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A [[wash]] is a liquid solution in which [[fermentation]] will take place. A wash is usually made in a vessel called a [[lauter tun]]. The basic requirements for a wash are that it contains sugars which [[yeast]] will be able to ferment, and nutrients to keep the [[yeast]] alive while [[fermentation]] is occuring. There is a wide variety of sugar sources that can be used. Each sugar source will impart a different flavour to the final distillate. Such as: [[Molasses]] will make [[rum]]. Grain will make [[whisky]]. Blue Agave will make [[tequila]]. Apples will make [[applejack]]. Grapes will make [[brandy]]. Any wash ([[sugar]], [[molasses]], [[grain]], etc) which will ferment can be used to make [[vodka]]. == Cost of wash == Of course your location will influence the cost of the starting ingredients in your wash, but there are some general trend. Usually washes that contain just refined [[sugar]] and a nutrient for the [[yeast]] are the cheapest to make. Next, washes made from [[grain|grains]] are often slightly more expensive than sugar washes, however, grain washes often require a large amount of work (especially if you are [[malting]] your own [[barley]] or corn). Finally fruit washes are usually the most expensive wash to make. The noted exception if it is harvest time in a location with an abundent supply of the [[fruit]] (in which case the only cost may be that of yeast). == Sugar content in washes == Washes made from refined sugar can be made to have as high of a sugar content as the [[yeast]] will tolerate. [[Molasses]] washes often are limited to around 16% sugar (8% [[ABV]] final alcohol) due to other components other then the sugar in the [[molasses]] causing [[yeast distress]]. Grain washes can often be made up to around 30% sugar (15% [[ABV]] final alcohol). Fruit washes are often comparable to grain washes. For both grain and fruit washes, the maximum sugar content is also dependent on the grain or fruit that is used. Some grains contain much more [[sugar]] than other grains. [[Category:Glossary]] [[Category:How-To]]

Return to Wash preparation.