distilleries

A distillery is a facility where alcoholic beverages are produced by fermenting grains, sugar, or other fermentable materials and then distilling the resulting liquid. Distilleries range from small craft operations to large industrial plants and may also include aging and blending operations to develop flavor and character.

The production process typically involves milling or grinding raw materials, mashing to convert starches to sugars, fermenting with yeast to create a wash, followed by distillation to concentrate alcohol and remove impurities. The distilled spirit may then be aged in wooden casks or stored in stainless steel, before blending and bottling.

Equipment includes mash tuns or mills, fermentation vessels, pot stills, and column or continuous stills. Stills and aging practices contribute to flavor; different spirits use different methods: whiskey often ages in oak; rum, tequila, and brandy undergo aging or climate-driven maturation; vodka and many gins use neutral, refined distillates.

Common categories produced at distilleries include whiskey (various regional styles), rum, vodka, gin, brandy, tequila, and liqueurs. Regional designations such as Scotch whisky or bourbon reflect legal requirements on ingredients, production location, and aging practices.

Distilleries also contribute to local economies and heritage and may offer tours and tastings. They address sustainability concerns by managing energy, water use, and byproducts such as spent grain or pot ale, which can be repurposed for animal feed or energy generation.