When it comes to making single grain Scotch whisky, a specific type of still known as a column still or Coffey still is used. This is in contrast to the traditional pot stills that are typically used for distilling single malt whiskies. The use of column stills in the production of single grain whisky is what sets it apart from single malt whisky in terms of both process and flavor.
Column stills, also known as continuous stills, operate on a continuous basis rather than in batches like pot stills. This means that the distillation process is ongoing, allowing for a more efficient and consistent production of whisky. The design of a column still consists of multiple plates or trays, where the different components of the liquid being distilled separate based on their boiling points.
The use of column stills in single grain whisky production allows for a higher level of alcohol extraction, resulting in a higher alcohol content in the final product. This contributes to the lighter and smoother character often associated with single grain whiskies.
Personally, I find the use of column stills fascinating as it showcases the ingenuity and innovation in the world of whisky production. While pot stills have a long-standing tradition and are often associated with craft and artisanal production, column stills offer a different approach that emphasizes efficiency and consistency.
By using column stills, distillers are able to produce a larger volume of whisky in a shorter amount of time, which is especially important for meeting the demand of a global market. This allows for more accessibility to single grain whiskies and provides consumers with a wider range of options to explore.
Furthermore, the use of column stills in single grain whisky production also allows for more flexibility in terms of the types of grains that can be used. While malted barley is the primary grain used in single malt whisky production, single grain whiskies can be made from a variety of grains, such as corn, wheat, or rye. This opens up the possibilities for different flavor profiles and characteristics in single grain whiskies.
The type of still used to make single grain Scotch whisky is a column still or Coffey still. This continuous distillation process allows for a more efficient and consistent production of whisky, resulting in a lighter and smoother character. The use of column stills also provides distillers with the flexibility to use a variety of grains, expanding the range of flavors in single grain whiskies.