To chill filter or not to chill filter? That is the question. Before we reach the answer, it’s worth exploring what chill filtering is, and why whiskey might need it. We also answer some other frequently asked questions: why is my bourbon cloudy; and does it affect the quality or taste? Plus some less frequently asked questions, such as, what is flocking?
THE FLOCKING PROBLEM
To understand why chill filtered and non chill filtered bourbons are different, we must first understand flocculation or flocking. Flocking refers to the formation of cloudy or flaky particles in bourbon. It happens when whiskey is exposed to water or cold temperatures. The particles are totally natural, made up of esters, proteins, and fatty acids, and they cause the bourbon to appear cloudy. They tend to appear when the alcohol level drops below a certain level – for example, if you add water or ice melts into the whiskey.
The good news is that flocking is purely cosmetic and doesn’t affect the flavor of the bourbon. For many consumers, however, the visual effect can be off-putting. This is where chill filtration comes in… and chill filtration is the reason flocking doesn’t happen in most Wild Turkey whiskeys, even when you add ice or water.
WHAT IS CHILL FILTRATION
Chill filtration is used to combat flocking by removing esters, proteins, and fatty acids. To eradicate the problem before bottling, a distiller will replicate the conditions in which the cloudiness would appear in the bottle. All spirits go through a physical filtration process to ensure nothing solid reaches the bottle. In chill filtering, the bourbon is also cooled (to between 14°F to 39°F), causing the compounds to coagulate. The now visible compounds are then removed through a series of filters. It sounds like a modern technique, but chill filtration has been around in some form or another since the Middle Ages. Today’s methods are vastly improved, but the goal has always been the same. A chill filtered spirit will not get cloudy when chilled or diluted.
WHY SOME BOURBONS ARE CHILL FILTERED
The proof, or percentage of alcohol by volume (ABV), of a bourbon plays a key factor in whether it will be chill filtered. Anything higher than 46% ABV is less likely to flock because the higher alcohol keeps the compounds soluble. Anything below 46% is more likely to flock because there is more water in the spirit. Any bourbon that falls between 40-46% ABV would be considered a regular-ABV whiskey and is usually chill filtered. The majority of Wild Turkey whiskeys -, including our Wild Turkey 101 Bourbon and Rye, are chill filtered, so you can enjoy that clear and bright amber liquid over ice, with water or however you prefer, with no cloudiness.
WHY SOME BOURBONS ARE NON CHILL FILTERED
Wild Turkey does have some non chill filtered whiskeys in its repertoire – which appeals to many whiskey connoisseurs. Without chill filtering, the bourbon retains all of its natural fatty acids, proteins, and esters. Some believe that these lend bourbon more flavor and results in a bourbon that’s truer in character than its chill filtered counterpart. (There are other experts who believe that the difference is negligible, it should be said.). Some distilleries will avoid chill filtering any bourbon bottled above the 46% ABV mark … there will be no flocking in the bottle, but as soon as you dilute it significantly in the glass, it can appear.
THE DIFFERENCE IN TASTE AND AROMA
As mentioned earlier, chill filtration strips fatty acids, proteins, and esters. This can affect the flavor and aroma but will not remove either one entirely. One noticeable difference is that non chill filtered bourbon tends to have a more full-bodied mouthfeel. The fatty acids enhance the inherent richness making the overall experience more indulgent and satisfying. In contrast, chill filtered bourbon will be lighter, cleaner, and more consistent, albeit with less viscosity. Discover the subtleties of whiskey tasting here.
WHICH SHOULD YOU CHOOSE?
The best part about both expressions is that you don’t have to choose—there are incredible bourbons on both sides of the fence. Understanding the nuances of both methods will only deepen your appreciation and make the experience of enjoying them even better.