BourbonBoi wrote: ↑Tue Apr 21, 2020 4:08 pm
I have spent a lot of time with ‘bourbon’ mashes and I understand the flavor. I have recently started this recipe. My question is, what flavors am I looking for when it comes off the still? I have ran one batch. I don’t get that spicy rye taste but I’m curious if that only comes out of the barrel. Just trying to make sure I’m doing it right. Thanks!
Oh so many questions....like, what percentage of rye, and was it malted or raw? And then, what yeast did you use? And finally, how did you distill it? I hope not in a de-tuned Boka.
Rye is indeed a big flavor and it often develops in the cask, as other flavor constituents age and the rye grain flavors emerge. But you will get rye malt flavors, especially noted in the later cuts as the grain’s bread-like quality punches through. You’ve got to collect deeper than you might for a “white corn liquor/bourbon”. Spicy, and sometimes a little “husky”...the rye flavors are nice, especially when properly aged.
Another thing to note, especially in high rye mashes, is the viscosity of the spirit. It will have more “mouthfeel”. It’ll leave your mouth with a “coating” sensation, not really like a syrup, but like a liquor that has been fortified with glycerin.
I suggest “buying and trying” some commercial rye beers. You’ll gain a flavor benchmark for which you can use when you make cuts and sample to determine its maturity.
ss