Fermenting and distilling

Yeast and yeast culture

As mentioned above, yeasts are found throughout the world; more than 8,000 strains of this vegetative microorganism have been classified. Approximately nine or 10 pure strains, with their subclassifications, are used for fermentation of grain mashes; these all belong to the type Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Each strain has its own characteristics, imparting its special properties to the distillate derived from its fermentation. A limited number of yeasts are used in the fermentation of wines, from which brandy is distilled. Strains used in the fermentation of grain mashes are also used in fermentation for rum, tequila, and beer production.

In grain-based products, yeast cells are grown in grain mixtures. The preparation of a cooked mash of rye and barley malt is most common. The mash is sterilized, then inoculated with lactic-acid bacteria to increase acidity. (Yeast is more tolerant of higher acidity than many commonly occurring bacteria.) When the desired acidity is reached, the mixture is again sterilized and a pure yeast culture is added. The yeast is grown under controlled conditions until it reaches the optimum point for mixing with the grain mash. In liquid fermentation, as from fruits and sugarcane, the yeast is generally grown in a mixture similar to the one it will be used to ferment; for example, a yeast culture to be used for molasses fermentation is usually grown in molasses.

Fermenting methods

In the fermentation process, simple sugars, including dextrose and maltose, are converted to ethyl alcohol by the action of yeast enzymes. Several intermediate compounds are formed during this complex chemical process before the final ethyl alcohol is obtained.

Yeast functions best in a slightly acid medium, and the prepared grain mash, fruit juice, molasses, or other mixture must be checked for adequate acidity (pH value). If acidity is insufficient, acid or acid-bearing material is added to achieve the necessary adjustment. The previously prepared yeast is then added, and final dilution of the mixture is made. The final concentration of sugars is adjusted so that the yeast fermentation will produce a finished fermented mixture containing between 7 and 9 percent alcohol.

Commercial fermentation is carried on in large vats. In the past these were open and made of wood, usually cypress. Most plants now use closed stainless steel vats for easier cleaning, and many are equipped with jackets or cooling coils for better temperature control. The time required for completion of fermentation is mainly dependent upon the temperature of the fermenting mash. Normal yeast is most effective in breaking down all of the fermentable sugars at temperatures ranging from 24 to 29 °C (75 to 85 °F), and, in this range, completion of fermentation requires from 48 to 96 hours. Fermentation at lower temperatures requires longer periods. The mash is ready for distillation upon completion of fermentation. If fermentation is allowed to continue past this period, it will be adversely affected by bacterial action. The ethyl alcohol content will be reduced, and the flavour and aroma of the finished product will be tainted.