What role does water play in bourbon production?

Water plays multiple critical roles in the bourbon production process, making it an essential ingredient beyond just one stage. In the mashing process, water is combined with the grain mash to help extract sugars, enabling fermentation to occur. During fermentation, water contributes to the overall liquid volume, which is necessary for the yeast to thrive and convert sugars into alcohol. After distillation, water is also used to dilute the high-proof spirit to the desired bottling strength, ensuring that the final product is palatable and reflects the intended flavor profile. This multifaceted utility of water highlights its importance at various stages of production, solidifying its status as a key component in creating bourbon.