Korn (liquor)
Grain alcohol, also called grain depending on the alcohol content, is an alcoholic beverage that is made from corn and is one of the clear fires among the spirits.
A grain must have a minimum alcohol content of 32 percent by volume. From an alcohol content of 37.5 percent by volume, the term grain spirits shall be used. Here, the term enforced Doppelkorn with 38 volume percent of the market.
For the manufacture of only the grains of rye, wheat, barley, oats, buckwheat, and are allowed. Most grain fires based on rye or wheat; Oats and buckwheat hardly play a role. Barley is used primarily to win the malt required for the combustion process.
Historical
Grain is likely to be produced since the 15th century in Germany. A first grain burning ban was imposed in 1545. A decree of the Municipal Council of the city of Nordhausen prohibited to use grain or malt for the production of brandy. Historians believe that the brewers wanted to put against the grain - fire competition, the more expensive the crop, to fight back.
The first purity law for burning grain fires there since 1789. Regulation of the city of Nordhausen stipulates that at least two-thirds rye or corn, and more than one-third barley or malt may be used. Since 1906 there was a purity law for the whole German Empire.
Production
The grain is ground into grist mills, and then a paste with hot water: The result is the so-called sour mash. This is added to enzyme- rich malt to achieve saccharification of grain starch. The resulting Süßmaische is fermented with yeast and cooled, ethanol is formed (drinking alcohol). Then the actual burn process. The escaping in the form of vapor is subjected to alcohol of a multiple distillation in order to remove undesirable odors and flavors. The resulting high-proof grain fine distillate ( raw alcohol with about 85 % by volume ) is diluted with water. To complement and harmonize their bouquets quality grain spirits are stored on oak or typed, then reduced to drinking strength and bottled.
The by-product produced during burning stillage is used as a high quality feed for cattle, pigs and sheep.
For a taste of the drink the water used for reduction is considered to be a decisive factor. Most well water is used. The so-called Eiskorn molten glacier ice or ice age water is used instead of deep underground spring water.
Grain production in Germany
The industrial grain production is focused on several regions in Germany: Bad Oldesloe in Schleswig- Holstein ( Oldesloer grain), Nordhausen in the northern Thuringia, Haselünne Emsland in Lower Saxony and Westphalia in Oelde. In Nordhausen, the daughter of Red Riding Hood Mumm champagne cellars Real Nordhäuser Spirits GmbH produces the grain fires the brand Real Nordhausen. In Haselünne distillers Berentzen, Heydt and Rosche are established and with the same products on the market. In Oelde is the headquarters of Black & sizing, burning since 1664 grain. Another well-known manufacturer is the Hard -Wilthen AG ( Hardberger ) from southern Lower Saxony.
Among the smaller distilleries include the existing since 1807 Kornbrennerei J. Hullmann in Oldenburg, whose products Heydt sells, and the Mackenstedter grain manufactory since 1750 in United - Mackenstedt near Bremen. The distillery Johann Heinrich Sallandt in Burg Steinfurt / Westphalia. was founded in 1739. The distillery Büchter in Castrop -Rauxel exists since the year 1880. The distillery Schmittmann in Dusseldorf has existed since 1818.
Market Overview
The proportion of grain and other clear fires on the German spirits market in 2005 was 23 percent. In Germany in 2004 were about 980 million liters of clear spirits - especially corn - discontinued.
Market leader in the grain is Oldesloer, followed Strothmann No. 2 ( Berentzen ) and True North Homes grain (as of 2004). When Doppelkorn Real Nordhäuser Doppelkorn 2007 was the market leader; followed Doornkaat ( Berentzen ) and Bismarck ( Henkell & Co.).
Terms of Use
According to the EC Regulation § 9a grain may be made only from whole grains of wheat, rye, barley, buckwheat or oats. It may not spice, flavorings or colorings are added. A blending is not permitted.
The spirit may be marketed only with the following minimum alcohol contents:
- Grit: 32 percent by volume
- Korn: 37.5 percent by volume ( also called double - or precious grain )
The former term " grain brandy " is no longer permitted to (see brandy) to avoid confusion with a spirit of wine. Grain or grain fire may call themselves only grain spirit, which are manufactured in Germany or in an area with German as an official language.
Like all spirits subject to grain in Germany the tax on spirits.