Choosing the right steaming time can enhance the taste of Baijiu

Did you know that incorrect steaming time and liquor collection methods not only affect the taste of the liquor, but also impact the yield? Choosing the right steaming time can enhance the taste of Baijiu by over 20%.

Can grain be distilled without undergoing fermentation?

Answer: Grain cannot be distilled if it hasn't fermented completely. If the grain hasn't fermented fully and the starch hasn't been fully converted into ethanol, distilling the wine at this time will affect the yield.

In addition, if the wine is not fully fermented, the processes of alcoholization and esterification are not completed, and the content of trace elements in the wine is low, the distilled wine will have a bland taste, short flavor, and strong off-flavor. Furthermore, if you use direct-heating distillation equipment for distillation, residual starch will sink to the bottom of the pot during distillation, which can easily cause the pot to burn.

After complete fermentation, will the fermented grains go bad if they are not distilled?

Answer: Use high-quality distiller's yeast for fermentation, and then extend the distillation process for 3-5 days after fermentation is complete for a better taste.

What grains are suitable for solid-state distillation?

Answer: Solid-state fermentation and distillation can be used for fermenting grain with shell or mixed grains, such as sorghum, corn, wheat, buckwheat, and highland barley. Additionally, solid-state fermentation and distillation can also be used for fermenting mixed grains. Common examples include five-grain liquor and three-grain liquor.

Solid-state distillation cannot be achieved with rice or glutinous rice alone, because after fermentation, rice becomes soft and compact, making it impossible for air to penetrate. Therefore, the alcohol and aroma components in the grain cannot be distilled out.

Actually, the specific distillation time can be flexibly controlled. For example, if you have a lot of orders during this period and customers need the liquor urgently, you can use the distillation equipment to distill the liquor after fermentation is complete.

However, if you have high requirements for the taste of the wine, it is recommended to continue fermenting for a while after the fermentation is complete before steaming.

Principle of distillation process: Whether it's fermented uncooked or cooked fermented grains, the distillation principle is the same. It involves heating the fermented grains to turn them into alcohol vapor, and then cooling them back into alcohol. Pour the fermented grains into the distillation equipment's cooking pot, connect the equipment, and you can start distilling. Start with high heat to boil, then use medium heat to distill. The first batch of alcohol, weighing 100 jin, is taken out one jin at a time for re-distillation, as it contains low-boiling-point substances. When the tail alcohol is distilled to around 10 degrees, we can turn off the heat and stop distilling.