Sugar & Grains

Sugar and grains form the basis of your wash. This is where all of your desired alcohol and flavour will come from. 

When going for high alcohol fermentation you’ll need to use sugar to get your specific gravity high. If you are going for a neutral high alcohol sugar wash then it is possible just to use either dry (dextrose) or liquid corn sugar and water. Dry corn sugar is easier to measure and store, though liquid corn sugar is easier to use as you blend with water or other liquid. 

Grains can be used in high alcohol fermentation as well to impart flavour and colour on your wash. This is best if you are aiming to make a whiskey style product with rye malt. If using grains you’ll have to “mash” them as in beer making to break down their starches and make use of their sugars. To learn more about mashing grains check out our blog!

Note: If using grains you will still most likely need additional sugar to bring your specific gravity to the desired level for use with high powered yeasts.