Dunder
The liquid left in a still after a run of rum is completed, also know as stillage. The dunder is used in subsequent mashes to aid in fermentation and add flavor to the distillate. Dunder can be used fresh or left open to the environment ("Seasoned") to be contaminated with yeast and bacteria. Dunder is put into a open container (the famed Dunder Pit) to encourage bacterial infection. These bacteria create Carboxylic acid that is then converted into an Ester. Dunder pits must be maintain by the removal and addition of fresh dunder or some materials in the dunder pit will decompose into ammonia.
Typically for Rum 10-25% of the wash liquid is Dunder. Some papers show usage up to 50%. Per Arroyo, Seasoned Dunder should be around 4% of total volume, and included after most of the primary fermentation has been completed.
A Dunder pit is not a Muck Pit. Dunder is related to Barm, Backset, and Sour Mash.
For Seasoned/Infected Dunder one must understand the safety of its use: Dunder Pit Safety
HD Posts
- Dunder pit infections
- Does a dunder pit create esters or a feedstock for them?
- When to add aged dunder?