The Connection Between Distillation and the Arts

Distillation and the Arts

Distillation is an industrial chemical process used to make alcoholic spirits. This involves adding yeast to sugary liquid, where microorganisms eat all of the sugars to produce alcohol (ethanol). Once produced, this ethanol is extracted by boiling the mixture then cooling to condense back into liquid form; creating two fractions – base or bottoms) and heads/alcohol which contain the actual product made through distillation process; any remaining fractions could contain raw materials or the yeast that produced this process (otherwise known as raw materials/yeast).

Distillation apparatus can be constructed of either glass or metal and should ideally be circular to distribute heat evenly around its vessel. Joints should also be left open so air can escape easily to reduce internal pressure fluctuations – otherwise decompression could occur and an explosion might result.

Distillation has several symbolic associations beyond technical skill, as a technical skill itself. Distillation stands as a metaphor for purification and transition from life’s raw materials into artworks of beauty and meaning. Additionally, distillation provides an avenue of finding meaning within our chaotic modern lives through meditation and contemplation.

This exhibition marks a partnership between The Stable and Tibor de Nagy Galleries and will explore their connections through discussions with artists, writers and academics.

Alcohol Distillation and Its Impact on Health

Alcohol distillation is an integral component of turning fermented liquids like beer, wine and other fermented drinks into whiskey, rum, brandies or other spirits. Distillation takes the sugars in raw materials and converts them to ethanol; while necessary for production purposes, distillation may leave behind undesirable and potentially harmful dissolved materials which may negatively impact health.

Distillation is an energy-intensive chemical process that uses heat energy to heat a mixture and boil off excess water, in order to separate alcohol and unwanted elements (called congeners ). Ethanol (drinking alcohol) has a very high boiling point and so quickly separates from its congeners; other alcohols like Acetaldehyde tend to stick together in the still and produce hangovers, with its unpleasant aroma being an even bigger factor than its lower boiling point; other harmful compounds such as Ethyl Carbamate and hydrocyanic acid should also be eliminated as they contain potentially dangerous components that need removing in order for full extraction to occur.

Manufacturers must exercise great care when increasing the temperature in a still. Increases must be gradual so as not to eliminate desirable ingredients while at the same time getting rid of unwanted elements that could otherwise be present; hence why commercial units often utilize preheating systems.

Home distillers may not always be careful when it comes to copper concentration levels in their product, which was evidenced in our samples. Some sources pointed to poor or careless distilling while other factors could include raw material used for making the mash or the age of their still. Furthermore, some home distilled spirit contained lead which should be avoided.