The process of making baijiu is quite a complex process that requires rigorous craftsmanship and precise operation. The following is the general liquor making process.
First of all, the raw materials used to make liquor are mainly grains, such as sorghum, corn, rice, etc. After washing, soaking, steaming, etc., these grains become a paste-like substance. This paste-like substance is distiller's grains.
The sake lees then need to be fermented. In this process, the starch in the distiller's grains is broken down by enzymes into sugars, which are converted into alcohol and carbon dioxide by yeast. This fermentation process requires a certain temperature and time, usually at 25-30 degrees Celsius, and the time is generally 10-15 days.
After the fermentation is completed, the semi-finished product of baijiu - rice wine is obtained. Rice wine needs to be distilled to get real baijiu.
Distillation is a crucial step in the production of liquor. During the distillation process, the alcohol and moisture in the rice wine are separated. Alcohol has a lower boiling point than water, so when heated, the alcohol will evaporate first and then be cooled and collected, which is called liquor. This process requires the use of special equipment, such as a distillation pot.
Distilled liquor also usually needs to be aged. The purpose of aging is to make the taste of the baijiu more mellow and the aroma more intense. During the aging process, the baijiu will gradually lose some of its alcohol, and at the same time, it will also absorb some other aromatic substances, making it richer in taste.
Finally, the aged liquor needs to be blended. Blending refers to blending different vintages and different qualities of liquor in a certain proportion to achieve the best taste and aroma. The blending process needs to be very precise, as any mistake at any step can affect the quality of the final product.
Overall, the process of making baijiu is a process that is both scientific and artistic, and requires the winemaker to have deep theoretical knowledge and rich practical experience. Behind every bottle of high-quality liquor, it is inseparable from the hard work and persistent pursuit of quality of the winemakers. Autumn and Winter Check-in Challenge