So, you’re heading to Deadwood. Maybe you’re rolling through town, checking out the scene, or planning something special. And maybe you’ve lined up a whiskey or moonshine tasting at Full Throttle Distillery.
Here’s a simple list of terms that’ll help you enjoy the experience with more confidence.
Why These Terms Matter
When you understand what’s in your glass and how it got there, the whole experience becomes more meaningful. Whether you’re part of a tour, tasting with friends, or hosting an event, having a little background helps you enjoy it more and ask questions that lead to real conversations.
Distilling Terms You’ll Hear at Our Tasting Room
Mash
This is a mix of grains, water, and heat that starts the process. It’s the base of every spirit.
Fermentation
Once the mash is ready, yeast is added. That turns the sugar into alcohol. Simple science, and a huge part of the flavor.
Distillation
This is the step where alcohol is pulled from the mash using heat. At Full Throttle, we use copper stills and make everything in small batches.
Proof
This tells you how strong a spirit is. Take the alcohol percentage and double it—100 proof means 50% alcohol.
Barrel-Aged
Some spirits are aged in oak barrels to get depth, color, and smoothness. That’s what gives our cask strength whiskey its character.
Moonshine vs. Whiskey
Moonshine skips the barrel. It’s bold and clear. Whiskey gets aged, which gives it its darker color and more rounded flavor.
Questions Guests Often Ask
“Is moonshine still illegal?”
Many brands sell “moonshine” legally, and these are produced by licensed distilleries and taxed accordingly. It’s legal because it’s regulated.
“Is clear liquor unfinished?”
Nope. Clear simply means it hasn’t aged in a barrel. Still strong, still full of flavor.
“How is your whiskey different from big companies?”
Ours is made in smaller amounts, many right here in Deadwood. No shortcuts, just real craft.
Why This Helps Before You Visit
When you know what you’re sipping, you enjoy it more. You can spot differences between flavors, ask questions without feeling out of place, and feel more connected to what’s in the glass. If you’re part of a group tasting or booking for an event, this is a great way to help your guests feel more at ease, too.
Planning a Tasting or Group Visit?
Here’s what you can do at Full Throttle Distillery – Deadwood:
- Reserve a private tasting if you come with a large group
- Browse merchandise or grab a bottle for home
- Ask about our house favorites
We host everything from bachelor/bachelorette parties to company get-togethers and walk-in visitors.
Ready for Your Next Visit?
You don’t need to be an expert to enjoy great whiskey or moonshine. But knowing a few of these terms makes it easier to enjoy your visit and ask for what you want.
If you have questions or inquiries about FTD – Deadwood, please get in touch with our team here.
FAQ: Distilling Terms and Tasting Basics at Full Throttle Distillery
What does “small-batch” mean?
It means the spirits are made in limited quantities. This lets us focus on flavor and consistency in every run.
What’s the difference between “single barrel” and “blended” whiskey?
Single barrel comes from one specific barrel, so the taste may change slightly each time. Blended uses a mix of barrels to create a consistent flavor.
Why do you use copper stills?
Copper helps remove unwanted flavors during distillation. It also creates a smoother spirit by reacting with the alcohol as it’s heated.
What is a tasting flight?
It’s a tray of small samples, so you can try several different spirits at once. Great for exploring flavor options before picking a favorite.
How should I get ready for my first tasting?
Eat something light or plan to order something from our food menu when you arrive, drink water, and bring curiosity. You don’t need to know everything, just be open to trying something new.
