How to Distill

How to Distill offers a comprehensive overview of the art and science of distilling, including the fundamentals of still design, the distillation process, and key recipes.

Learn every aspect of distilling, from the fundamentals to flavor development and packaging, in this definitive guide to small-scale distilling. Whether you want straightforward information for your first distillation or you're a seasoned distiller looking to perfect your craft, certified industry expert and seasoned home distiller Aaron Hyde lays out the how and why of all the key processes. Starting with the mash and fermentation, working through every key part of distilling, and ending with information on aging spirits, this is a book that goes beyond the basics to cover it all:

- An Overview of Distilling: The fundamentals of distillation, concise distillation theory, still design, distilled products, and the raw materials.
- Pre-Distillation: Move on to learn about ingredient processing and preparation, fermentation theory and technology, the fermentation process, and calculating the potential of wash.
- Distilling: Finally, the main event! A robust section on distilling covers modern distillation technology, the distillation process, key decisions during distillation, process control, collection, and further distillation.
- Post-Distillation: Last but not least, work your way through flavor development and control, the aging process, quality considerations, distillery co-products, and packaging considerations.

With reliable, tested, up-to-date information, this is the new standard for distilling.

About the Author

Aaron Hyde has been home brewing since 1996, and home distilling since 2008. As the owner and operator of Brewstock Homebrew Supply in New Orleans, he sold home distilling products and provided education on the topic. After five years, he moved on to work for Briess Malt & Ingredients, where he was a Sales Manager selling to micro and craft distilleries. He currently works as the International Sales Manager for Bevie, providing high quality equipment and ingredients to home distillers across the globe. In this role, he often consults on still design and development, as well as consumable products such as oak and yeast. Aaron is one of the few people globally that has received their certifications in brewing, malting, and distilling through the Institute of Brewing & Distilling.