Dee | American Whiskey | Distillers Kit BeerCo

Here we share our take on a great American Whiskey or Bourbon, which we are not allowed to call this due to the five rules of what is a Bourbon.  Bourbon is a type of whiskey, much the way that champagne is a type of wine. So, all bourbon is whiskey, but not all whiskey is bourbon.

1. It must be made in the United States (no)
2. Aging must take place in a new oak charred barrel (no)
3. The mash must be at least 51% corn (yes)
4. The whiskey cannot enter the barrel at higher than 125 proof. It cannot enter the bottle at a proof less than 80. (we will let you decide on that)
5. Nothing can be added but water and only to lessen the proof (again, we leave that to you to decide).

There is a lot to celebrate about American Whiskey from its sweet smooth flavours to its distinctive new american honey, vanilla oak character from the aging.  Let us guide you to have a crack at something that is as iconic as Uncle Sam and a truly global drink nowadays.  We have designed an easy to mash bill that will make your entry into American Whisky a smooth trail ride.

Cheers #enjoyresponsibly #distilsafely

Dee | American Whiskey Recipe | Brewfather app

Vital Stats:

• Fermentation Batch Sizes: 23 Litres / 6 US Gallons
• 7.1% ABV Wash or Distillers Beer
• OG: 1.057 FG: 1.003
• Mash Efficiency: 75%
• EBC 9.1
• Boil Time: 0 mins

OPTIONAL EXTRAS:

• Anti-Foam Agent

Fermentables:

• 5.00 Kg Gladfield Malted Maize (56%)
• 2.00 Kg Malteurop Pilsen Malt (22%)
• 1.00 Kg Gladfield Rye Malt (11%)
• 1.00 Kg Joe White Wheat Malt (11%)
• 9.00 Kg Total Grist

Yeast:

• 1 x 20g packet Distillers Yeast Whisky – Still Spirits

Aids:

Water Adjustments (Optional: the accepted pH range for mashing is 5.2–5.8, with 5.4 considered the optimum.):

• Calcium Carbonate (sold separately, NOT included in Kit)
• Citric Acid (sold separately, NOT included in Kit)
• 1 x 130g packet Still Spirits – Turbo Clear (included in Kit) to clarify wash (rum wine)
• 50g (45m) of Still Spirits – Dark Spirits Nutrient – (sold separetely, NOT included in Kit)

Method:

1. Mill the grains and dough-in targeting a mash of around 3 Litres of water to 1 Kg of grain (a liquor-to-grist ratio of about 3:1 by weight or around 20 Litres) and a single infusion temperature of 65°C.
2. Test the pH of your wash. The accepted pH range for mashing is 5.2–5.8, with 5.4 considered the optimum. Use citric acid to bring the pH down and calcium carbonate to bring it up.
3. Sparge: Fly Sparge slowly with approx. 10 Litres of 77 °C (170 °F) water, collecting wort until the pre-fermenter volume is around 23 L.
4. Pitch the Yeast – sprinkle on top of the wash.
5. Allow to ferment in the temperature range 20-35C.  A cooler fermentation will produce less esters and take longer to ferment for an arguably cleaner more pure flavour.  A warmer fermentation will ferment more quickly and produce some more ester character to your wash and final spirit.  Aim for the higher end of the range around 32-35C for a more full flavour higher ester Whiskey wash.
6. Fermentation should be completed within 3-5 days.   Wait for two consecutive days of consistent low Hydrometer readings. 
7. Once fermentation is complete.  Stir the wash vigorously to remove all of the remaining CO2.  Once degassed, add the contents of Part A of Still Spirits – Turbo Clear 130g stir well, then leave for 1 hour to stand.
8. After 1 hour, slowly pour Part B of Still Spirits – Turbo Clear 130g evenly over the top of the wash while stirring gently to help spread it evenly.  Do not stir vigorously as this will disrupt the clearing process.  Leave to clear for 24 hours.  During this time Part B will drop down from the top, taking all unwanted yeast and sediment with it to the bottom.  If you have temperature control of your fermenter or an old fridge feel free to crash chill to assist with clarification of your wash before distillation.

Move the wash to your Still and prepare to Distil Happy!

Dee | American Whiskey Recipe Kit Contents:

Grain Bill (Milled or Unmilled)

• 5.00 Kg Gladfield Malted Maize (56%)
• 2.00 Kg Malteurop Pilsen Malt (22%)
• 1.00 Kg Gladfield Rye Malt (11%)
• 1.00 Kg Joe White Wheat Malt (11%)
• 9.00 Kg Total Grist

Yeast:

• 1 x 20g packet of Distillers Yeast Whisky – Still Spirits

Finings:

• 1 x 130g packet Still Spirits – Turbo Clear

Optional Extras – Not included in Dee | American Whiskey Recipe Kit:

Equipment Required:

• 30 Litre AMPI HDPE Plastic Food Grade fermenter or larger with tight fitting lid
• Senior Airlock or S-Type Airlock and Grommet for Airlock
• Long Handle Plastic Spoon
• Hydrometer
• 250mL Glass Measuring Cylinder
• HI98103 Checker pH Tester

Distilling Aids:

• Calcium Carbonate (sold separately)
• Citric Acid (sold separately)
• Still Spirits | Dark Spirits Yeast Nutrient (sold separately)

Further Reading and Watching and Knowledge Sources on How to Brew and Distil an American Whiskey Happy!

• Rick Morris | The Joy of Home Distilling