In Our Community – Distilling & Industrial Mixing Equipment

Mark Hennis - President at INDCO, inc. Closeup of stainless steel distilling tanks

The recent Bourbon boom has been a major driving force behind the economic growth in our community. A recent study by the University of Louisville showed a tremendous increase in job growth, tax revenue, and capital projects in our community due to the recent Bourbon boom. Bourbon has been part of our community development for hundreds of years. To read more about how the Bourbon boom has impacted our community, visit LouisvilleKy.gov.

The Distilling Process

Bourbon distillation is the process of vaporizing and heating bourbon to purify it. Once it has been condensed, the vapor is gathered to obtain a higher concentration and purer alcohol. Most bourbon is distilled twice. The first step involves the bourbon passing through column stills. The second distillation is comprised of the alcohol passing through heated pot stills. These bourbon distillation steps remove impurities and boost the alcohol content.

The mixing process in bourbon distilling typically involves the blending of various grains, such as corn, rye, and barley, along with water and yeast. The mixture is heated in a mash tun to release the sugars from the grains, which are then fermented to create alcohol. The fermented liquid, known as "distiller's beer," is then distilled in a series of stills to create bourbon.

Equipment Used in Distilling

The mixing equipment used in bourbon distilling varies depending on the specific application. For example, the mash tun may be equipped with an agitator to mix the grains and water, while the fermenter may be equipped with aeration equipment to promote yeast growth.

Mixing equipment used in bourbon distilling must meet stringent standards for cleanliness and purity, as any contaminants can affect the flavor and quality of the finished product. Equipment made of materials such as stainless steel is often used, as it is easy to clean and does not corrode.

Behind every well-made bourbon is the expertly crafted equipment used to make it. When distilling bourbon, you rely on professionally made, industrial mixing equipment to get the job done right.

  • Mixers and agitators like the PhG-100T3 or the STL-150T can be used to blend the high viscosity grains and water in the mash tun, ensuring that the mixture is thoroughly mixed before being heated.

  • Propeller mixers are used in the fermenter to agitate and aerate the mash, promoting yeast growth and fermentation.

  • High shear mixers are used for blending and emulsification of ingredients such as flavorings and colorings, which are added to the bourbon after distillation.

  • Portable mixers are used for smaller-scale mixing needs, such as blending small batches of ingredients or adding ingredients to a larger tank.

  • Drum mixers are used for mixing ingredients in large drums, such as blending flavorings or colorings with the bourbon before bottling.

 

Contact Us

Do you have the right mixing equipment for your job? Our stainless steel tanks are excellent for any distilling process. INDCO has a proven record of working with many industries and a variety of industrial mixing tank options to offer you. Contact us to find out how INDCO can assist you.