How is Glenlivit whiskey made?

The first step is to malt the barley. This is done by soaking the barley in water for several days until it begins to germinate. The barley is then spread out on a floor and allowed to grow for a few more days. This process converts the starches in the barley into sugars, which can then be fermented.

2. Mashing

The malted barley is then crushed and mixed with hot water in a vessel called a mash tun. This mixture is called "wort". The wort is held at a specific temperature for several hours, allowing the enzymes in the barley to convert the sugars into fermentable sugars.

3. Fermentation

The wort is then transferred to a fermentation vessel, where yeast is added. The yeast converts the sugars in the wort into alcohol and carbon dioxide. This process can take several days to complete.

4. Distillation

The fermented wort is then distilled to remove the alcohol. This is done in a still, which is a device that heats the wort and vaporizes the alcohol. The alcohol vapor is then condensed and collected in a separate vessel.

5. Maturation

The newly distilled spirit is then matured in oak casks for at least three years. This process mellows the flavor of the spirit and imparts notes of wood, vanilla, and spice.

6. Bottling

Once the spirit has matured, it is bottled and ready to be enjoyed.