Let's delve into the process of making Smoke Wagon whiskey:
2. Mash Preparation: The grains are carefully milled and mixed with water to create a mash. This mixture is then heated, allowing the enzymes in the grains to convert starches into fermentable sugars. The resulting liquid, known as the mash, is the starting point for the whiskey production.
3. Fermentation: The mash is transferred to fermentation vessels, where yeast is added to initiate the fermentation process. Over the course of several days, the yeast converts the sugars in the mash into alcohol, creating a liquid known as “distiller's beer.”
4. Distillation: Once the fermentation is complete, the distillation process begins. Smoke Wagon whiskey undergoes a traditional pot still distillation, which imparts a rich and robust flavor profile. The distillate is carefully collected and separated into different fractions, with only the finest portion, known as the “heart cut,” being used for the final product.
6. Bottling: Once the whiskey has reached its desired age, it is carefully extracted from the barrels and filtered to remove any impurities. The spirit is then proofed down to its desired alcohol content before being bottled and labeled as Smoke Wagon whiskey.