Anyone know a recipe for bourbon? I would like to attempt making it.?

Question

I realize it is a process, but it would be cool to try to make it. I just need to know how. Any input would be great. Thanks!

Answer 1

How to Make Bourbon --

Not only is this a challenging project - it is illegal in the U.S. so this is a simple explanation for the curious in mind. It is easy enough to drive to the liquor store and pick a nice clean and wonderful tasting bourbon - without breaking the law!

Instructions

Difficulty: Challenging

Things You’ll Need:

corn, wheat, rye, barley

spring water

brewers yeast

pot for cooking

fermentation tank

still

barrels

Step1 Measure your grains, usually in the following ratio: corn 70%, rye 10%, malted barley 10%, and wheat 10%. Wheat makes the whiskey softer and suppler on the tongue.

Step2 The different grain types are separately ground and spring water is added.

Step3 The grain is usually cooked for approximately half an hour and the mixture called mash is cooled down afterwards.

Step4 After the mash has been cooled down to approximately 25 to 30°C, it can be added with a larger amount of yeast into a fermenter in which a beer with approximately 9-10% ABV develops.

Step5 During the alcoholic fermentation the yeast converts the sugar to alcohol and CO2. At the same time heat is produced. The fermentation usually lasts three days. An alcohol strength of approximately 9 to 10% is reached.

Step6 Now distillation takes place. the column stills achieves alcohol contents at the top of approximately 120 American Proof (60 Vol.% alcohol). If the columns are higher, the alcohol content can still be further raised.

Step7 The next step however is different and gives the Kentucky Straight Bourbon its special taste. The barrels are held, on one side still open, over a small fire. This procedure is called ‘toasting’ and leads to the wood sugar in the staves being caramelized. This reddish layer is later also visible when cutting a stave. The toasting procedure lasts about 12 min.

After the toasting procedure the barrel is submitted to a still stronger fire treatment. It is burned out from the inside with large flames for 6 to 12 seconds. The barrel thus receives a thick charcoal layer on the inside.

Step8 Now the barrel is filled with the liquor and is stored on its side for a determined rate of time at a controlled temperature. Later it is removed and bottled into a multitude of different kind of containers and released for sale.

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