The essence of making spirits isn’t just in the grains, the yeast, the cask or the careful artistry of the distiller. It also flows from a fundamental ingredient that’s often overlooked: water.
For distillers and those venturing into the realm of craft distilling, you need to understand the nuances of how you’ll be using water – from sourcing, to storing to its impact on equipment.
It’s so much more than a commodity and is one of the few material inputs that is involved in every part of distillery operations and the products being made.
This article offers insights into what distillers need to monitor, the implications it has for the distillation process, and equipment considerations for maintaining quality and consistency.
The role of water in distilling
Water is the unsung hero in the world of spirits. It’s not just a solvent; it’s a shaper of character, influencing everything from the texture to the final flavour of the spirit. For distillers, the choice of water (or how you treat it) can make or break a brand.
Quality in flavour and texture
The minerals in water interact with the ingredients during mashing and fermentation in particular, affecting the process greatly. Meanwhile, when used to proof / cut to bottling strength, it can affect the taste and mouthfeel of the spirit.
Soft water, with fewer minerals, tends to produce a smoother, softer flavour profile, while hard water can add a different dimension. It’s fair to say that while water purity may have been overplayed in marketing – looking at you vodka! – there is a truth to the claims that it really matters.
Different water sources
The source of water plays a critical role. Surface water, like rivers and lakes, is subject to organic contamination but typically softer. Groundwater, drawn from boreholes and springs, is purer but often contains more minerals. Municipal water is treated for safety but may require further treatment to neutralise chlorine or other additives that can alter taste.
All of these details matter.
Key attributes and their impact
Given the above, distillers need to be aware of the attributes that can significantly influence the distilling process and the quality of the final product. To do that, understanding what you have is crucial.
There is no one size fit all, generic water standard. The composition of water varies significantly from region to region, and these differences can be embraced to create unique spirits. For example, the soft water of Scotland is a key element in Scotch whisky, contributing to its distinct flavour.
Once you know your source, measure the following:
Potability. This should go without saying but… the water must be safe for consumption. This means it should be free from harmful bacteria, chemicals, and other pollutants. Clear, tasteless, and odourless water is ideal.
Hardness. This refers to the amount of calcium and magnesium in the water. While some hardness can be beneficial in adding texture / flavour, too much can lead to scaling in boilers and stills, affecting efficiency and maintenance.
pH Levels. The acidity or alkalinity of water can impact yeast health during fermentation and (to an extent) the overall chemical reactions during distillation. A balanced pH is crucial for consistent and quality spirit production. More importantly, fluctuations ought to be worrying as it indicates something is happening to the source…
Temperature: For most, this isn’t an issue, but for those distilling in hot climates, temperature can be an issue for cooling and other distilling operations over the summer months. Get a reading on how it fluctuates year round as you may need to build mitigation processes.
Water treatment and monitoring
As it is in constant need, ensuring the quality of your supply is a constant process in a distillery. Regular monitoring and appropriate treatment are essential to maintain the desired profile. Focus your process and needs around three streams –
Contaminant removal: Depending on the water source, various treatments might be necessary. These can include filtration to remove particulates, carbon treatment to eliminate odours and organic compounds, and specific processes to deal with chlorination or heavy metals.
Monitoring water quality: Regular testing of water is essential. Parameters like turbidity, pH, hardness, and microbiological content need to be monitored. This ensures that the water used in different stages of production meets the required standards. Don’t wait for there to be an issue to test. Be proactive in monitoring, or have automated data inputs.
If you bulk store water as a buffer for whatever reason, the importance of this escalates dramatically.
Consistency in water composition: Variations in water quality can lead to inconsistencies in the final product. Consistent water treatment processes help in maintaining a uniform flavour profile and quality of the spirits. Once your system is up and running, how are you going to maintain the established norm? Get spares, add it into Process Control and other job specs etc.
Water in distillery processes
Water’s role in a distillery extends beyond just being an ingredient. Its quality can significantly affect the efficiency and longevity of equipment.
Hard water can lead to scale build-up in boilers and stills, reducing heat transfer efficiency and increasing energy costs. Proper water treatment is a good way to prevent scaling and corrosion, which can lead to expensive repairs and downtime.
This can be done through regular descaling and the use of corrosion inhibitors.They are simple to implement and can significantly extend the life of distillery equipment. Chlorination and other chemicals can erode copper – so be sure to test for this and be careful that is you are treating bulk stored water, you are aware of what happens to equipment and the unintended reactions any pesticide might have. For example, the use of any hypochlorite is a big issue. Chlorine Dioxide on the other hand…
Above and beyond what is needed to make great spirits and keep equipment in good condition, distillers also need to ensure that what is being discharged complies with local and international standards.
This includes adhering to regulations regarding potable water, wastewater discharge, and environmental impact. Navigating these ‘legal waters’ is crucial for both operational legality and consumer trust.
Equipment quality management
To maintain water quality, distilleries can invest in specialised equipment. This equipment ensures the water used meets the desired standard for process use, product use and for protecting the equipment.
Reverse osmosis systems
RO machines provide a consistent and high-quality water source, regardless of the original water quality. These systems work by forcing water through a semi-permeable membrane, effectively removing contaminants, minerals, and other impurities.
Fundamentally, RO systems ensure that the water used in the distillation process is pure, which is great for maintaining the integrity and consistency of any spirit’s flavour profile.
Water softeners
Water softeners are important for distilleries in regions with hard water, which contains high levels of calcium and magnesium (which can lead to scale build-up).
Softening the water helps prevent scale formation, which can clog pipes and reduce the efficiency of heat transfer. This extends the lifespan of the equipment and ensures that the distillation process remains efficient and cost-effective. It’s quite common to see a specific water softening device / process for boiler input feeds specifically.
Carbon filtration
Carbon filtration is used to remove organic compounds, odours, chlorine, and chloramines from water.
By ensuring that the water is free of these impurities, carbon filtration helps in maintaining the purity and desired flavour profile of the spirit. It’s especially important for producing neutral spirits like vodka, where the flavour impact of water is more pronounced.
UV sterilisation
UV sterilisation is a non-chemical process that uses ultraviolet light to kill or inactivate microorganisms. This is vital in areas where water sources may be prone to microbiological contamination.
This is particularly important for craft distillers who may rely on natural or local water sources and who carry out the fermentation process in house.
It’s also important to note that UV treatment can help prevent Legionnaire’s Disease. Those bulk storing water for cooling purposes (use in the condenser) may want to look into it as part of their mitigation solution (as towers can create aerosols – droplets of water in the air – that contain Legionella bacteria). They are so cheap, and yet can prevent something genuinely horrific and a complete nightmare scenario to deal with.
pH meters and water testing kits
The pH level of water can significantly affect the fermentation process in particular. pH meters and water testing kits allow distillers to monitor the acidity or alkalinity of their water accurately.
By keeping the pH levels in the optimal range, distillers can ensure a healthy yeast environment during fermentation, leading to a more efficient and consistent fermentation process. Regular testing also helps in detecting any changes in water quality promptly, allowing for quick adjustments and / or further checks if the supply is owned and managed by the distillery itself.
Conservation and sustainability
With increasing awareness of environmental impacts and rising costs, water conservation has become a critical aspect of distillery operations. Here are some pragmatic ideas for how you can do it.
Reducing water waste
Reducing water waste is key for sustainable operations. Beyond what’s needed for distilling and proofing products, distilleries use substantial amounts of water in cooling, mashing, and cleaning processes.
Implementing water-saving techniques, such as reusing rinse water or optimising cleaning processes, can significantly reduce water consumption leading to cost savings and a reduced environmental footprint.
It will also serve you well and ensure you are ahead of the demand curve that will only increase in time… Everyone should be aware of the impacts of climate change in their long-term planning.
In this instance – water scarcity and changing weather patterns will affect water availability and quality, influencing distillery operations and strategic decision-making. There’s a reason that big multinational operators all have Water Security plans. Unfortunately soon, it’s likely that many more will need to make them too.
Recirculation and reuse
Water recirculation and re-use systems allow distilleries to reuse water multiple times, particularly in cooling and heating processes. The simple act of holding a large buffer of water and recirculating it can be enough for those distilling infrequently.
By recirculating water, distilleries can drastically cut down on their overall water usage. Take into consideration that for every one litre of spirit created you need 10 in cooling…
This is not only environmentally responsible but also economically beneficial, as it reduces water acquisition and treatment costs. This is even true for those who need to invest in a glycol-jacketed stainless-steel cooling tank to re-circulate into. They pay for themselves very quickly.
Economic and environmental benefits
As mentioned above, efficient water usage has direct economic benefits through reduced utility costs. Environmentally, it helps conserve a vital resource and reduces the distillery’s ecological footprint.
Adopting water-efficient practices can therefore not only lead to long-term cost savings. If marketed openly, it could also improve a distillery’s market position, particularly among environmentally conscious consumers.
Heat exchanges
Heat exchangers can capture heat from one process and use it to pre-heat water for another, such as using heat from distillation to warm water for mashing.
This not only conserves energy but also reduces the need for additional heating, leading to significant cost savings and improved overall energy efficiency in the distillery.
Forgive the pun here, but water can be a dry subject to talk about. That doesn’t make it any less important. There’s so much to be gained when distillers navigate various challenges well, from selecting the right water source to ensuring proper treatment and monitoring.
Embracing local water profiles can enhance spirit uniqueness, while innovative water management and conservation strategies contribute to sustainable and economically efficient operations.
Ultimately, the careful consideration and management of water are integral to producing high-quality spirits and maintaining a responsible, environmentally conscious distillery.
