What is the first step in the whiskey production process?

The initial step in the whiskey production process is mash/wort preparation. This involves the creation of a mash, which is a mixture of crushed grains and water. The grains used, such as barley, corn, rye, or wheat, are essential as they provide the necessary sugars needed for fermentation later in the process. During this stage, the grains are heated with water to convert the starches into fermentable sugars. This mash is then subjected to enzymatic activity, primarily from the malted grains, which assists in breaking down the starches into sugars, resulting in a sugary liquid known as wort.

Once this step is successfully completed, the wort can be transferred into fermentation tanks where yeast will be added to begin the fermentation process. This foundational step is crucial as it sets the stage for the subsequent phases of whiskey production, influencing both the flavor profile and alcohol content of the final product. Understanding mash/wort preparation provides insight into how different types of grains and processing techniques can affect the character of the whiskey being produced.