As Jimmy Russell, Master Distiller at Wild Turkey once said, “water doesn’t just make the bourbon; it defines it.” Water is the essence of life and certainly the lifeblood of bourbon. This week we explore the role of water in bourbon making; from the limestone-filtered aquifers of Kentucky to the meltwater of the Rocky Mountains, water not only influences the flavor profile of your favorite (or least favorite) bourbon but also plays a pivotal role in the bourbon making process from start to finish. Today we’ll delve into the varied nature of water use in bourbon, discussing the sourcing and the significance of water in bourbon production.
Water is not only an essential ingredient in bourbon making but also as Denny Potter former Master Distiller at Maker’s Mark (now under his own label Potter Jane Distillery) put it “it’s the most underrated ingredient in bourbon making.” Water is important for several reasons:
1. Mash Preparation: Water is used to cook the grains and create the mash, which is the mixture of water and grains that will be fermented.
2. Fermentation: Water acts as a solvent, helping to dissolve the sugars and starches in the mash, making them accessible to yeast during fermentation.
3. Distillation: Water is used in the distillation process to separate alcohol from the mash.
4. Proofing: Water is added to the distilled spirit to achieve the desired proof.
5. Aging: Water in the bourbon interacts with the charred oak barrels, extracting flavors and contributing to the final taste profile.
The mineral content and purity of water can significantly impact the flavor of bourbon. For instance, water rich in calcium and magnesium can enhance the sweetness of the bourbon, while water with high iron content can impart flavors that are anything but desirable. This is one of many reasons why the source of water is so critical to the bourbon-making process.
Distilleries use a variety of water sources, including rivers, springs, streams, and lochs. Some distilleries even use public water supplies. Below is a list of some states and where select distilleries therein source their water.
1. California
o Gold Bar Spirits Company: Located on Treasure Island in San Francisco, the companies Rickhouse Bourbon is made with drinking water that comes from the Hetch Hetchy Reservoir in Yosemite National Park. The water is of such high quality that it’s exempt from state and federal filtration requirements.
2. Kentucky
o Maker's Mark: Located in Loretto, Kentucky, Maker's Mark uses water from its own on-site spring-fed lake. The water is naturally filtered through limestone, which removes iron and adds essential minerals.
o Buffalo Trace: Based in Frankfort, Kentucky, Buffalo Trace sources water from the Kentucky River. The river water is filtered through the limestone bedrock, which enhances the bourbon's flavor.
o Woodford Reserve: This distillery in Versailles, Kentucky, also uses water filtered through limestone from an on-site spring.
3. Tennessee
o Jack Daniel's: Located in Lynchburg, Tennessee, Jack Daniel's uses water from Cave Spring, which is iron-free and rich in minerals. This pristine water source is a key component of the distillery's process.
o George Dickel: Situated in Tullahoma, Tennessee, George Dickel sources its water from Cascade Hollow. The spring water is naturally filtered through limestone, ensuring high purity and mineral content.
4. New York
o Tuthilltown Spirits: Based in Gardiner, New York, Tuthilltown Spirits sources water from the nearby Shawangunk Ridge. The water is naturally filtered and rich in minerals, contributing to the unique flavor profile of their bourbon.
5. Texas
o Garrison Brothers Distillery: Located in Hye, Texas, Garrison Brothers uses water from the Texas Hill Country. The water is drawn from deep wells and filtered through limestone, ensuring a distinct mineral content that influences the bourbon's flavor.
6. Colorado
o Stranahan's Colorado Whiskey: Based in Denver, Colorado, Stranahan's uses water from the Rocky Mountains. The high-altitude snowmelt provides pure, mineral-rich water that is crucial to their bourbon-making process.
7. Washington
o Woodinville Whiskey Company: Based in Woodinville, Washington, Woodinville uses purified water from the Cascade Mountains to proof its whiskey. The company says this water improves the flavor and clarity of their whiskey.
Certainly, there’s much to be said for the role of limestone water in bourbon making as it acts much like a natural filter, removing undesirable compounds such as iron that cause equally undesirable flavors in your bourbon. Limestone also imparts various minerals to the water like calcium and magnesium which as noted earlier can lead to a sweeter flavor profile or a smoother mouthfeel. But given bourbon can be made anywhere in the United States, and limestone isn’t prolific everywhere like it is in Kentucky, which is heralded for an abundance of limestone-rich water, how do these other regions adapt?
In areas that don’t have limestone rich water, distilleries have developed alternative methods to ensure high quality bourbon:
1. Municipal Water: Some distilleries such as Laws Whiskey House located in Denver, Colorado, use treated municipal water that goes through advanced filtration and treatment to remove impurities and adjust the mineral content to achieve their desired flavor profile.
2. Well Water: More than several distillers use well water which interacts with underground rock formations – often treating the water similar to municipal water to meet their specific requirements around purity and mineral balance.
3. Reverse Osmosis: This is a process that involves a semi-permeable membrane in which water is filtered through removing impurities and minerals.
By using these methods, distillers can achieve a higher quality of water than may be readily available to them, enhancing the palatability of their bourbon through varied filtration processes.
The quality and availability of water are also influenced by environmental factors. Climate change, pollution, and over-extraction of water resources can impact the water supply and, consequently, the bourbon industry. Distilleries are increasingly focusing on sustainable practices to ensure the long-term viability of their water sources.
Some distilleries have implemented measures to reduce water usage, recycle water, and protect natural water sources. For example, Buffalo Trace has invested in a state-of-the-art water treatment facility to minimize its environmental footprint.
Water is undeniably one of the most crucial elements in bourbon making. Its mineral content, purity, and source all contribute to the final flavor profile of the bourbon. Distilleries across the United States take great care in sourcing high-quality water, often from unique and pristine locations, to ensure the excellence of their product.
From the limestone-filtered springs of Kentucky to the snowmelt-fed streams of Colorado, to water sourced from National Parks or pulled straight from the tap, the diversity of water sources reflects the rich tapestry of flavors found in American bourbon. As the industry continues to evolve, the importance of sustainable water management will be paramount to preserving the heritage and quality of this iconic spirit.
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