When you’re making whiskey at home, it can be a bit intimidating.

After all, people have been doing this since at least the Middle Ages. And it’s something that’s been perfected over the generations.

Sure, you can make some moonshine at home. But you’re not going to quite achieve the same results as the pros.

So what do you do? How do you go about making your whiskey so that it turns out as good as any store-bought offering?

Read on for our guide to how you make whiskey at home successfully.

Types of Whiskey to Start With

Before you start, it is a good idea to decide which type of whiskey you would like to make. The types of whiskey to start with generally depend on personal preference, including:

• Benchmark Irish
• Scotch Whiskies
• American Bourbons

Each style has its unique flavors, ingredients, and techniques, but the basics are often quite simple. Each type of whiskey has its unique characteristics, so it’s important to experiment and find the one that best suits you.

There are also blends of whiskey that can offer complex flavors and a unique experience. Before embarking on your whiskey-making adventure, consider the best American Whiskey and use it as a guide when crafting your own.

Choosing the Right Grains

For a beginner, selecting the right grains for making whiskey is very important. The type of grain you use will determine the flavor, aroma, and texture of the whiskey you make. The most commonly used grain for whiskey like:

• barley
• wheat
• rye
• oats

Some whiskey makers even experiment with grains like millet, spelt, and quinoa. It is important to understand the flavor profiles of each grain and the impact they can have on the final spirit. For instance, rye adds a spicy zing to whiskey, whereas barley is known for its sweet and nutty notes.

When choosing the right grains, consider the flavors you wish to achieve and select them accordingly. Whichever grains you choose, it is best to source them from a reliable supplier, as the quality will depend on the quality of the whiskey ingredients you use.

Understanding the Mashing Process

Mashing is an essential part of making whiskey. It involves converting the starches found in grains into sugars, allowing the whiskey to ferment. The grains used in mashing are typically barley, wheat, and rye, although any grain or combination of grains can be used.

The mash should be heated to convert the starches, followed by a process of cooling and filtering to remove any solids before fermentation. The liquid is then placed in a fermentation vessel which allows the sugars to become alcohol.

During this stage, yeasts are added to further convert the sugars into alcohol, creating raw whiskey. It is important to remember to monitor the temperature in the fermentation vessel as this can impact the quality and flavor of the whiskey. With a basic understanding of the mashing process and the necessary tools and ingredients, a beginner can make a delightful whiskey.

Yeast Selection and Fermentation

Good whiskey starts with a good fermentation. The type of yeast you choose for fermentation will dictate the type of flavor and character of your whiskey. Typically, whiskey is fermented with brewer’s yeast, which is best cultured with whole grains like barley.

Before adding the yeast, it is important to ensure that the temperature of the fermentation mixture is optimal-generally between 65-75° F (18-24° C). Once the temperature is stabilized, the yeast can then be added. It is important to ensure adequate aeration of the fermentation mixture to ensure that all the yeast cells are activated.

It is also important to monitor the pH level of the fermentation mixture-sweet mash whiskey operates best with a pH between 4.2 and 4.5. After the fermentation process is complete, the resulting mixture must be distilled so that the desired flavor can be achieved.

Selecting a Still for Beginners

When it comes to selecting a still for whiskey-making, it can be overwhelming for beginners. The first step is to decide between a traditional copper pot still and a reflux still and to select the right size that suits your needs.

A copper pot still is ideal for a small-batch whiskey, as it creates heavy flavoring and adds a distinct character to the whiskey. On the other hand, if a more neutral flavor is desired, a reflux still may be a better option. With a reflux still, the whiskey is continuously re-distilled and the flavor is closer to vodka.

Once you have determined the type of still you desire, you should decide which other components, such as cooling coils and thumper kegs are necessary. For the best beginner’s experience, purchasing a complete still kit, including all the needed components, maybe the most efficient choice.

Proper Aging and Storage Techniques

Proper aging and storage techniques are key components of the beginner’s guide to making the best whiskey. Age and storage techniques can help to improve the flavor of the whiskey and the aging process will impart flavor characteristics that can not be found with a young whiskey.

To age whiskey, begin by procuring a barrel made of oak. Oak is essential in the aging process as the wood imparts flavor characteristics such as smokiness and sweetness. Aging whiskey in a large barrel will provide ample room for evaporation of the alcohol, allowing for a smoother, more mellow taste.

After filling the barrel, store it in a cool, dark location to protect the whiskey from light and heat. Depending on the desired flavor and proof, the whiskey should be aged anywhere from several months to several years. As a general rule, higher-proof whiskeys will require more time to age, with some whiskeys taking up to a decade to reach their peak flavor.

The Basics of Making Whiskey

In conclusion, making whiskey is an achievable and rewarding endeavor for any beginner. Following these basic steps will allow any novice to create their unique spirit. From researching the ingredients to perfectly controlling the mash and fermentation, follow the tips in this beginner’s guide to see your homemade whiskey in a whole new light.

With proper knowledge and practice, the art of whiskey-making can become your passion. So why not try it? Who knows, you may discover a newfound appreciation of whiskey. Get started today and create your unique whiskey! 

If you liked this article, check out our other posts on alcohol cocktails. We write articles for beginners, so you can learn about any alcohol you want.