Distillation Process
January 2025 • Hong Kong
Educational workshop demystifying the science and craft of spirit distillation. This hands-on session explored the principles of distillation, from fermentation to aging, with a focus on whiskey and brandy production.
← Back to EventsEvent Overview
Held at United Spirits’ education center in Central, this workshop welcomed enthusiasts and aspiring distillers. Led by a master distiller, the session covered the fundamentals of distillation, including the types of stills (pot vs. column), the role of the “heads, hearts, and tails,” and the impact of distillation on flavor. Guests observed a live distillation demonstration and sampled spirits at different stages of the process.
Key Highlights
The highlight was a “nose-to-glass” comparison of spirits distilled in pot stills versus column stills, highlighting the differences in texture and flavor. The distiller also shared fascinating stories about the history of distillation and its evolution over centuries. Guests received a detailed workbook and a set of tasting glasses to continue their education at home.
Featured Products
The tasting featured these expressions:
- Sunny Land Single Malt S25 - Distilled in traditional copper pot stills
- Caribbean Blaze Bourbon 18 - Distilled in modern column stills for consistency
- Honney Conti VSOP - A blend of pot and column still distillates
Future Initiatives
United Spirits will launch a “Distiller’s Series” of workshops, covering topics like “The Science of Fermentation” and “The Art of Blending.” The next workshop, “Barrel Selection and Aging,” will explore how wood type and char level influence flavor. A digital “Distillation Simulator” will also be developed, allowing users to experiment with variables like temperature and cut points.