As a sommelier and brewer, I have had the pleasure of working with various quantities of mash to produce alcohol. The amount of liquor that 5 gallons of mash will make depends on several factors, including the type of alcohol being produced and the efficiency of the distillation process.
Let's start by discussing the general yield range for different gallon runs. A 1 gallon run typically yields around 3-6 cups of alcohol. If you are looking to produce a larger quantity, a 5 gallon run will generally yield 1-2 gallons of alcohol. For an 8 gallon run, you can expect a yield of 1.5-3 gallons of alcohol.
It's important to note that these estimates are just averages and can vary based on the specific circumstances of your distillation. Factors such as the quality and sugar content of your mash, the efficiency of your distillation equipment, and the skill and experience of the distiller can all impact the final yield.
To provide a more personal perspective, I can share an experience I had with a 5-gallon run of mash. I was brewing a batch of whiskey and used a traditional recipe that included corn, barley, and rye. After fermentation and distillation, I ended up with approximately 1.5 gallons of high-quality whiskey. This was a satisfying yield considering the 5-gallon starting quantity.
It's worth mentioning that the distillation process involves separating alcohol from the mash, and the initial yield will contain both desirable and undesirable components. To obtain a cleaner and higher-proof spirit, additional distillation runs or refining processes may be necessary.
5 gallons of mash can produce approximately 1-2 gallons of alcohol, depending on various factors. However, it's important to remember that these figures are estimates and can vary based on the specifics of your distillation process. Experimentation, experience, and fine-tuning your technique will ultimately help you achieve the desired yield and quality of liquor.