The Practical Distiller by Samuel McHarry

The Practical Distiller was first published in 1809 when spirit distillation was legal in the United States. It describes the methods for making whiskey and other forms of liquor from the 1600's onward. This book has some unique stories about some of the old distilleries, and explains many things that were no doubt helpful to the brewers of that day. Section one discussed yeast, how to know when it is good or bad, how to renew it when it is sour, and the best yeast for daily use. A second section deals with hogsheads and how to sweeten them by scalding or burning. The third section covers how to mash and distill rye or corn, how to know when grain is scalded enough, and how to prevent hogsheads from working over. Section four covers choosing the best rye and malt, how to grind Indian corn, hops, and building a malt kiln. Section five talks about singling, stalement, and distilling of different crops including buckwheat, potatoes, pumpions, peaches, turnips, and apples. Section six addresses the best methods of setting stills and preventing cracking, doubling stills, and heating more than one still with one fire or furnace. Section seven covers how to clarify whiskey and making Rye Whiskey, Apple Brandy, a Jamaica Spirit, Holland Gin, and country gin. It also discusses fining and coloring liquors, as well as a way to correct the taste of singed whiskey and gave an aged flavor to whiskey. The succeeding sections discuss weather, ways to prevent a fire in the distillery, duties of hired distillers, and profitability for the owner. The book ends with a number of general recipes on how to make honey wine, elderberry wine and excellent American wine.