I-search Answer

I'm amazed at how much I was able to find. The more answers I found the more guided my questions became. The journey actually changed what I thought I was looking for and helped me sort of zero in on what I really hoped to accomplish with this. More important to me than the answer here was having the right questions, once I discovered those this became a really enjoyable research project. I am now very close to where I think I need to be to make a product suitable for the masses and I know what steps I need to take to get this project off the ground.

What are the best sources of information regarding production techniques? There is a lot of information on this subject available on the Internet. I would also recommend talking to a plant manager at a distillery.

What are the benefits of the different production techniques? The more you filter the alcohol, the less taste it has. Charcoal filtration seems to be the most widely applauded and filtering more than once has the best results.

What types of equipment used? There are tons of different types of stills. They come in all sizes and can produce very small or very large quantities.

What are the advantages of each type of equipment? It really depends on the size of your operation. There are some with larger columns like condensers that collect the vapor and allow it to cool faster, these are good for producing large quantities.

What practices are used for clarifying concentrated flavorings? This I couldn’t find anything on but I did find that most concentrates are available for purchase and are already clear. They fall into two categories, oil and water based. For alcohol flavoring you need water based.

What are the advantages of infusing vs. Flavoring? Infusing provides a more subtle flavor, it’s trendy, and it typically affects the color of the alcohol if that is an effect you desire. Flavoring is more consistent, it can remain clear, and it is the most commonly used means of flavoring alcohol.

Can infusions be done with Meat? The closest I found to a fusion with meat was a bar that took bacon grease and poured it into a half full bourbon bottle. They let it sit for weeks and then strained the bourbon. The result was a smoky bacon flavoring mixed into the bourbon, genius!

Are concentrates usually purchased or made? This is definitely purchased, I found almost nothing that suggest liquor manufacturers make their own flavor concentrates.

If they are purchased, where? The international food technology websites buyers guide offers dozens of different flavor concentrate manufacturers. I found the samples I received from savor flavor to be exactly what I was looking for.

If they are made, how? Again, little information here. Admittedly I stopped searching in this regard once I found the plethora of concentrate manufacturers.

How long does it take to make a bottle of flavored alcohol from beginning to end? Depending on the plant size, machinery, and process like fermentation time, distillation, and the like, about a month.

How do they develop the right flavor, smell, look? The good old fashioned way, testing. They typically use a sensory panel to evaluate the products look, smell, and taste. New products go through several trials before becoming a final product.

What are the advantages of the different types of ingredients used to make vodka (grapes, potatoes, etc...)? All the information I researched for making vodka was using sugar, water, and yeast. Once I realized I could also get a manufacturing plant to sell me alcohol for what is very possibly cheaper than the start up costs and short term return on investment given a small distillery license, I decided to stop pursuing this as well.

What kind of permits or licenses are required in Maine to make alcohol? All kinds! I've got a working list and I am waiting on a little more confirmation. Basically you need a license to make the product, a license to sell it, a license to be a small business, and a I'm still waiting to find out how they prefer to tax me for this.

What kind of licenses are required to sell and/or export massive quantities of alcohol? This turns out to be a whole different ball of wax, it seems like it's easier actually to get make it and then use a distributor that is licensed to sell it to the masses. Turns out that this is the most common and sort of customary practice.