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Alcohol Distillation and the Role of Master Distillers

Alcohol distillation can be a difficult and time-consuming task, requiring skill to achieve success and many obstacles along the way. A single misstep could ruin an entire batch of spirits and cost time, money and reputation as well as product.

An experienced team of distillers is essential to running a successful operation. A master distiller’s role within this team is vital; they are responsible for maintaining consistency, quality, and adhering to brand standards while managing multiple distillation processes daily.

Master distillers not only oversee distillation but also conduct sensory evaluations of new distillates and aged spirits to fine-tune recipes and make blending decisions. This requires them to frequently visit the production floor so they can monitor stills and adjust temperatures, as well as develop their palate and sensory perception.

Master distillers must have an expert eye for evaluating spirits based on aroma, taste, and appearance. A momentary misjudgment could declassify or discard an entire batch. That is why it is imperative for master distillers to be meticulous when making important decisions for spirits brands. In the past, it was common for one distillery to employ three “Masters,” such as distiller, blender, and taster; nowadays it is more typical to only feature one master on business cards indicating they are the sole master distiller at that company.