Embark on a journey into the world of crafting your own Bourbon with these straightforward steps. From mashing to distilling and aging, follow this guide to create a richly flavoured and oak-infused spirit in the comfort of your home.
Equipment:
- Air Still Pro or Alembic Distilling System
- Stirring Spoon
- 30L fermenter
Ingredients:
- 20g Distiller’s Yeast Whiskey
- 50g Distiller’s Nutrient - Dark Spirits
- 12g Distiller’s Enzyme Alpha-amylase
- 12g Distiller’s Enzyme Glucoamylase
- 1.5kg – Light Liquid Malt Extract (non-hopped)
- 1.5kg corn syrup
- Charred Oak spiral
- Turbo Clear (recommended)
Mash:
1. Boil 3L of water and add it to your temperature-safe fermenter. Add an additional 2L of cool tap water, aiming for a fermenter water temperature of approximately 73°C (163°F).
2. Add 1.5kg Light Liquid Malt Extract and 1.5kg Corn Syrup to the fermenter. Stir thoroughly to ensure complete dissolution of the extracts.
3. Incorporate 50g dark spirit nutrients into the mixture.
4. Add Alpha-amylase, stir, and let the mash rest with the lid on for 30 mins. Then add Glucoamylase and let it rest with the lid on for an additional 60 minutes.
5. Top up the fermenter to 20L with cool tap water.
6. Add the yeast once the mash temperature is below 30°C. Ferment at 20-35°C (68-95°F) ambient air temperature for optimal performance.
7. Once the airlock stops bubbling, and the specific gravity remains stable for two consecutive days, fermentation is complete. Allow the wash to stand for 1-2 days for remaining solids and yeast to settle. We recommend using Turbo Clear for a quicker clarification process.
Distill:
8. You are now ready to distill your wash into Bourbon. Siphon the wash into your still, leaving sediment behind. For the best quality spirit, consider using a pot distilling system, like the Alembic Distilling System or the Air Still Pro in pot still mode.
(Note: a reflux distilling system can be used but will not produce optimal results, remove saddles from the column to avoid refining your Bourbon into a cleaner spirit). Refer to the water distillation mode for the T500 Distilling System. Please consult your distilling system's instructions for detailed information.
Age:
9. After distillation, you'll have a richly flavoured yet clear, colourless spirit. For optimal results, age your spirit on new charred oak by filling a demijohn or similar and adding your charred spiral. During aging, regularly taste your Bourbon until achieving your desired level of oak flavour.
Now, savour the rewarding experience of crafting and enjoying your homemade Bourbon!
