What process follows the mashing of grains in whiskey production?

After the mashing of grains in whiskey production, the next step is fermentation. During mashing, the starches in the grains are converted into fermentable sugars through the action of enzymes. Once mashing is complete, the resulting liquid, known as wort, contains these sugars which are essential for the fermentation process.

In fermentation, yeast is added to the wort, which consumes the sugars and converts them into alcohol and carbon dioxide. This process is crucial because it produces the alcohol base for whiskey. The yeast not only helps in alcohol production but also contributes to the development of various flavors and aromas in the spirit.

The other processes mentioned, such as kilning, distillation, and settling, occur at different stages in the whiskey production process and do not directly follow mashing. Kilning, for instance, typically takes place before mashing during the malting of grains, whereas distillation occurs after fermentation. Settling may happen at various points in production, but it does not follow the direct process after mashing. Thus, fermentation is the key step that immediately follows mashing in the whiskey-making process.