Definition

Noun: 1. A type of mash used in whiskey production: A fermented grain mixture (mash) that has been deliberately acidified to create an optimal environment for yeast. This process helps control bacterial growth and produces a consistent flavor profile. 2. A whiskey made using this process: A whiskey, particularly American whiskey like Bourbon, that is distilled from a sour mash.

Usage Examples

• Referring to the ingredient/process:
  • The distiller prepared the sour mash for this week's fermentation.
  • The distinctive taste comes from the use of sour mash.
• Referring to the whiskey:
  • This sour mash is known for its smooth, balanced flavor.
  • He prefers a Tennessee sour mash over other styles.

Advanced Usage

• "Sour mash process": The specific method of using a portion of a previous fermentation (called 'setback' or 'backset') to acidify a new batch of mash. This is a traditional technique for maintaining consistency.
  • The distillery is famous for its time-honored sour mash process.

Variants and Related Words

• Sweet mash: A mash that is not acidified with a portion of a previous batch. It is a less common method for whiskey production.
• Mash bill: The recipe of grains used in the mash.
• Backset / Setback: The term for the portion of previously fermented mash that is added to a new batch to create the sour mash.

Synonyms

• (For the whiskey): Sour mash whiskey.

Notes on Meaning

The term "sour mash" can refer to both the key ingredient (the acidified fermenting mixture) and the final product (the whiskey itself). The context usually makes the specific meaning clear. It is not simply "old mash," but a carefully controlled mixture where acidity is managed for quality and consistency.

Noun

1. any whiskey distilled from sour mash
2. a mash with optimum acidity for yeast fermentation; a mixture of old and new mash; used in distilling some whiskeys