Using Glycerine to Make Better Spirits | Glycerine and Spirit Making (2024)

Using Glycerine to Make Better Spirits | Glycerine and Spirit Making (1)Using Glycerine to Make Better Spirits | Glycerine and Spirit Making (2)

Glycerine is used to smooth and mellow spirits and add some modest body , read more to understand why you should always use Glycerine when making your spirits at home .

Why Add Glycerine to Your Spirits?

Glycerine is often used in home brewing to ‘smooth’ spirits. Here we look at what glycerine is and why it’s a popular ingredient in home spirit distillation.

What is glycerine?

Glycerine is an organic clear, odourless liquid that has a slightly sweet taste. It’s naturally present in most animal and vegetable fats and is commonly used in the food and beverage industry.

Why is glycerine used in distilling spirits?

Smooths and mellows

Glycerine is used to smooth and mellow spirits and add some modest body. If you think your distillate is a little sharp or has a bit too much of that ‘alcohol burn,’ adding a few drops of glycerine can reduce the harshness, add mellowness and improve mouthfeel.

Reduces ageing time

Glycerine is also used by homebrewers to round out the flavour and reduce the ageing time of the spirit. Let’s face it, who’s got 5 to 10 years to age whiskey in oak barrels before we taste the fruits of our labour?

Pairs well with oak chips and essences

Oak chips are often used to add flavour to whiskey or bourbon and glycerine combines really with the oak chips and any essences used.

Adds a touch of sweetness

Glycerine can also add a hint of sweetness to the spirit but it’s important not to add too much. Typically, 5 mls per litre gives a good result. Remember, you can always add more. If you add too much glycerine, you’ll notice it in the finished product and if the spirit is high proof it can turn soapy.

We recommend you try adding glycerine to your next brew and see what you think. It certainly takes the ‘edge’ off and rounds out the flavour. Here’s a super bourbon recipe you can try:

Tennessee Bourbon Whiskey Recipe … makes a total of 6lt

INGREDIENTS:

1 x Classic Tennessee Bourbon

1 x Top Shelf Southern Whiskey

Still Spirits Glycerine

200g AHB Tennessee Bourbon Chip

METHOD To make 3 litres

  • Mix 1 sachet of Classic Tennessee Bourbon and half a bottle of Southern Whiskey with 3 litres of filtered alcohol at 40%.
  • Add 15ml of glycerine to smooth the bourbon and add a touch of sweetness.
  • Add 100g of AHB Tennessee Bourbon Chips and soak in glass for 2 to 8 weeks plus. The longer the soak, the deeper the colour and the more intense the oak flavours and aroma. Sample as it matures to discover the flavour intensity that suits.

Note: There are enough ingredients supplied in this recipe to make 2 X 3lt batches. Also, you can vary the quantity and volume to suit your taste. Once matured, bottle your bourbon & remove the chips.

Always oak in glass. The longer you leave it the better it becomes .

Using Glycerine to Make Better Spirits | Glycerine and Spirit Making (2024)

FAQs

Using Glycerine to Make Better Spirits | Glycerine and Spirit Making? ›

Oak chips are often used to add flavour to whiskey or bourbon and glycerine combines really with the oak chips and any essences used. Glycerine can also add a hint of sweetness to the spirit but it's important not to add too much. Typically, 5 mls per litre gives a good result. Remember, you can always add more.

What does glycerine do to spirits? ›

Glycerine has these main functions.

Contributes to the microstatic nature of our flavouring, ie is a base which is resistant to microbial growth. Actually helps to disperse the flavours in the final spirit as well. Adds mouthfeel and smoothness to the made-up drink which is particularly important in spirits.

How much glycine to add to moonshine? ›

Smoothing Agent that really takes much of the harshness off newly distilled spirits. Use 2-3 teaspoons per gallon to smooth and mellow whiskey or other distilled spirits. Use 2-4 ounces per gallon as a sweetener and thickening agent for liquors.

What does glycerin do to vodka? ›

Glycerine, or glycerol, has the food additive identifier E422. It is colourless, odourless and sweet tasting (60% as sweet as sucrose) and is used to sweeten vodka and, perhaps more importantly, to increase the vodka's viscosity without substantially altering its flavour.

Does glycerin mix well with alcohol? ›

Glycerine can be used with any type of alcohol.

This is because it is usually soluble in alcohol however it can cause haziness with certain flavourings as some flavours are not soluble in glycerine. The best is to trial with a small amount of alcohol and flavouring first.

Can you mix rubbing alcohol and glycerin? ›

You'll need a few ingredients: 4 cups of isopropyl alcohol, also called rubbing alcohol (99%) ¼ cup household hydrogen peroxide (3%) 4 teaspoons glycerin, sometimes called glycerol.

What happens if you use too much glycerine? ›

When ingested, vegetable glycerin may cause headaches, dizziness, nausea, vomiting and excessive thirst in some people (13). Since glycerin is a form of sugar alcohol that your body cannot fully absorb, consuming too much — either alone or through foods — may also lead to gas and diarrhea.

What can too much glycine do? ›

Too much glycine can disrupt brain function. In addition, the breakdown of glycine by the glycine cleavage system produces a molecule called a methyl group. This molecule is added to and used by a vitamin called folate. Folate is required for many functions in the cell and is important for brain development.

Is there a difference between glycine and L-glycine? ›

L-Glycine is a simple, non-essential amino acid that consists of a single carbon molecule attached to an amino and a carboxyl group. Glycine is an inhibitory neurotransmitter in the central nervous system.

Does Grey Goose vodka have glycerin in it? ›

The Smooth Talker: Grey Goose

Grey Goose also goes out of its way to mention that, while other large vodka companies might add glycerol or other sweeteners or additives that affect flavor and texture, it does not add anything beyond the wheat and water.

What does baking soda do to vodka? ›

Perhaps unsurprisingly, scientists have yet to specifically research baking soda's effects on booze, but Arnold imagines its basic pH could mask the bitterness of alcohol as well — as long as your co*cktail doesn't include lemon or lime juice.

How do you increase vodka strength? ›

One handy trick for increasing the alcohol percentage of vodka, particularly if it's lower in alcohol content than 40 proof, is to apply a technique known as freeze distillation. This can be achieved by pouring the vodka in an open container, such as a bowl, and placing it in the freezer.

How much glycerine to add to spirits? ›

Glycerine can also add a hint of sweetness to the spirit but it's important not to add too much. Typically, 5 mls per litre gives a good result. Remember, you can always add more. If you add too much glycerine, you'll notice it in the finished product and if the spirit is high proof it can turn soapy.

Why not to use glycerin? ›

Due to its ability to retain moisture, glycerin may be beneficial for skin health, digestive health, and improving athletic performance. However, it can cause some gastrointestinal distress and some people may be allergic to glycerin. It may be advisable to speak with a doctor before using products containing glycerin.

What is the difference between glycerol and glycerine? ›

Glycerol is a simple polyol compound that is colorless, odorless, and sweet-tasting. Glycerine is the commercial name for glycerol, which is not pure, containing mostly 95% of glycerol. It can't be used when pure glycerol formula is required.

What is glycerin used for in drugs? ›

In the pharmaceutical industry, glycerin is used as a sweetener in syrups, lozenges, and as an excipient in eyewash solutions. It my also be found in eardrop products, jellies and creams for topical use, in expectorants for congestion, suppositories, and gel capsules.

What is the purpose of adding glycerin? ›

Glycerin's uses are many, but its greatest value is its versatility as an ingredient in food products. It is safe to consume and is often added to thicken food and beverages. It is clear in appearance which doesn't change the final product color. It has a natural sweet taste which makes it an ideal sugar substitute.

Why is glycerin used in embalming? ›

The most commonly used substance for preservation of cadavers and tissues is formaldehyde, a preservative because it is inexpensive, easy penetration and fast action on the parts. Another substance used is glycerin with rapid action and dehydrating fixative, used also for the preservation of anatomical specimens.

What is the special effect of glycerin? ›

A clear, gel like formula that is used in special effects makeup to simulate ultra realistic, quick and easy tears and sweat as well as oozing or wet wounds.

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