*Mash is the term used for the heated grain concoction created before fermentation has started.

We've implemented a system to optimize our energy usage for each mash batch by harnessing the residual heat from the stills. The cooling system of the stills captures this heat and transfers it through a heat exchanger coil into an insulated water storage tank throughout the distillation process. As a result, the temperature of the holding water rises from its initial 10°C (equivalent to the average groundwater temperature) to a more efficient 50°C. This means that our propane boiler only needs to elevate the water temperature from 50°C to 90°C, as opposed to starting from the lower 10°C, resulting in a significant reduction in overall energy consumption.

*Wash is the term used for the mash after fermentation is complete.

Adapting to the system mentioned above, we've implemented a method to preheat the wash within the fermenter by leveraging the cooling jacket of the tank. This involves a simple rearrangement of the cooling system's flow using valves, effectively transforming the fermenter's cooling jacket into a heating jacket. The heat generated from the still from the batch ahead is then efficiently transferred to the completed batch awaiting distillation. As the wash absorbs heat energy, reaching a temperature of 50°C, the excess heat is directed to the water storage heater. As a result, our electric stills only need to elevate the wash temperature from 50°C to 95°C, significantly reducing both the time and energy required for the distillation process.

We distinguish ourselves from other distilleries by not relying on traditional refrigeration systems to regulate our cooling water temperatures. Instead, we use the earth! Ground temperatures remain consistently cool year-round, beginning at a depth of approximately 3 meters. In our process, we store our cooling water within a substantial concrete cistern located underground. This subterranean environment effectively stabilizes the residual heat absorbed from the closed-loop cooling system, following saturation of the indirect water storage tank.

We process out distiller’s waste onsite using a specialized treatment system designed by Trax Developments. It deals with the leftovers from the distillation process which are pretty gnarly - very acidic and full of pollutants. We balance the pH in underground tanks, then sprinkle the waste over bark chips. The tiny micro-organisms get to work and break it all down, fertilizing the ground below. Why? So no nasty stuff gets into waterways, keeping our fish friends safe!

Even the smallest steps, like opting for recycled paper for our labels, contribute to our steady progress toward our goal.