Question

The purpose of deciding upon "cut" points in whiskey production is?

1) to fine-tune the sugar concentration in the mash in order to optimize flavor extraction during fermentation
2) to divert out of the final spirit unwanted higher and lower alcohols and flavor elements
3) to arrest the process of fermentation and hence adjust the level of alcohol of the resulting wash or distiller's beer before it is distilled
4) none of the above

Answer 1

The purpose of setting "cut" points in whiskey production is to remove undesirable alcohols and flavor elements, ensuring a high-quality product.

Step-by-step explanation:

The purpose of deciding upon "cut" points in whiskey production is to divert out of the final spirit unwanted higher and lower alcohols and flavor elements. This selection is critical to ensure the quality and flavor profile of the whiskey. During the distillation process, substances with different boiling points, such as ethanol and water, are separated. The "cut" points refer to the moments during distillation when the distiller separates the 'heads' and 'tails' (the unwanted alcohols and flavor elements) from the 'heart' which is the desired part of the distillate that will be aged into whiskey. This process is similar to the distillation used in other industries, such as petroleum refining, where components like gasoline and lubricating oil are separated based on their boiling points.