Tincup American Whiskey is crafted with care at the MGP Ingredients factory in Lawrenceburg, Indiana. As an expert sommelier and brewer, I've had the pleasure of visiting this distillery and witnessing the meticulous process firsthand.
The journey of Tincup American Whiskey begins with the careful selection of grains. The whiskey is made from a mash bill consisting of 65 percent corn, 32 percent rye, and four percent malted barley. This combination of grains contributes to the unique flavor profile of Tincup, providing a balance between sweetness from the corn, spiciness from the rye, and depth from the malted barley.
Once the grains are selected, they are milled to break them down into a coarse consistency. This allows for better extraction of flavors during the mashing process. The milled grains are then mixed with hot water in a mash tun, creating a thick porridge-like mixture known as the mash.
The mash undergoes a process called mashing, where enzymes present in the malted barley convert the starches in the grains into fermentable sugars. This step is crucial as it provides the yeast with the necessary fuel for fermentation. The mash is heated and held at specific temperatures to activate the enzymes and facilitate the conversion process.
After mashing, the liquid portion of the mash, known as the wort, is separated from the spent grains. The wort is then transferred to fermentation vessels, where yeast is added. This is where the magic happens – the yeast consumes the sugars in the wort and converts them into alcohol, resulting in the formation of a beer-like liquid called the wash.
The wash is then distilled to separate the alcohol from impurities and concentrate the flavors. At the MGP Ingredients distillery, Tincup American Whiskey undergoes column distillation. This method involves multiple distillation steps, allowing for a higher level of control over the distillation process and resulting in a clean and refined spirit.
Once distilled, the whiskey is aged in new charred oak barrels. The aging process is a crucial step in the production of Tincup American Whiskey, as it imparts flavors and aromas from the wood into the spirit. The barrels are carefully stored in warehouses, where they are exposed to fluctuations in temperature, allowing the whiskey to interact with the wood and develop its character over time.
After aging for a suitable period, the whiskey is ready to be bottled and enjoyed by whiskey enthusiasts like ourselves. Tincup American Whiskey is known for its smooth and rich flavor profile, with notes of caramel, vanilla, and spice.
As an avid whiskey lover, I appreciate the attention to detail and craftsmanship that goes into the production of Tincup American Whiskey. From the careful selection of grains to the aging process in oak barrels, every step is meticulously executed to create a high-quality and distinctive American whiskey.