Tincup American Whiskey is proudly made in Lawrenceburg, Indiana, at the MGP Ingredients factory. As an expert sommelier and brewer, I can tell you that this distillery has a rich history and reputation for producing high-quality spirits. The location of the distillery plays a significant role in the unique characteristics of Tincup Whiskey.
The distillation process at MGP Ingredients is carefully executed to ensure the utmost quality and consistency. Tincup American Whiskey is crafted using a precise blend of grains, consisting of 65 percent corn, 32 percent rye, and four percent malted barley. This combination of grains contributes to the distinct flavor profile of Tincup, making it a true American whiskey.
To dive deeper into the production process, let's break it down into several steps:
1. Grain Selection: MGP Ingredients sources the finest grains for Tincup Whiskey. Corn, rye, and malted barley are chosen based on their quality and ability to impart specific flavors and aromas to the final product.
2. Milling: The selected grains are milled to create a coarse flour-like consistency. This step exposes the starches within the grains, which will later be converted into fermentable sugars.
3. Mashing: The milled grains are then combined with hot water in a process called mashing. This mixture is carefully controlled to optimize the conversion of starches into sugars. The resulting liquid, known as the mash, contains a combination of water, grain solids, and enzymes.
4. Fermentation: The mash is transferred to fermentation vessels, typically made of stainless steel. Yeast is added to the mash, which begins the fermentation process. Over several days, the yeast converts the sugars in the mash into alcohol, creating a liquid called the distiller's beer.
5. Distillation: The distiller's beer is then distilled in copper stills, a key component in the production of Tincup Whiskey. Distillation involves heating the liquid to separate the alcohol from impurities and concentrate its flavors. MGP Ingredients uses traditional pot stills to produce Tincup, which allows for greater control over the distillation process and the development of unique and complex flavors.
6. Aging: After distillation, the whiskey is transferred to charred oak barrels for aging. The aging process is a crucial step in developing the smoothness and complexity of Tincup Whiskey. The whiskey rests in these barrels for a minimum of four years, allowing it to absorb flavors from the wood and undergo chemical reactions that contribute to its final taste.
7. Bottling: Once the whiskey has matured to perfection, it is carefully filtered and proofed to achieve the desired alcohol content. The whiskey is then bottled, ready to be enjoyed by whiskey enthusiasts around the world.
Tincup American Whiskey is made with precision and passion at the MGP Ingredients distillery in Lawrenceburg, Indiana. The careful selection of grains, the meticulous distillation process, and the aging in charred oak barrels all contribute to the exceptional quality and unique flavor profile of Tincup Whiskey. Whether enjoyed neat, on the rocks, or in a classic cocktail, Tincup embodies the rich heritage and craftsmanship of American whiskey.