image

Ask Brogans Way: What is Actually Going on in the Gin Distillation Process?

Gin is more than just a spirit—it’s an art form that combines carefully selected botanicals with meticulous craftsmanship. At Brogans Way, a craft gin bar and distillery in Melbourne, we take great pride in producing some of the best gin around. But what really goes on behind the scenes in the distillation process? If you’ve ever wondered how your favourite drink gets from raw ingredients to the glass during a gin tasting, you’re not alone. Let’s take a look at the intricate steps involved in creating a perfectly balanced gin at our gin distillery.

The Heart of Gin: The Distillation Process

At the core of gin-making lies the distillation process, a practice that has been perfected over centuries. At Brogans Way, we focus on creating craft gin through traditional methods, combined with a modern twist. Here’s a breakdown of what happens during distillation:

  • Choosing the Botanicals

Every great gin starts with a carefully curated blend of botanicals. While juniper berries are the essential ingredient that gives gin its distinctive flavour, we also add other ingredients like coriander seeds, angelica root, citrus peels, and more exotic spices. Each botanical is chosen for its unique ability to complement and enhance the base spirit.

  • Maceration

Once we’ve selected our botanicals, they are macerated in a neutral grain spirit. This means they are steeped in alcohol for a specific period, allowing the flavours to infuse. At our gin distillery, we macerate these botanicals overnight to ensure a well-balanced extraction of aromas and flavours.

  • The Distillation Process

The magic truly happens in the still. During distillation, the macerated spirit is heated in a copper still. The alcohol vaporises first, carrying with it the essential oils and flavours from the botanicals. These vapours are collected, condensed, and turned back into liquid, resulting in a flavourful, high-proof spirit. This step requires precision, as the different compounds from the botanicals vaporise at varying temperatures.

  • Cutting the Distillate

Not every part of the distillate is used in the final product. At Brogans Way, we carefully “cut” the distillate into three parts: the heads, hearts, and tails. The heads contain undesirable compounds and are discarded, while the tails are saved for other purposes. It’s the hearts—the purest, most flavourful section—that make up the final gin.

  • Dilution and Bottling

The final step involves diluting the gin to the desired strength. Once distilled, the gin is often too strong for drinking, so it is diluted with purified water to a drinkable ABV (Alcohol by Volume). After this, it is filtered and bottled, ready to be enjoyed at our gin tasting sessions or your next cocktail.

Why Distillation Matters

Distillation is where the artistry of gin-making shines. By carefully controlling each step of the process, from the selection of botanicals to the distillation cuts, we ensure that every bottle of Brogans Way gin reflects our commitment to quality. This is why we’re considered one of Melbourne’s best gin producers, and why every sip reveals a depth of flavour that is as complex as it is refreshing.

Experience the Process Yourself

Want to learn more about what goes into creating the perfect gin? Come visit Brogans Way for a unique gin tasting experience. As one of Melbourne’s premier gin distillery destinations, we offer exclusive insights into the distillation process, so you can discover firsthand how we create our award-winning, small-batch gins. Book your tasting today and experience the craftsmanship that goes into producing some of the best gin in the city.

At Brogans Way, the distillation process is an art form perfected by passion and precision. Whether you’re a gin enthusiast or a newcomer, our gin tastings offer the perfect way to explore the flavours, aromas, and magic of craft gin.

Leave a Comment