Rum has a history as rich as its depth of styles, flavors, and aromas – you’re cheating yourself if your only experience drinking it has been with a Coke.
Depending on the unique conditions in which its source material was grown, as well as the techniques utilized in its production (and there are many), this delightful spirit can range from sweet and floral, to dark, smokey, and everything in between.
Pop quiz: What’s the world’s most popular spirit? Hint – it’s not whiskey, or vodka, or bourbon. If you’re still stumped, then you might be surprised to learn that the most widely consumed spirit in the world is Baiju.
As the distilling industry’s premier education provider, we often get questioned about our name – Moonshine University.
If you’re unfamiliar with moonshine in its modern context, then we can certainly understand why our namesake might initially raise a brow. You might be surprised to learn that what was once known as “Popskull,” “White Lightning,” and “Mule Kick” can actually be understood as representative for a breadth of spirits styles – and here’s why.
Waste is not the first thing that comes to mind when daydreaming about being a distiller, but it’s a reality you do need to consider before launching a distillery.
Undoubtedly, a byproduct of your production will be spent grains, also called thick stillage. Once grains make their way through your mash, fermentation, and distillation processes, what’s leftover is hundreds of gallons of the stuff, depending on the size of your operation.
With over 300 different characteristics, tequila possesses a depth of flavors and aromas that rival any good spirit. Depending on the unique conditions in which its agave was grown, as well as the techniques utilized in its production, this delightful spirit can range from light and fruity to deep and smokey – and everything in between.
Moonshine University is the premiere education provider for all things distilling. Located in the heart of Bourbon country, it’s natural that the world-class distillery school would also offer a special curriculum dedicated to America’s native spirit. Enter, The Stave & Thief Society.
Since 1776, Americans have celebrated our nation’s independence with fireworks, baseball games, carnivals, and the like. While this year’s July 4th festivities might look a little different than those of years past, we can still count on good food and great drinks to raise our spirits.
To help you out with your weekend preparations, our Moonshine University educators and staff are sharing 5 of their favorite cocktails to pair with your Independence Day excitement. Here’s the list:
By law, Bourbon must be aged in new charred oak barrels. That means that after a Bourbon has finished up its time in the barrel, it cannot be used again to make more Bourbon. Facing a lot of empty barrels, winemakers and brewers have since found a creative solution by creating a new style for consumers to enjoy – Bourbon barrel-aged wine and beer!
Written by John Raiona, Executive Bourbon Steward.
As Kentuckians, we are proud of our bourbon heritage – and we should be! After all, 95% of the world’s bourbon supply is produced right here in the Bluegrass State. However, you might be surprised to learn that in the mid-to-late 19th century, there were many who believed that the whiskey capital of the world was actually Peoria, Illinois. Why? It all starts with the formation of The Whiskey Trust.
By Shelley Sackier, Director of Distillery Education, Reservoir Distillery. Story originally published to Reservoir Distillery.
I’m nearly finished writing another book. This one won’t be published for the public though. It’s a technical manual.
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