Types Of Products Produced In A Distillery
A distillery is a factory that produces hard liquor, such as rum, wine, gin, or whiskey. As the name suggests, a distillery relies on the process of distillation to extract different types of hard liquor from the fermented raw materials. While each type of product may have its special recipe, the main ingredients are usually, water, yeast, and grains. The yeast helps to speed up the process of fermentation to break down the starch in the grain. The result of the fermentation process is alcohol, which dissolves in the water. Distillation is usually done to extract alcohol from the mixture. northern ireland distilleries have perfected the art of producing the best rum, whiskey, gin, and wine through distillation.
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By Products
Whether maize, potatoes, millet, sorghum, wheat, rice, or barley was used as the raw material, the spent grain must first be extracted from the mixture before distillation can be done. This byproduct is normally used as animal feed and is usually in high demand. The liquid left behind is then filtered before it is distilled.
The Process of Distillation
Once the spent grain has been extracted, the liquid is poured into a still and heated to the boiling point of alcohol, which is lower than the boiling point of water. The vapour is collected and condensed to form alcohol. In some cases, the condensed liquid may be distilled a second or third time to create the purest form of alcoholic drink. That is why some brands are usually labelled double or triple-distilled.
It is important to note that the alcohol content of different types of hard liquor differs greatly. Many cheap brands come with at least 40% alcohol concentration. High-end brands come with 50% alcohol concentration or higher. Some brands, such as bourbon come with 90% alcohol content or higher. The higher the alcohol content, the higher the cost and the faster the consumer can get drunk. Northern Ireland distilleries continue to excel in producing the highest quality gin, whiskey, wine, and rum products.
The Importance of a Distillery
Production of Animal Feeds
Farmers appreciate distilleries for many reasons. The main reason, however, is that distilleries produce byproducts that can be used as animal feeds with a high protein and energy content. These feeds are usually sold at low prices, suitable for dairy and beef farmers.
Ready Market for Farm Produce
Distilleries provide farmers who grow maize, barley, berries, grapes, and other types of plants that are used in the production of whiskey, gin, rum, or wine with a ready market for their produce.
Employment
Distilleries employ dozens of people, depending on size, and this benefits the locals. Distilleries help to grow the local economy.
Foreign Exchange Earner
The best gins, whiskeys, rums, and wines in the world are made in Northern Ireland. This means that products produced locally are exported to other countries, and this increases the wealth of the country.
As you can see, a distillery plays an important role in the economy. However, there is intense competition in the industry, which makes it challenging for some distilleries to thrive.