Introduction to Old Hickory Whiskey: History, Origin and Distillers
Old Hickory Whiskey is one of the oldest and most treasured whiskey brands in the United States. It has been making an impact since its inception in 1835 when it was founded by William Campbell and Jacob Spears just outside of Nashville, Tennessee. The brand has endured many changes over the years, but its commitment to quality has not wavered.
From humble beginnings as a small family farm distillery, Old Hickory grew in popularity throughout its early years due to its distinct flavor profile. Crafted using corn, wheat, rye and barley – all sourced from local family farms – this whiskey offers a unique combination of tastes that’s hard to find anywhere else. It also uses a special finishing process which infuses oak staves into the aging barrel for extra richness and complexity. This slow-aging allows the whiskey to develop subtle woody notes alongside sweet caramelized flavors that have made it a top favorite among whiskey connoisseurs around the world today.
In addition to its famous aging process, Old Hickory also stands out because of its uncompromising dedication to quality control. Unlike most other whiskeys on the market today, no artificial coloring or flavoring is ever added at any point during production. Every bottle of Old Hickory Whiskey is truly made for authentic drinkers who appreciate advanced techniques premium spirits more than flashier products with additives and fillers meant simply for marketing purposes.
Whether you prefer your whiskey neat or mixed into your favorite cocktail, adding some Old Hickory sip into your glass will provide a truly unforgettable experience complete with rich history dating back almost two centuries from Modern day Nashville! So grab yourself a bottle (or two) get ready for an exciting entry into one of America’s great historical tipples – enjoy responsibly!
The Distillation Process of Old Hickory Whiskey Step by Step
Old Hickory Whiskey is a favorite among whiskey aficionados and connoisseurs around the world. With its unique blend of grains, spicy notes, and deep amber hue, Old Hickory has acquired an almost cult-like following in the whiskey world. So what exactly goes into making this highly sought-after drink? The answer lies in the distillation process:
First, a mash composed of grains selected to achieve that signature flavor — 51% corn, 15% wheat, 15% rye, 19% malted barley — is cooked in large mash tubs to begin breaking down the starches into sugars. This liquid is cooled and ready to be fermented by adding yeast which eats away at the sugars and converts them into alcohol. The next step requires patience from those involved as it takes three days for fermentation of two separate batches before they can be combined.
The resulting mixture is then transferred to a Column Still where it’s heated and steam distilled as it rises up through five levels with different temperatures – between 170-225 degrees Fahrenheit – each producing more concentrated alcohol that adds distinctive flavors; some add sweet notes while others bring out more spice or zestiness desired for aging. At its highest level, over 90% alcoholic content (180 proof) is achieved before condensers cool off the vaporized alcohol as it comes back down where it’s collected at the bottom of still called ‘the spirit’ cut – no pun intended!
The final stage involves sending warm spirit cuts to gleaming oak barrels where it will rest with charred wood pieces housing your favorite oaky fares until finally matured into award winning Old Hickory Whiskey.
Common FAQs About the Distillation of Old Hickory Whiskey
Old Hickory whiskey is a popular American spirit, known for its distinct flavor and aroma. Many people who enjoy the taste of Old Hickory want to know more about it, including how it’s distilled. Here are some common questions about the distillation process of Old Hickory whiskey.
Q1: What is old hickory whiskey made from?
A1: Old Hickory whiskey is traditionally made from a mash bill containing corn, rye and barley, with varying amounts depending on the desired characteristics for the finished product. Once these grains have been milled, they are combined with pure water and fermentation agents such as yeast, then heated to create a mash – which will eventually become whiskey. The resulting liquid is called “distiller’s beer” or “wash” before it undergoes distillation into whisky.
Q2: How does old hickory whiskey get its flavor?
A2: After distillation, the wash is moved into aging barrels where it ferments in oak barrels until it takes on deeper hues – this also helps impart character and flavor to the final product. The length of time that Old Hickory spends aging in the barrels can influence the eventual flavour that comes out of the bottle; commonly oak-aged for over 6 years for an intense flavour profile of toasted vanilla and caramel notes with smoky backtones throughout.
Q3: What type of still is used in production of old hickory Whiskey?
A3: While there are many types of stills around the world used for spirit production, Kulsveen Distillery uses a Column Still when creating their signature blend – Old Hickory Whiskey. A Column Still utilizes three main components to facilitate distillation; (1) copper pot stills contain heat sources along a vertical chamber which allow vapours to rise up continuously until they reach condensers at their peak (2) a rectifying column
Top 5 Facts You Should Know About Old Hickory Whiskey
1. Old Hickory Whiskey is an American whiskey distilled in North Carolina at the Catoctin Distillery, located near the town of Old Hickory. It was originally created by pioneer distillers Nathanial and Phoebe Thomas in 1878 as a way to honor Andrew Jackson – also known as ‘Old Hickory’ – who had served two terms as President of the United States from 1829-1837.
2. The traditional whiskey consists of a blend of corn, malt, and rye. This blend creates a smooth yet robust flavor which is traditionally enjoyed neat but can also be mixed into classic cocktails such as an Old Fashioned or Whiskey Sour.
3. Unlike other whiskeys from Tennessee or Scottish whiskies, Old Hickory whiskey does not need to be aged for too long in order to enjoy its distinguished flavor; it has been matured for up to 8 years before bottling, allowing it to have that developed color and taste much sooner than others do.
4. The makers of this spirit are very proud of their heritage and take great care with how they produce their whiskey; only natural spring water is used during production and all ingredients are locally sourced whenever possible, ensuring that the final product is one which honors the memory of President Andrew Jackson while still being produced using traditional methods in a sustainable manner.
5. While Original Hickory was first produced in North Carolina over 140 years ago, today’s version remains true to its original roots; each bottle bears the same label design which has adorned it since its inception back in 1878. The distinctive flavor however has never failed to remain on trend with current tastes – making this American brand a favorite among many whiskey connoisseurs around the globe!
The Aging and Flavoring of Old Hickory Whiskey
Old Hickory Whiskey, a staple of Southern culture and Appalachian cuisine, has been distilled in the same way for generations. The traditional aging and flavoring process is as much an art form as it is science. Old Hickory whiskey features an unmistakable flavor that comes from the particular combination of ingredients used and a careful maturation process.
The first step in the Old Hickory process involves distillation. A mash made up of corn, dried malted barley, rye grain and water are heated to allow the sugars to break down into fermentable sugars. Yeast is then added to begin fermentation. After this process, the resulting liquid – ‘distillate’ is clear with very little flavor.
Once the distillery go through this process multiple times, they are left with white dog – or raw whiskey – which contains around 40% alcohol by volume. This white dog is where you get what many consider to be true “old hickory” flavor – its distinct smoky character coming from the wooden barrels used in maturation over time lending unique hints of oak and some sweetness from the charred cask interiors.
The next step in creating old hickory whiskey involves aging. The white dog is usually aged in barrels made from America White Oak (Quercus alba). These barrels previously held other spirits like rum, brandy or wine which help provide added complex flavors to the final product after being filled with whiskey for long periods of time at distilleries located throughout the United States (and sometimes abroad). At this point relatively strong aromas come out of these barrels when opened indicating that well-developed flavor components are present prior to blending or bottling – adding even more depth to their products before release
The final step deals with flavoring Old Hickory Whiskey typically uses a mix of caramel coloring, sugar syrup, spice oils specifically chosen for each individual batch ensuring that no two bottles taste exactly alike! Adding these
Final Thoughts on Exploring Old Hickory Whiskeys History and Distillation Process
Old Hickory Whiskey is an iconic American spirit that has been distilled for over 200 years. It’s a classic whiskey with a distinctive flavor profile and a long, rich history that can tell us much about the spirit-making process of generations past. Exploring the distilling process of Old Hickory Whiskey highlights how the Tennessee whiskey style originated and differentiated itself from other types of whiskey over time.
The primary difference between Old Hickory Whiskey and other whiskeys is the aging period it undergoes. Traditional bourbon and rye whiskies are aged in charred oak barrels for two years or longer, while Old Hickory Whiskey utilizes two runs off each barrel to accelerate the maturing process. This abbreviated aging period leads to a more robust flavor – often described as richer, sweeter, and spicier than traditional bourbons or ryes.
Another key element related to Old Hickory Whiskey is its production by way of pot stills – cylindrical copper kettles used in producing single malt spirits like Scotch whiskey. Bourbon and rye whiskeys are typically produced using continuous stills, which offer greater efficiency; however, this style is said to rob some of the character from these liquors when compared to those made with pot stills, making them less complex on your palette. In contrast, heating grains with pot stills results in a fuller mouthfeel with depth and texture not found in other types of whiskeys; plus it yields stronger flavors due to the long contact between grain mash and alcohol vapor within the closed system (known as “refluxing”).
The final product produced by this slower process? A deep amber liquid filled with subtle notes of vanilla bean, chocolate, spice and caramel – all characteristics indicative of Tennessee whiskey. And although there are countless varieties out there today loved globally by drinkers both professional aficionados alike – none quite holds up its roots like Old Hickory Whiskey does for those who
