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Here’s an overview of the process that you will follow when distilling on your G40 or G70 Brewing system.
Click on the icons below to learn more about each step.
1.
CLEAN AND SANITISE
2.
MAKE YOUR WASH
3.
FERMENT YOUR WASH
4.
DISTILL YOUR WASH
5.
DILUTE YOUR SPIRIT
6.
FILTER OR POLISH YOUR SPIRIT
7.
FLAVOUR OR AGE YOUR SPIRIT
8.
BOTTLE AND ENJOY
It’s important to make sure that you clean and sanitise your equipment properly before and after using it. This is particularly important for the initial fermentation of your mash or wash. Improper cleaning and sanitation leave room for bacteria to grow. This could result in off-flavours that may be detectable in your distillate.
There are many different cleaning agents available. To clean your equipment, use an unscented, food-safe detergent that does not contain chlorine. To sanitise, use a food-grade sanitiser. For more information, chat with your local home brew retailer who will be able to recommend the right cleaner and sanitiser for your equipment.
Distilling does not ‘produce’ alcohol, it simply concentrates it. Therefore, to make your own spirits, you need to create a fermented liquid that contains some alcohol to start with. This liquid is called a ‘wash’.
See distilling recipes to find out how to make a wash.
Fermentation starts when you add yeast and nutrient to your wash. The yeast will multiply vigorously in the presence of oxygen and ‘eat’ the sugars present in your wash. With some help from enzymes, the yeast will convert the sugar into ethanol, carbon dioxide, and flavour and aroma compounds.
See distilling recipes to find out how to make and ferment a wash.
To distill spirits on the G40 Brewing System, click on one of the links below for the full instructions:
G40: Neutral Spirit Distillation
G40: Flavourful Spirit Distillation
To distill spirits on the G70 Brewing System, click on one of the links below for the full instructions:
The distillate that is collected during distillation will generally be very high in alcohol content (ABV). You will need to dilute the spirit to the desired drinking ABV.
Filtering, sometimes known as polishing, is a common step post-distillation. It is an easy way to ‘clean’ your spirit to ensure the purest possible flavour, or to remove unwanted particles. There are several filters that can be used for ‘polishing’ or filtering your spirit. For more information, chat with your local home brew retailer who will be able to recommend the right filter for your needs.
There are endless options for creating a uniquely flavoured spirit:
Now it’s time to sit back and enjoy your home-distilled spirits.
Legal Considerations
Distilling at home is legal in New Zealand. Check the laws in your country or state before you get started.
Go back to Distilling on the G40 or G70 Brewing System
Additional equipment needed for distilling
