Distilling Beer into Whiskey
In a basic sense, all whiskey begins life as beer. Distillation is a process which follows fermentation. Distilling beer into whiskey is a complex process that requires the right equipment. Whiskey, typically made primarily from corn (fermented in the same way as beer) and then distilled, must be aged in wood barrels for a couple of years to acquire flavor and color.
What Distillation Does to Beer
Distillation removes water and impurities from beer, leaving concentrated alcohol similar to whiskey but with a different flavor. Distilling beer concentrates alcohol, increasing its alcohol content by 2-3 times.
Distilling Process and Safety
To summarize, distilling beer at home concentrates alcohol, which can be dangerous if done improperly. Proper safety and legality checks are critical before attempting. Check local laws, acquire proper equipment, learn safe techniques, and never distill store-bought beer. Consider brewing your own beer for quality and safety purposes.
Additional Information
Since beer is already in a drinkable form, the most likely alcohol you can distill from it is whiskey, but certain distillers have experimented with creating different alcoholic beverages, such as Gin, from Belgian wheat beer. Vacuum distillation better preserves beer flavor by using lower temperatures.
Conclusion
Both distilled spirits and beers play important cultural roles worldwide. Consider trying home brewing or visiting local breweries and distilleries to explore the diverse world of beverages.