What is the process of producing bourbon from grain to glass called?

The process of producing bourbon from grain to glass encompasses several stages, with each being vital to the final product. Distillation is a key aspect, as it involves heating the fermented mash to separate alcohol from water and other components, resulting in a distilled spirit.

To create bourbon, the grain mash bill, which must consist of at least 51% corn, is first prepared and then fermented. During the fermentation, yeast converts the sugars from the grains into alcohol. After fermentation, the mixture is distilled, which purifies the spirit and increases its alcohol content.

While fermentation, blending, and aging play significant roles in bourbon production, they represent individual components of the overall process. For example, aging is crucial as it allows the bourbon to develop its flavors and character in charred oak barrels. Blending may be involved when different batches of bourbon are combined to achieve a desired flavor profile, but it is not part of the initial grain-to-glass journey.

Thus, distillation is rightly identified as the crucial step that transforms fermented grain mash into a high-proof spirit that will be subsequently aged and bottled as bourbon. This clarity on the distillation process highlights its importance in bourbon production.