What does the kilning process do in whiskey production?

The kilning process in whiskey production primarily serves to dry the malted barley after it has been germinated. During malting, barley grains are soaked in water to begin the germination process, which activates enzymes that convert starches into fermentable sugars. Once this stage is complete, kilning halts germination and dries the barley, preventing it from sprouting further.

This drying is essential for achieving the desired flavor profiles in the whiskey, as it also imparts important characteristics influenced by the temperature and duration of kilning. Moreover, kilning can also add a toasty or smoky flavor to the barley, especially if peat is used in the process. This step is crucial because it not only preserves the malt but also sets the foundation for the whiskey's subsequent flavors.