a lyne arm, where they will be cooled by plates (or trays) designed to selectively absorb water from them and thus remove much of the methanol (CH3OH), off-tasting compounds like acetaldehyde (responsible for hangovers) and acetone (paint thinner-like smell), known as “heads.” Most heads will be discarded; however there may be esters (esters) with fruity aromas which could be preserved during this process.

Purity is an important concept that touches upon all areas of our lives and beliefs, serving as the goal for many communities around the globe and serving as an agent of positive change in the world. Parents can provide their children with invaluable support as they explore their beliefs about purity – creating safe spaces where honest dialogue may take place.