What does the term "white dog" refer to in whiskey production?

The term "white dog" refers to a distilled product before it has undergone aging in barrels. In the whiskey production process, after fermentation, the mash is distilled, resulting in a clear, unaged spirit that retains the original flavors of the grains used in its production. This unaged distillate is called "white dog" and typically has a strong and potent flavor profile due to its high alcohol content and the raw nature of the spirit.

Once the white dog is placed in barrels for aging, it undergoes numerous chemical changes that develop its flavor, color, and overall character, transforming it into what we recognize as whiskey. This term is essential in understanding the whiskey-making process, as it highlights the initial stages of production before the spirit undergoes the critical aging phase that defines its final quality and characteristics.