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More bourbon distillers have turned to sweet mash instead of a sour mash process. A sweet mash process results in a potentially smoother bourbon with different flavor profiles. Sweet mash distillers must carefully control bacterial contamination and propagate the yeast correctly to make a great and safe whiskey. Dr. James C. Crow, Oscar Pepper's master distiller in the 1830s, single-handedly brought the sour mash method to prominence.

All spirits need to undergo some form of fermentation. In the case of bourbon, sour mash is the standard process used by nearly all distilleries. However, in recent years, more and more bourbon distillers have turned to sweet mash instead. A sweet mash can potentially produce smoother bourbon with different flavor profiles.

A Sweet mash involves cooking grains with water, adding fresh yeast, and fermenting the mixture. Sweet mash is often associated with rye whiskey, and some Kentucky bourbon producers use it, including Wilderness Trail Distillery, Castle & Key Distillery, and Kentucky Peerless Distilling. To make a great and safe whiskey, sweet mash distillers must carefully control bacterial contamination and propagate the yeast correctly.

Dr. James C. Crow, Oscar Pepper's master distiller in the 1830s, single-handedly brought the sour mash method to prominence. Sour mash is usually associated with bourbon, and most bourbon distillers use a traditional sour mash system. The sour mash process involves using old mash (the spent mash left over from a previous batch of bourbon, also called backset or stillage) to kick-start the fermentation process. The old mash is acidic, which helps prevent unwanted bacterial growth during the bourbon fermentation process, which can happen when the pH levels get too high. Using old mash also helps ensure a more consistent flavor from batch to batch.

During my last trip to Kentucky, I toured the Wilderness Trail Distillery. I sought a unique and healthy dose of science in the distilling process. Wilderness Trail Distillery offers some great whiskey expressions that deserve exploration.

At Bourbon Awareness, you can learn more about America's native spirit. Bourbon Awareness and Whiskey University's sole mission is to educate the public about the history and virtues of Bourbon, Tennessee Whiskey, and other various whiskeys.

See our website at bourbonaware.com and whiskeyuniv.com/nj-central-new-jersey-area. You can contact us at harrycasazza@bourbonaware.com