What is the primary goal of distillation in spirit production?

The primary goal of distillation in spirit production is to select and concentrate desirable components. This process involves heating a fermented liquid, such as a mash or wash, to separate the alcohol and other volatile compounds from water and other non-volatile substances. During distillation, the alcohol vapor rises and is collected, allowing the distiller to retain key flavors and aromas while discarding less desirable constituents. This selective process is crucial for crafting spirits with specific characteristics that define their style and quality.

Enhancing flavor through aging is a subsequent step that occurs after distillation, where spirits may develop complexity and depth as they interact with the wood of barrels over time. Increasing the quantity of the spirit is not a direct aim of distillation; rather, the focus is on the quality and character of the final product. While removing impurities is part of distillation, the goal is not to remove all impurities completely, as some may contribute to the flavor profile of the spirit; rather, distillation aims to balance the desirable and undesirable components for the best outcome.