In the world of craft spirits, there’s a process that’s gaining popularity, known as “Grains to Glass.” This approach embodies the true essence of artisanal distilling, where every step of the journey, from selecting the grains to savoring the final product, is carefully curated. At St. Petersburg Distillery, we take pride in our commitment to the Grains to Glass philosophy, and in this blog, we’ll take you on a journey through the captivating world of this process.
What is Grains to Glass Distilling? Grains to Glass distilling, in essence, is the art of creating spirits from scratch, starting with the raw grains and ending with the beautifully aged elixir in your glass. It’s a holistic approach that allows distillers to have full control over every aspect of the spirit’s creation, resulting in unique flavors and unparalleled quality. At St. Petersburg Distillery, we’ve embraced this approach wholeheartedly from day one.
The Grains: Selecting the Foundation
The journey begins with the selection of the grains. Each type of grain contributes distinct flavors and characteristics to the final spirit. At our distillery, we meticulously choose the grains that will form the foundation of our spirits. Whether it’s the sweetness of corn, the spiciness of rye, or the complexity of barley, the grains are the canvas upon which we create.
Milling: Unlocking the Potential
Once the grains are chosen, they are carefully milled to expose the starches within. Milling is a crucial step that prepares the grains for the mashing process. The type of mill used can vary depending on the grain, but the goal remains the same: unlock the potential for those starches to become fermentable sugars.
Mashing: The Alchemy of Conversion
Mashing is where the magic happens. The milled grains are mixed with water and subjected to controlled temperature rests. This process dissolves the starch and allows enzymes to work their alchemical wonders, converting starches into fermentable sugars. The choice of temperature rests and enzyme activity play a pivotal role in shaping the spirit’s flavor profile.
Fermentation: Yeast’s Dance
In the fermenter, the sugary mash meets yeast, which diligently converts those sugars into alcohol. The yeast’s dance is a delicate balance, influenced by factors like sugar concentration, temperature, and yeast health. A successful fermentation is key to a flavorful distillate.
Distillation: Separating the Art
Distillation is where the Grains to Glass process truly shines. The fermented mash is heated in stills, separating the alcohol from the other components based on their boiling points. Different types of stills and distillation methods can produce vastly different spirits, and at St. Petersburg Distillery, we employ techniques that capture the essence of our carefully chosen grains.
Aging: Time’s Influence
After distillation, the spirit is carefully aged in barrels. This aging process allows the spirit to interact with the wood, gaining complexity, character, and depth. The choice of barrels and the duration of aging are art forms in themselves, and they greatly influence the final flavor profile.
Conclusion: A Journey from Grains to Glass Grains to Glass distilling is more than a process; it’s a journey. It’s a commitment to crafting spirits that are a true reflection of the grains that went into them. At St. Petersburg Distillery, we embrace this philosophy to create spirits that tell a story, capturing the essence of our carefully selected grains in every sip.
Join us on this journey from Grains to Glass, and savor the craftsmanship in every bottle of our spirits. Explore the unique flavors that only a dedication to this process can deliver. Cheers to the art of distilling, and to the moments shared over a glass of exceptional spirits.
Note: For more information about our Grains to Glass distilling process and our range of artisanal spirits, please visit St. Petersburg Distillery.