Field to Flask: The Fundamentals of Small Batch Distilling

There is a craft distilling revolution unfolding around the globe. The corporate executives at the big commercial distillers with their portfolios of popular distilled spirit brand names are starting to talk in hushed tones around boardroom tables. They can feel the ground shifting under their feet. They are getting nervous. From a tiny speck on the horizon 10 years ago, the craft distilling scene has exploded to include over 1100 small batch distillers in the United States, some 285 in the UK and nearly 100 in Canada. The consumer is speaking loud and clear. Are you thinking about opening a small craft distillery? Are you are interested in getting involved in supplying equipment or raw materials to the craft distillery movement? Maybe you just want to become a better home distiller. Whatever your interest, whether you are from Canada, the UK or the USA, this book is for you. As you turn the pages of this book, you will be taken on a journey through the history of alcohol and the essentials of becoming a craft distiller. You will learn the legal definitions of the various spirit types, and what distilled spirit products a craft distiller can and cannot make. You will see which legislation governs craft distilling in Canada, the UK and the United States and the key links for contacting the relevant agencies. You will be provided detailed information on raw materials, yeast, water, oak aging and the fermentation process. You will learn about the science of distillation and the essential equipment required to be a successful distiller. Lastly, a look at marketing and business planning will leave you with unique strategies to help you position yourself in front of the consumer. Welcome to the craft distilling revolution!