The Art of Champagne Yeast Distilling: Elevate Your Beverage Game

When you think of champagne, you may automatically picture glasses clinking and bubbly liquid flowing. However, the production of champagne involves much more than just popping a bottle. The process of creating this luxurious beverage requires the use of a special type of yeast, known as champagne yeast. But did you know that champagne yeast can also be used for distilling?

In this article, we’ll dive into the world of champagne yeast distilling and explore everything you need to know to elevate your beverage game.

What is Champagne Yeast?

Before we dive into champagne yeast distilling, let’s first understand what champagne yeast is and its role in the production of champagne.

Champagne yeast, known scientifically as Saccharomyces cerevisiae, is a type of yeast strain known for its ability to ferment high levels of sugar into alcohol. This type of yeast is commonly used in the production of champagne and other sparkling wines, but it can also be used in other fermented beverages, including beer and cider.

Champagne yeast is prized for its ability to ferment sugars quickly, efficiently, and cleanly. It can produce high alcohol levels while retaining delicate flavors, which is why it is so often used in the production of champagne.

The Process of Champagne Yeast Distilling

Now that we understand what champagne yeast is, let’s explore how it can be used for distilling.

Champagne yeast distilling involves taking a fermented beverage, such as wine or beer, and further distilling it to create a higher alcohol content. This process is similar to the production of whiskey or vodka, but with the use of champagne yeast, it can create a unique and flavorful beverage.

The process of champagne yeast distilling involves the following steps:

1. Fermentation: First, the fermented beverage is created using champagne yeast. This can be done using a variety of ingredients, including grapes for wine or grains for beer.

2. Distillation: Next, the fermented beverage is heated, causing the alcohol to evaporate. The vapor is then cooled, causing it to condense back into a liquid form. This process removes impurities and concentrates the alcohol content.

3. Aging: Finally, the distilled beverage is aged in oak barrels or stainless steel tanks to further develop its flavor and character.

Unique Qualities of Distilled Champagne Yeast Beverages

Champagne yeast offers unique qualities that can elevate distilled beverages. Due to its ability to ferment at high sugar levels, champagne yeast can create a distilled beverage with a higher alcohol content than other yeast strains. In addition, the yeast leaves behind fewer impurities during fermentation, resulting in a cleaner and smoother end product.

The use of champagne yeast in distilling can also add unique flavor profiles to the final product. For example, champagne yeast leaves behind hints of green apples, pear, and citrus, which can enhance the taste of a distilled beverage.

Recipes for Distilling with Champagne Yeast

Now that we know the benefits of champagne yeast in distilling, let’s explore some recipes you can try at home.

Sparkling Wine

To create a sparkling wine using champagne yeast, follow these steps:

1. Take 5 liters of grape must, making sure it is free from stems and seeds.

2. Add 2 grams of dried champagne yeast to the must.

3. Cover and let the mixture ferment for 10 days at room temperature.

4. After 10 days, filter the mixture and transfer it to a pressure-safe container.

5. Add a sugar solution to the container to create the carbonation.

6. Leave the mixture to carbonate for 2 weeks before serving.

Brandy

To create a brandy using champagne yeast, follow these steps:

1. Take 10 liters of wine and add 1 gram of champagne yeast.

2. Let the mixture ferment for 10 days at room temperature.

3. After 10 days, distill the fermented wine using a still.

4. If desired, age the resulting brandy in oak barrels to enhance its flavor.

Conclusion

Champagne yeast is not just for creating bubbly beverages – it can also elevate your distilling game. Its unique qualities allow for a higher alcohol content and a smoother, cleaner end product. Whether you’re making sparkling wine or brandy, champagne yeast can add a unique touch to your creations.

So why not try your hand at champagne yeast distilling? With these simple recipes, you can create a beverage that will impress even the most discerning of palates. Cheers!