The mash of a whiskey must contain at least 51% rye.Bourbon and other whiskeys made with corn have a sweeter taste.It's important to research the process thoroughly and follow all safety precautions if you want to make your own whiskey.It is illegal to make your own alcohol in a lot of places.The rules and regulations for the making of whiskey in your area should always be complied with.
Step 1: 5 gallons of water can be put in a container.
A 10 US gal cooler has a tight-fitting lid and preserves the heat of the water.Adding water to an insulated container can be accomplished by heating it up in a large pot on the stove.The heat is required to steep the grains so make sure the water is 165 F.
Step 2: To make a mesh bag, add the following ingredients: corn, gypsum, and acid blend.
Liquid can get out of a nylon mesh bag.The bag should hold 6 pounds of rye, 3.5 lbs of corn, 1 pound of gypsum, and 1 gram of acid blend.Put the ingredients together with a long spoon or paddle.All of the ingredients can be found online.
Step 3: Put the mesh bag in the container and steep it for 60 to 90 minutes.
To prevent the ingredients from spilling out, tie the top of the bag.Put the bag in the water and cover the container with a tight-fitting lid.It should be steep for 60 to 90 minutes.If you want, you can stir the mash occasionally.The name of the liquid is wort.
Step 4: The yeast should be added to the wort in a fermenter.
Depending on the equipment you have, you can do open or closed fermentation.For every 5 gallons of wort, use 1 ounce of yeast.
Step 5: Until it is no longer bubbling, let it ferment.
How long the wort takes to ferment depends on a number of factors.It can take from a few days to a week.The wort is finished once it is no longer bubbling.
Step 6: The liquid needs to be strained.
The liquid can be strained through a clean pillowcase.Attach your cheesecloth to the side of the bucket with clips or a vice.The wort should be poured through the cheesecloth.The liquid is now referred to as wash.
Step 7: Take the wash and make a still.
You can use a continuous still or a copper pot still.Scottish whiskey is usually made in a copper still, while a continuous still is preferred by modern distillers.A column still can be run continuously.A pot can only be used for small batches.
Step 8: The temperature of the liquid should be between 120 to 140 F.
Slowly heat the wash over the course of 30 to 60 minutes until it reaches the desired temperature.There is a temperature gauge on the side or front of the still.
Step 9: It's time to turn the condenser on.
When the temperature reaches 120 to 140 F, turn on the condenser.The alcohol is left as a liquid by the heat.The alcohol is collected in a water-cooled condenser.
Step 10: Throw away the heads.
The first toxic liquid that comes out of the still is referred to as the heads.Methanol can cause serious harm if you consume the heads.The first 4 cup of liquid should be thrown away.Don't drink the heads!Do you know if your local government requires specific disposal requirements for distillation waste?
Step 11: The hearts are collected in small batches of 2 cups.
The liquid should be collected in small batches.During the collection of the "hearts" or the drinkable portion of liquid, the temperature should be 175 to 185 F.You can collect between 1 to 2 gallons of hearts, throwing out about 120 liters of undrinkable heads and tails.
Step 12: Don't throw the tails.
Throw out the last of the liquid when the temperature is 205 F.The last 4 cup contains dangerous oil.Don't drink the tails!The tails do not contain methanol, so they can be thrown down the drain.After cooling down, thoroughly clean the still.
Step 13: The whiskey was in charred oak barrels for a long time.
Transfer the whiskey to new barrels.They should be kept indoors in a cool environment.You don't have to age it for a specific time frame, but it is usually aged for 1 to 3 years.Straight rye whiskey needs to be aged for at least 2 years.You can buy oak barrels from distillery equipment shops or online.
Step 14: If necessary, you can test the whiskey's strength.
Once the aging process is complete, use a hydrometer to test the alcohol by volume.Because the whiskey will be quite high, you can make a small amount of it.The liquor must be at least 80 proof in order to be called a rye whiskey.
Step 15: Let the whiskey sit in a bottle.
To preserve the flavor, transfer the whiskey from the barrels to glass bottles.Make labels for the bottles with the date and contents.You can enjoy your own homemade whiskey.Please drink in moderation.
Step 16: Store bottled whiskey in a dark place.
Whiskey can last indefinitely if stored correctly.If you want to avoid direct sunlight, choose a dark location.A closet inside a temperature-controlled home should work well.A kitchen that has frequent fluctuations due to cooking is not ideal.