In modern distilleries, the presence of stainless steel is de rigueur. Everything from fermentors to pumps to tools as simple as shovels are often made from stainless steel. The reason for this is simple: The material is both tough and relatively cheap, making it the obvious choice to endure the harsh environments found in distilleries.
Considering stainless steel’s ubiquitousness, it’s wise for a distiller to know all about the metal, its different types, and the strengths and weaknesses of those types. Unfortunately, that’s not always the case. Many distillers don’t know much about this material they use every day, and as a result, they sometimes misuse their tools.
Best combined with knowledge on how best to maintain your stainless, here are some fundamentals to help you ensure consistent product and a long life for your equipment.