Using a triple IPA, Arcane Distilling releases Alpha.

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There's a big misconception about whiskey: it's technically made from beer, but it's actually made from yeast, water, and grain. However, distilleries also produce whiskey from drinkable, finished beer, and Brooklyn's Arcane Distilling is one of the newest to do this while maintaining a sustainable approach. Before distillation, the mixture is known as "distiller's beer."

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The Arcane company started in Brooklyn's Industry City neighborhood in 2017, producing fernet and a little bit of whiskey. Phil Morgan, the former Kings County Distilling production manager, and Brian Thompson, the beer entrepreneur have reopened the bar in Bushwick, as many young city dwellers are accustomed to. Using malted barley, hops, and a strain of yeast called kviek, Arcane partnered with Kings Country Brewing Collective for its initial release, making a beer that was delicious on its own as well as an excellent base for whiskey. Instead of partnering with partner breweries, brewing and distilling will be brought in-house in the coming months.

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By using a mash filter press, Arcane extracts a lot of fermentable sugar, so 15 percent less grain and 30 percent less water are needed to make its beer. As opposed to traditional distillation, where the mash is boiled to evaporate and collect alcohol, Arcane uses vacuum distillation. As a result, the mash does not have to be heated to such high temperatures, which preserves flavor and saves energy. The maturation process here is also unique. Arcane ages its whiskey in large oak barrels, which are usually used for winemaking instead of small barrels like many craft distilleries or 53-gallon barrels of bourbon. Due to the large oak vessels, the distillery explained, the new make interacts less with the wood, resulting in fewer barrel flavors obstructing the hop flavor.

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It is available now. It is made from a triple IPA brewed with Mosaic and Cascade hops, which provide the whiskey with bright flavors. Aside from citrus, red berries and baking spice, Alpha is a refreshing gin, which can be enjoyed neat, in cocktails or even alongside IPAs to see how they complement one another. Arcane offers shipping to about 30 states with Alpha bottled at 93 proof.