Ingredients & Raw Materials Flashcards

What is the 'sour mash' process in bourbon production?

Answer: Adding spent stillage (backset) from a previous distillation to new mash to control pH

Sour mash involves adding a portion of spent stillage (backset) from a prior distillation run to new mash, which lowers pH, inhibits bacterial contamination, and ensures batch-to-batch consistency.

What percentage of a typical bourbon mash bill does malted barley represent?

Answer: 5-15%

Malted barley typically comprises 5-15% of a bourbon mash bill, providing sufficient enzymatic power for saccharification while contributing subtle flavor notes.

What is the saccharification step in bourbon mash preparation?

Answer: Converting grain starches into fermentable sugars using enzymatic activity

Saccharification is the process where amylase enzymes from malted barley break down the cooked grain starches into fermentable sugars that yeast can then convert to alcohol.

What defines a bourbon as 'high-rye' in terms of its mash bill composition?

Answer: Mash bills where rye content exceeds approximately 20-25%

High-rye bourbons typically contain more than 20-25% rye in the mash bill, significantly above the common 10-15% range, resulting in a spicier, more complex flavor profile.

How does grain grind size affect bourbon mashing efficiency?

Answer: Finer grinds increase surface area, improving enzyme-starch contact and conversion

Finer grain grinds expose more starch surface area to enzymatic activity, improving the speed and completeness of starch-to-sugar conversion during mashing.

What is the cooked grain-and-water mixture called before yeast is added?

Answer: Mash

The cooked grain and water mixture is called mash; once yeast is added and fermentation occurs, the liquid portion becomes the fermented wash ready for distillation.

What flavor notes does rye grain typically contribute to a bourbon mash bill?

Answer: Spicy, peppery, and complex notes

Rye is the traditional flavor grain in most bourbon mash bills, contributing characteristic spicy, peppery, and herbal complexity that balances corn's inherent sweetness.