Como o WHISKY é feito - Processo Industrial

Summary

This video takes viewers through the intricate process of whisky production, from the selection of raw grains like barley, corn, wheat, or rye to the final bottling. Key stages include malting, grinding, mashing, fermentation with yeast, and distillation in copper stills. The resulting liquid, called New Make Spirit, is then aged in oak barrels, absorbing flavors and colors. The aging process, influenced by temperature and barrel type, is critical for flavor development. After aging, the whisky is filtered, diluted, bottled, and labeled for distribution. The video provides an insightful look into the artistry behind crafting this iconic beverage.

Takeaways

• 😀 Whisky is the most popular distilled beverage worldwide, with an annual consumption of 2 billion liters.
• 😀 Whisky is produced in over 50 countries, with the main producers being Scotland, Japan, the USA, and Ireland.
• 😀 Scottish whisky is the most famous globally, representing around 60% of the global market.
• 😀 The production of whisky begins with the careful selection of grains such as barley, corn, wheat, or rye.
• 😀 Barley grains are soaked to initiate germination, converting starches into sugars, which are essential for fermentation.
• 😀 After germination, the barley is dried in ovens, a process that significantly impacts the flavor and aroma of the whisky.
• 😀 The dried grains are then ground into a coarse flour, known as 'grist', which is crucial for extracting sugars during the mashing process.
• 😀 In the mashing stage, grist is mixed with hot water to create a sugar-rich liquid known as 'mash', which is vital for fermentation.
• 😀 The mash is transferred to fermentation tanks, where yeast is added to convert sugars into alcohol and carbon dioxide.
• 😀 After fermentation, the resulting liquid, called 'wash', is distilled multiple times in copper stills to increase alcohol content and purity.
• 😀 The 'New Make Spirit' is aged in oak barrels, where it absorbs flavors and aromas, giving the whisky its distinctive characteristics.
• 😀 The aging process varies from a few years to several decades, depending on the type of whisky and legal requirements.
• 😀 After aging, the whisky is filtered, diluted with water if necessary, and bottled with attention to consistency across batches.
• 😀 Bottles are labeled with important details such as the type of whisky, age, and distillery, and are ready for distribution and sale.

Q & A

What is the most popular distilled beverage in the world?

Whisky is the most popular distilled beverage in the world, with an annual consumption of 2 billion liters.

Which countries are the main producers of whisky?

The main whisky producers are Scotland, Japan, the United States, and Ireland.

What is the percentage of the global whisky market represented by Scotch whisky?

Scotch whisky represents about 60% of the global whisky market.

What are the primary grains used to make whisky?

Whisky is made from fermented grains such as barley, corn, wheat, or rye.

What is the process of malting, and how does it affect whisky flavor?

Malting involves soaking barley grains to start germination, which releases enzymes that convert starch into sugars. This process, combined with drying the grains in kilns, helps create the complex aromas and flavors found in whisky.

What happens during the mashing stage of whisky production?

During mashing, the ground grains (called grist) are mixed with hot water to create a sweet liquid called 'mash'. The sugars in the mash are essential for the fermentation process that follows.

How is fermentation important in whisky production?

Fermentation is the stage where yeast is added to the mash, converting sugars into alcohol and carbon dioxide. This process lasts from 2 to 4 days and influences the flavor of the whisky.

What is 'New Make Spirit' in whisky production?

New Make Spirit is the liquid produced after the first distillation process. It contains a higher alcohol content and is the base liquid that will be aged in oak barrels to become whisky.

Why is aging in oak barrels critical in whisky production?

Aging in oak barrels is crucial because it allows the whisky to absorb flavors, aromas, and colors from the wood, as well as compounds like tannins. The aging process also helps develop the whisky's final taste and color.

What steps are involved after whisky aging, before it reaches consumers?

After aging, the whisky is filtered to remove any residuals, diluted with water if necessary to adjust alcohol content, and then bottled. It is often bottled in batches to ensure consistency in quality and flavor.