Our Distillation Process
Have you ever wondered how Catford Gin is made? Well, we've broken down the distillation process to give you all the insider information!
STEP 1: THE GRAIN
All gin starts life as neutral grain spirit, which means that it all begins with grain. The finest grains are heated to release sugar which is the first step in the fermentation process. The result is known in the gin industry as ‘beer’, to which yeast is then added, transforming the sugars in the grain into alcohol that is ready to be distilled.
STEP 2: THE DISTILLATION
This liquid is then fed into a still and the alcohol is distilled out. It goes through this process several times at which point it will have an ABV of >95% and is neutral grain alcohol.
STEP 3: INFUSION
Once we have our alcohol, it’s time for the infusion of our precise blend of botanicals - coriander seeds, angelica root, orris root, catnip and of course, juniper. The botanicals are suspended in our pure, neutral grain spirit for 7 hours in macerating tanks to allow the oils to be extracted
STEP 4: RE-DISTILLATION
The macerate is then transferred into a still along with pure water. Steam jackets heat the macerate and the vapours go into the condenser. This steam, when it comes into contact with the metal still, cools to form the gin distillate.
STEP 5: THE CUT
In a rigorously tried and tested process that is meticulously monitored, the first fluid leaving the still, the ‘heads,’ is removed. Collecting the ‘heart of the spirit’ throughout the run, the distillers then determine the end of the cycle and make the final cut, ‘the tails.’ The time this takes varies, but in most cases, after 7 hours the process is complete and the ‘heart cut’ is 160 proof.
STEP 6: BLENDING & BOTTLING
The process is not finished yet, as the ‘heart cut’ is then transferred to a blending tank where pure water is added, bringing the gin to the desired strength; using the multi-shot method it is possible to have a more controlled production which results in more consistent gin-making. Our finished gin is then sent to the bottling line for filling, capping, and labelling. Catford Gin is then handpacked, and sent across the UK for you to enjoy!
