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[imitates angelic choir]
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[narrator] this time on
master distiller...
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Italian moonshine.
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[narrator] grappa,
history's original moonshine,
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created with the scraps
from winemaking.
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Kelley, did you stomp
those grapes with your feet?
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Under the light of
the full moon.
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We have made grappa before.
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We realized how hard it is.
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[digger] tim, stay on
the slicker already, but...
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[mark] this grappa, procuring
the pomace and hauling it,
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and mashing it, it's been
a terrible amount of work.
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[narrator]
now three distillers are
challenged with making grappa
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that pays homage to
its italian origins.
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It'll light ya up pretty good.
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[tim] I've had some that takes
the oxygen out of your body.
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[chuckling]
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[narrator] across the country,
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a handful of
amateur distillers
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are heirs to
a centuries-old tradition.
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Some operate on
the legal side,
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others practice their craft
beyond the reach of the law.
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Now they'll face off
to earn their place
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in america's
liquor-making legacy.
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150 lb of grapes,
picked fresh yesterday.
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[narrator] judged by three
legendary moonshiners...
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Damn, you are putting
some liquor out there.
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...They go head-to-head in
a series of challenges...
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[kelley] come on, baby,
be grappa.
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I bless you, my child.
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...To determine who has
what it takes...
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I have never used
a thumper before.
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Today's not the time to test.
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...To be named
master distiller.
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It's just like real grappa
should smell like.
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I'm goin' rogue.
I'm goin' awol.
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[digger]
guys, I wanna welcome y'all
to master distiller.
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We're fixing to put y'all's
skills to the test.
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Whichever one of y'all
we deem being
the next master distiller,
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you'll get your
bragging rights, of course.
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But the big prize is
you'll get
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a limited run of your liquor
in a major distillery.
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That's a big deal right there.
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Grappa, what we want you
to build us this time,
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we're kinda partial to it,
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and we look forward
to tasting what you got.
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Italian moonshine.
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I've had some good,
and I've had some bad.
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And if you get some
bad grappa,
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takes the oxygen out of
your body.
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But I hope you
bring us something
at least we can drink.
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Tickle!
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Tell us all about it.
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Grappa,
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the moonshine of Italy.
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Alcohol was being distilled
in Italy as early as
the 8th century.
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But the first written evidence
we have of grappa
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is from the mid-1300s
near the italian alps.
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Grappa started out as
a poor man's drink,
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made in the backwoods
with the scraps left over
from winemaking
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called pomace, or vinaccia.
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You need good-quality grapes
and fresh soft pomace
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to make good grappa.
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Its proof ranges from
70 to 120.
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But every good grappa
should hit the nose hard,
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but be smooth to drink.
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That's not too shabby.
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All right, guys. One hour.
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Build us some grappa mash.
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Your time starts now.
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Good luck.
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-[mark] get busy, guys.
-Get with it.
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Kelley, did you stomp
those grapes with your feet?
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Sure did. Under the light
of the full moon.
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My name's kelley tennille.
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I live in clark county,
kentucky.
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These are my laying hens.
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This one's name is
tori amos.
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Everyone's on
their best behavior.
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Whoop!
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I'm a first-generation
distiller.
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This is my new baby.
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I contract to make liquor
at all sorts of distilleries
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all over kentucky.
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So, although I've been
bootlegging and I've got
a moonshining past,
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I'm gonna be
goin' legal again.
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Distillation is alchemy.
It's witchcraft.
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It's magic.
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This is one of the things
I'm most known for,
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boiled corn cobs.
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My distillates have
a certain magic about them.
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This is nocino,
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and this is made from
immature black walnuts.
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It's a little witchy.
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But when it comes
to distilling,
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I try to respect the grains
and the plant matter.
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And then I get to ingest it.
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It's so good.
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My ultimate special sauce is
the spiritual respect that
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I have for the
path of distillation.
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And I think that's gonna
get me somewhere.
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Now, kelley, do you got more
than one kind of grape
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or are they all the same?
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Uh, these are cabernet that
were fermented on the skin.
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So I've already got
alcohol in my stuff,
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which cuts out part of
the process for me.
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My recipe's a winner 'cause
it combines black grape juice
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and norton cabernet
red wine grapes.
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I mean, grappa's got
a pretty solid bite to it.
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But I don't want it to be
overwhelming.
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I don't want nobody
spittin' out my liquor.
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You might know a little,
tiny bit about makin' wine.
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Kelley brought hers with her
already stomped.
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Boys, y'all gonna get in there
and stomp your grapes?
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-You wanna help me?
-No.
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You don't want
my feet in there.
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You don't want mine
in there either.
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My name's brian battle.
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I'm a general contractor
from fort lauderdale, florida.
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What started my
interest in distilling
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is my grandpa.
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Papa used to take me
down to the creek with him,
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cook moonshine.
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I thought it was
the coolest thing ever.
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Now, this is papa's grappa.
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It's a legacy grappa.
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He just wanted to pass
his legacy
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to someone who wanted
to take interest in it.
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And our secret ingredient is
a little bit of honey.
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My grandfather got caught
in the middle of a run,
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sent to prison for
eight years.
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My nanna had to work two jobs.
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The older siblings took care
of the younger siblings.
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So, to be able to see
my papa's recipe legally sold
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would mean a lot
to my family
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and he deserves to be
the face of a jar.
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What I'm making today is
a legacy recipe
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that was taught to me
by my grandpa.
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Where did you get
your grapes at?
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My grapes come from
south florida.
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-South florida.
-Yes, sir.
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-Is that seedless?
-Seedless.
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[tim] there you go.
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My mash build is
48 lb of grapes,
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24 lb of sugar
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and 18 gallons of water.
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This recipe was a winner
because my papa created it.
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[mark] how you coming
down there, michael?
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I'm racin'. I got to get
all these in the pot.
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My name is michael sharry,
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00:05:51,161 --> 00:05:53,194
and I live in
great barrington,
massachusetts.
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I am a distiller at
berkshire mountain distillers.
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This is the tasting room.
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This is a pot still built
during the prohibition.
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But this is the pot part.
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There is a condenser piece
that attaches to it.
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People would just like bring
their fermented apple mash
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and all stick it in
this thing.
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What I like about distilling
is that you take something,
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like a grape or an apple,
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and then when you distill it,
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it brings back all those fresh
fruit aromas and flavors.
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The first spirit I ever made
was some grappa.
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In college, I got to go
apprentice under
a winemaker in Italy,
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and when we finished
making all the wine,
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I asked, "what are we
gonna do with
all these grape skins?"
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and he said,
"we're gonna make grappa."
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I was smitten.
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Making italian moonshine
just makes me smile.
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I guarantee you those are
sweety mcsweet, right there.
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Oh, yeah, they are.
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I am making grappa as
traditional I can
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to the stuff
I learned in Italy.
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I didn't wanna add
too much stuff.
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I didn't wanna add
too much water,
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I didn't wanna add
too much sugar.
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Just like really let
those grapes shine.
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[mark] michael got
his grapes locally.
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Y'all got your grapes
from our neighbors.
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Picked fresh yesterday.
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150 lb of grapes
in two hours.
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The chambourcin grape
is a red grape.
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Wanted a red grape with
a lot of tannin
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so that you can actually
taste all that beautiful
aroma and flavor.
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You'll get some nice
mouth feel too.
186
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I just don't wanna get
any of these stems in here,
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'cause that's what makes
bitter grappa.
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00:07:08,271 --> 00:07:10,672
15 minutes left in
y'all's run.
189
00:07:13,109 --> 00:07:15,310
[digger] 120 proof's
benchmark for grappa.
190
00:07:15,312 --> 00:07:16,978
It'll light you up
pretty good.
191
00:07:16,980 --> 00:07:19,314
But it's supposed to be
a dessert drink,
192
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make your whole evening
complete.
193
00:07:21,318 --> 00:07:22,917
[tim] but 120 grappa
194
00:07:22,919 --> 00:07:24,452
takes the oxygen out of
your body.
195
00:07:24,454 --> 00:07:26,020
[chuckles] okay.
196
00:07:26,022 --> 00:07:28,556
Set the head on fire,
for sure.
197
00:07:28,558 --> 00:07:31,860
[digger] that thermos will
take off on its own
right quick like.
198
00:07:31,862 --> 00:07:33,061
[kelley] it already has.
199
00:07:33,063 --> 00:07:34,929
Just from me being
in the car yesterday,
200
00:07:34,931 --> 00:07:36,364
like, it's already took off.
201
00:07:36,366 --> 00:07:37,899
-So...
-I you would've
gotten pulled over,
202
00:07:37,901 --> 00:07:39,133
you would've been
in trouble.
203
00:07:39,135 --> 00:07:41,936
I was a rolling felony
yesterday, I'll tell you what.
204
00:07:41,938 --> 00:07:43,505
You've got one minute left.
205
00:07:43,507 --> 00:07:45,740
Better be gettin'
all of your things together.
206
00:07:50,313 --> 00:07:51,513
Come on, baby,
be grappa.
207
00:07:51,515 --> 00:07:53,047
I bless you, my child.
208
00:07:53,049 --> 00:07:54,582
[michael] hope it's
a full moon tonight, huh?
209
00:07:54,584 --> 00:07:56,217
It is a full moon tonight.
210
00:07:59,389 --> 00:08:05,360
[digger] five, four, three,
two, one.
211
00:08:05,362 --> 00:08:07,929
Step away, guys.
That's all you get.
212
00:08:07,931 --> 00:08:09,797
Hope you all are
where you need to be.
213
00:08:10,400 --> 00:08:12,934
We'll see you in five days.
214
00:08:12,936 --> 00:08:14,335
-Good luck, guys.
-Good luck.
215
00:08:19,776 --> 00:08:21,209
[narrator]
once the yeast is added,
216
00:08:21,211 --> 00:08:24,212
the grappa mash ferments
for five days.
217
00:08:24,214 --> 00:08:27,348
Then distillers strain
the solids,
218
00:08:27,350 --> 00:08:30,852
distilling the liquid
and stripping off the alcohol.
219
00:08:30,854 --> 00:08:33,321
The resulting base spirit
will be measured
220
00:08:33,323 --> 00:08:35,657
then re-distilled in
the second run,
221
00:08:35,659 --> 00:08:38,493
where distillers
refine their flavors
222
00:08:38,495 --> 00:08:41,863
and achieve
a 70-120 proof grappa
223
00:08:41,865 --> 00:08:43,798
for the judges to taste.
224
00:08:44,834 --> 00:08:47,936
All right, guys,
this is your stripping run.
225
00:08:47,938 --> 00:08:51,306
The mash is in here.
Time to separate
the wine from the pomace,
226
00:08:51,308 --> 00:08:52,507
get it in your still.
227
00:08:52,509 --> 00:08:54,475
You're gonna get your
alcohol out,
228
00:08:54,477 --> 00:08:57,879
then we're gonna judge you
on what you bring to the table
in a bucket.
229
00:08:57,881 --> 00:09:01,449
We're gonna be judging you
on proof gallons.
230
00:09:01,451 --> 00:09:04,786
Run all the volume you can
at a higher proof.
231
00:09:04,788 --> 00:09:06,087
Don't worry about heads.
232
00:09:06,089 --> 00:09:07,488
You're collecting it all.
233
00:09:07,490 --> 00:09:09,557
That will be your base spirit.
234
00:09:09,559 --> 00:09:11,759
So you all got
the same basic setup.
235
00:09:11,761 --> 00:09:13,227
Still and a condenser.
236
00:09:13,229 --> 00:09:14,929
And the winner of
this competition
237
00:09:14,931 --> 00:09:18,066
gets first pick of
the sill parts
for the next competition.
238
00:09:18,068 --> 00:09:19,534
Four hours, guys.
239
00:09:19,536 --> 00:09:21,369
Get us a bucketful of liquor.
240
00:09:21,371 --> 00:09:23,371
Your time starts now.
241
00:09:31,448 --> 00:09:33,514
Well, we can't have
that stuff.
242
00:09:34,284 --> 00:09:36,951
-Pretty color, ain't it.
-Beautiful color.
243
00:09:36,953 --> 00:09:39,487
I don't wanna burn anything.
Don't want any solids
in there.
244
00:09:39,489 --> 00:09:41,022
Gotta get that
proof gallons up.
245
00:09:41,024 --> 00:09:42,857
[mark] gotta get
the proof out of it.
246
00:09:42,859 --> 00:09:44,492
[digger] what's gonna
tell the tale, I'm afraid,
247
00:09:44,494 --> 00:09:46,761
is whoever has the most
volume of mash.
248
00:09:46,763 --> 00:09:48,096
[tim] but you know,
at the end of the day,
249
00:09:48,098 --> 00:09:49,631
maybe they can make jelly.
250
00:09:51,768 --> 00:09:54,068
[kelley]
honey, this is so thick.
251
00:09:55,905 --> 00:09:56,971
Kelley's really struggling.
252
00:09:56,973 --> 00:09:59,007
She's got a lot of
fruit in there.
253
00:09:59,009 --> 00:10:00,341
[tim] she's not straining it
the right way.
254
00:10:00,343 --> 00:10:01,776
It's taking
too long to strain.
255
00:10:01,778 --> 00:10:04,579
[kelley] the cape on mine
is like 6 inches.
256
00:10:04,581 --> 00:10:06,347
Oh, [bleep].
257
00:10:07,183 --> 00:10:08,683
God almighty.
258
00:10:08,685 --> 00:10:11,152
You had a lot of
fruit in there.
259
00:10:11,154 --> 00:10:12,453
I know it.
260
00:10:12,455 --> 00:10:15,456
-[mark] there's just
so much solid.
-Yeah.
261
00:10:15,458 --> 00:10:17,959
Yeah, you're doin'
the hardest part right now.
262
00:10:17,961 --> 00:10:18,926
Uh, I'm in hell.
263
00:10:18,928 --> 00:10:20,962
My stripping run
is all screwed up.
264
00:10:20,964 --> 00:10:23,331
I knew that I wasn't gonna
get the proof gallons
that I needed.
265
00:10:23,333 --> 00:10:25,366
I can't get enough
liquid in my still.
266
00:10:25,368 --> 00:10:26,701
Come on, baby.
267
00:10:26,703 --> 00:10:28,469
Yeah, it's not an
option at this point.
268
00:10:28,471 --> 00:10:30,738
You work with what you got.
269
00:10:30,740 --> 00:10:32,440
[exclaims] [bleep]
270
00:10:35,278 --> 00:10:37,311
[kelley] my stripping run
is all screwed up.
271
00:10:37,313 --> 00:10:38,646
Come on, baby.
272
00:10:38,648 --> 00:10:41,282
I knew that I wasn't gonna
get the proof gallons
that I needed.
273
00:10:41,284 --> 00:10:43,985
So right now, I'm just
gonna try to get enough
liquid in this still
274
00:10:43,987 --> 00:10:45,086
to run it
275
00:10:45,088 --> 00:10:47,422
and try to make as much
proof gallons as I can.
276
00:10:49,659 --> 00:10:51,292
[tim] michael, he's got it
figured out.
277
00:10:52,462 --> 00:10:54,228
So excited about my mash.
278
00:10:54,230 --> 00:10:57,231
The only thing that I was
worried about was
making sure I had enough time
279
00:10:57,233 --> 00:11:00,101
to get all of that liquid
into the still
280
00:11:00,103 --> 00:11:02,170
with enough time to
strip it all out.
281
00:11:02,172 --> 00:11:03,204
[mark] michael, where you at?
282
00:11:03,206 --> 00:11:05,540
How many gallons you think
you've got in your pot?
283
00:11:05,542 --> 00:11:07,208
[michael] we're about
halfway full.
284
00:11:08,278 --> 00:11:09,544
[brian] easy-peasy, brother.
285
00:11:10,647 --> 00:11:12,213
I thought my mash
was beautiful.
286
00:11:12,215 --> 00:11:13,281
Tastes pretty good.
287
00:11:13,283 --> 00:11:14,549
Came out perfect.
288
00:11:14,551 --> 00:11:16,350
I got my good luck charm.
289
00:11:16,352 --> 00:11:17,652
[laughs] is that
a coon pecker?
290
00:11:17,654 --> 00:11:19,454
-Yep.
-I've never used
one of those.
291
00:11:20,056 --> 00:11:21,489
We call that a coon [bleep].
292
00:11:21,491 --> 00:11:24,792
Yeah, I try to be more--
not so derogatory.
293
00:11:25,795 --> 00:11:28,463
Guys, two hours left
in your run.
294
00:11:28,465 --> 00:11:29,564
[brian]
a little nerve-racking.
295
00:11:29,566 --> 00:11:30,965
It's go time.
296
00:11:30,967 --> 00:11:33,134
[michael] cowabunga.
I'm drippin'.
297
00:11:33,136 --> 00:11:35,670
-Yeah?
-Just got it goin'
on a trickle.
298
00:11:36,806 --> 00:11:38,005
[kelley] how are you doing,
big dog?
299
00:11:38,007 --> 00:11:39,040
[brian] beatin' the sucker.
300
00:11:39,042 --> 00:11:41,943
Making my grandpa's recipe
means a lot.
301
00:11:41,945 --> 00:11:44,746
I hope that's he's looking
down super proud today.
302
00:11:44,748 --> 00:11:45,947
[kelley]
it smells good in here.
303
00:11:45,949 --> 00:11:47,315
Yeah, it does smell good.
304
00:11:48,551 --> 00:11:50,918
Michael, how's this run going?
305
00:11:50,920 --> 00:11:52,286
Pretty high-proof.
So I'm pleased.
306
00:11:52,288 --> 00:11:54,055
What do you think you're gonna
get out of this run?
307
00:11:54,057 --> 00:11:56,657
Probably 5 gallons.
308
00:11:56,659 --> 00:11:58,159
Maybe it's not 5 gallons.
309
00:11:58,161 --> 00:11:59,427
It's not even half, buddy.
310
00:11:59,429 --> 00:12:00,428
I hope I get more than that.
311
00:12:00,430 --> 00:12:02,230
-Good luck.
-Thank you.
312
00:12:02,232 --> 00:12:04,165
Kelley, are you
where you need to be?
313
00:12:04,167 --> 00:12:05,366
Taste wise, yes.
314
00:12:05,368 --> 00:12:06,801
Proof gallons, probably not.
315
00:12:06,803 --> 00:12:08,503
But it was fairly alcoholic.
316
00:12:08,505 --> 00:12:10,171
That's all that matters.
317
00:12:10,173 --> 00:12:11,973
-Good luck.
-Thank you.
318
00:12:11,975 --> 00:12:14,575
Well, hey, you're coming on
with it, slim shady.
319
00:12:14,577 --> 00:12:16,077
-Yes, sir.
-Looking good.
320
00:12:16,079 --> 00:12:18,412
Damn, you are putting
some liquor out there.
321
00:12:18,414 --> 00:12:19,781
Like what you tasting?
322
00:12:19,783 --> 00:12:21,182
-Yes, sir.
-Like where your proof's at?
323
00:12:21,184 --> 00:12:22,517
Right now, yes, sir.
324
00:12:22,519 --> 00:12:24,485
-Good luck.
-Thank you.
I appreciate that.
325
00:12:25,989 --> 00:12:27,388
What you got?
326
00:12:28,291 --> 00:12:30,224
If I had to guess,
probably 90.
327
00:12:32,295 --> 00:12:34,095
30 minutes, y'all.
328
00:12:34,097 --> 00:12:35,763
You can turn in
anytime you want to
329
00:12:35,765 --> 00:12:37,398
or you can take every second.
330
00:12:39,035 --> 00:12:40,234
[michael] pretty much done.
331
00:12:40,236 --> 00:12:41,202
Michael said he's ready.
332
00:12:41,204 --> 00:12:43,271
I gotta say,
the proof's really great.
333
00:12:43,273 --> 00:12:46,340
I basically turned the still
off when it turns into water.
334
00:12:46,943 --> 00:12:48,276
[digger] all right, michael,
335
00:12:48,278 --> 00:12:50,011
you got your liquor
turned in.
336
00:12:50,013 --> 00:12:51,479
Head on out, buddy.
337
00:12:53,249 --> 00:12:55,149
I got exactly what I expected.
338
00:12:55,151 --> 00:12:56,651
So, I feel good about
proof gallons.
339
00:12:56,653 --> 00:12:58,953
-I'm ready.
-[mark] all right, brian.
340
00:12:58,955 --> 00:13:00,755
-[tim] good job.
-Yes, sir. Thank you.
341
00:13:00,757 --> 00:13:02,490
My papa's definitely
with me.
342
00:13:02,492 --> 00:13:03,958
You ready to go, kell?
343
00:13:03,960 --> 00:13:05,059
Bring up the rear.
344
00:13:05,061 --> 00:13:06,527
I knew pretty much from
the get-go
345
00:13:06,529 --> 00:13:08,429
when I couldn't fill my still
up all the way
346
00:13:08,431 --> 00:13:10,565
that I wasn't gonna get the
proof gallons that I needed.
347
00:13:10,567 --> 00:13:13,534
Is it a run if some
grape [bleep] didn't go down?
348
00:13:13,536 --> 00:13:15,369
I caught about as much as
I thought I'd catch.
349
00:13:15,371 --> 00:13:16,804
[digger] all right.
That's all that matters.
350
00:13:16,806 --> 00:13:18,139
Thank you.
351
00:13:18,141 --> 00:13:19,440
Let's get with this.
352
00:13:19,442 --> 00:13:22,109
[narrator] after stripping off
the grappa mash,
353
00:13:22,111 --> 00:13:26,547
each distiller's bucket of
raw alcohol is judged
by proof gallons.
354
00:13:26,549 --> 00:13:27,515
To calculate,
355
00:13:27,517 --> 00:13:29,617
the judges weigh each bucket
356
00:13:29,619 --> 00:13:32,820
and measure the alcohol
content with a hydrometer.
357
00:13:32,822 --> 00:13:35,389
The weight times
the alcohol by volume
358
00:13:35,391 --> 00:13:39,026
is multiplied by 2
then divided by 100.
359
00:13:39,028 --> 00:13:41,963
Having more proof gallons
in the next run
360
00:13:41,965 --> 00:13:44,232
will help split
cleaner cuts of heads,
361
00:13:44,234 --> 00:13:46,167
hearts and tails
362
00:13:46,169 --> 00:13:49,036
and blend the perfect
jar of grappa.
363
00:13:50,273 --> 00:13:52,039
[mark] this is brian's.
364
00:13:52,041 --> 00:13:55,209
[digger] 25.8 lb.
Right there on the money.
365
00:13:55,211 --> 00:13:56,777
Most important for me today,
366
00:13:56,779 --> 00:13:59,213
to make sure I keep that
alcohol by volume up.
367
00:13:59,215 --> 00:14:00,181
Above 100, yeah.
368
00:14:00,183 --> 00:14:02,416
He is about 94.
369
00:14:02,418 --> 00:14:05,553
94 proof after
the calculations...
370
00:14:05,555 --> 00:14:09,590
Brian has 2.62 proof gallons.
Pretty good showing.
371
00:14:09,592 --> 00:14:11,292
Yeah. A little over
two and a half.
372
00:14:11,294 --> 00:14:12,994
[digger]
let's move on to kelley.
373
00:14:12,996 --> 00:14:15,796
[mark] yeah, kelley, just had
too many problems
374
00:14:15,798 --> 00:14:17,899
getting her liquid into
the still.
375
00:14:17,901 --> 00:14:22,536
She's has a total weight
of 12 lb.
376
00:14:23,973 --> 00:14:26,641
She is 100 on the money.
377
00:14:26,643 --> 00:14:31,345
All right, kelley's
proof gallons is 1.19
378
00:14:31,347 --> 00:14:32,380
that's a little light.
379
00:14:32,415 --> 00:14:33,848
[kelley] I squeezed out
as much as I could.
380
00:14:33,850 --> 00:14:36,017
I didn't catch as much
distillate as everybody else.
381
00:14:36,019 --> 00:14:38,319
So, I mean,
I think that really, like,
shot me in the foot.
382
00:14:38,321 --> 00:14:40,354
I'm gonna have a little bit
of alcohol left from there,
383
00:14:40,356 --> 00:14:42,089
but it only takes one jar.
384
00:14:42,091 --> 00:14:43,357
That's all you need
is a jar.
385
00:14:43,359 --> 00:14:45,326
In we go with michael.
386
00:14:45,328 --> 00:14:47,962
[mark]
he got a lot of mash out.
387
00:14:47,964 --> 00:14:51,966
He has 29 lb on the money.
388
00:14:51,968 --> 00:14:54,201
I kept everything,
just 'cause, you know,
389
00:14:54,203 --> 00:14:56,570
I was trying to get the most
amount as I possibly could.
390
00:14:56,572 --> 00:14:58,039
[mark] damn it, boy.
391
00:14:58,041 --> 00:14:59,440
We'll call it 104.
392
00:14:59,442 --> 00:15:03,544
Michael with a whopping
3.31 proof gallons.
393
00:15:03,546 --> 00:15:04,879
-Ah, damn.
-Yup.
394
00:15:04,881 --> 00:15:06,147
That boy's a-doin' business.
395
00:15:06,149 --> 00:15:08,816
I know we're competing here,
but I wish we could all three
396
00:15:08,818 --> 00:15:10,551
go in the still house at
the same time.
397
00:15:10,553 --> 00:15:13,054
I'm gonna wait till later,
and then I'll
cut your brake lines.
398
00:15:13,056 --> 00:15:14,155
-Like, not yet.
-[both chuckle]
399
00:15:14,157 --> 00:15:15,089
proof's in the puddin'.
400
00:15:15,091 --> 00:15:16,657
Yup. I'mma go get 'em.
401
00:15:16,659 --> 00:15:18,125
-[mark] bring 'em in.
-It's that time.
402
00:15:24,300 --> 00:15:25,399
[tim] welcome back.
403
00:15:25,401 --> 00:15:28,069
We did our measurement
calculated by the weight,
404
00:15:28,071 --> 00:15:29,103
proof gallons.
405
00:15:29,806 --> 00:15:30,671
Kelley,
406
00:15:30,673 --> 00:15:33,941
your proof gallons, 1.19.
407
00:15:33,943 --> 00:15:35,209
Brian,
408
00:15:35,211 --> 00:15:38,946
your proof gallons, 2.62.
409
00:15:38,948 --> 00:15:42,283
Michael, your proof gallons
is 3.31.
410
00:15:42,285 --> 00:15:43,551
Kudos to you.
411
00:15:43,553 --> 00:15:46,420
That puts you first place
in still parts.
412
00:15:46,422 --> 00:15:48,222
Brian, you're second.
413
00:15:48,224 --> 00:15:49,790
Kelley, you're third.
414
00:15:49,792 --> 00:15:51,525
You had a slow start,
415
00:15:51,527 --> 00:15:53,961
but that don't mean nothin'
at the end of the day.
416
00:15:53,963 --> 00:15:56,597
We just require one good jar,
417
00:15:56,599 --> 00:15:59,200
and that's all it takes
to win this contest.
418
00:15:59,202 --> 00:16:01,168
My hat's off to all of you.
419
00:16:01,170 --> 00:16:03,938
You went to get your boy in
here and take 'em for a ride.
420
00:16:03,940 --> 00:16:05,272
Tickle!
421
00:16:07,010 --> 00:16:08,275
Did you call me?
422
00:16:08,277 --> 00:16:10,177
[mark]
michael picks parts first,
423
00:16:10,179 --> 00:16:11,545
brian goes second
424
00:16:11,547 --> 00:16:13,114
and kelley's third.
425
00:16:13,116 --> 00:16:13,981
Y'all, come on here.
426
00:16:13,983 --> 00:16:15,916
Let's go run and get
some still parts.
427
00:16:15,918 --> 00:16:18,319
-Good luck, guys.
-Thank you.
428
00:16:18,321 --> 00:16:20,454
I used to date a girl
who was a moonshiner,
429
00:16:20,456 --> 00:16:23,657
but we broke up,
but I love her still.
430
00:16:23,659 --> 00:16:25,092
Just her still,
not her anymore.
431
00:16:25,094 --> 00:16:25,960
[chuckles]
432
00:16:25,962 --> 00:16:29,130
we are here to pick
your still parts.
433
00:16:29,132 --> 00:16:31,565
Michael, you have got
three minutes
434
00:16:31,567 --> 00:16:34,001
starting... Now!
435
00:16:35,071 --> 00:16:36,637
[kelley] go get it, big dog.
436
00:16:37,340 --> 00:16:38,973
I felt pretty confident
going in.
437
00:16:38,975 --> 00:16:42,143
I'm gonna grab the
thumper and stick
the grape skins in there
438
00:16:42,145 --> 00:16:44,311
and really just
accentuate that flavor.
439
00:16:44,313 --> 00:16:47,048
You've got 15 seconds left
in there, michael.
440
00:16:47,050 --> 00:16:48,549
Have you found
everything you need?
441
00:16:48,551 --> 00:16:49,450
Uh... Yeah.
442
00:16:49,452 --> 00:16:52,053
All right, still parts down.
443
00:16:52,055 --> 00:16:53,354
If you don't see
what you're looking for,
444
00:16:53,356 --> 00:16:54,622
I might have grabbed it.
445
00:16:54,624 --> 00:16:55,656
[kelley] okay.
446
00:16:55,658 --> 00:16:57,358
Brian, you have got
three minutes
447
00:16:57,360 --> 00:16:59,260
starting... Now!
448
00:16:59,262 --> 00:17:01,262
-Go get it, big dog.
-Yes, ma'am.
449
00:17:01,264 --> 00:17:03,264
I'm gonna go from two
to number one
450
00:17:03,266 --> 00:17:04,432
with the best-tasting jar.
451
00:17:04,434 --> 00:17:06,467
My strategy is
get the thumper,
452
00:17:06,469 --> 00:17:08,069
and get the flavor
to where I want it.
453
00:17:08,071 --> 00:17:09,937
[tickle] you got 45 seconds.
454
00:17:09,939 --> 00:17:10,938
All right.
455
00:17:10,940 --> 00:17:13,040
He's got a bunch
of parts, too.
456
00:17:13,042 --> 00:17:16,777
Kelley, assuming these guys
left you enough to
build a still in there,
457
00:17:16,779 --> 00:17:18,412
you have got three minutes
458
00:17:18,414 --> 00:17:19,780
starting now!
459
00:17:21,350 --> 00:17:23,551
See you [bleep] later.
460
00:17:23,553 --> 00:17:25,453
Just 'cause you have
a bunch of proof gallons
461
00:17:25,455 --> 00:17:27,188
doesn't mean that you've
actually distilled something
462
00:17:27,190 --> 00:17:28,823
that tastes good.
463
00:17:28,825 --> 00:17:32,193
The flavor that I got
during the stripping run
was phenomenal.
464
00:17:32,195 --> 00:17:34,528
So what I'm gonna do
is focus on flavor.
465
00:17:34,530 --> 00:17:36,230
Anything else you can
find in there, kelley?
466
00:17:36,232 --> 00:17:37,565
I'm a-coming!
467
00:17:37,567 --> 00:17:38,766
You're coming, you're coming!
468
00:17:38,768 --> 00:17:41,102
Six-- all right.
You got what you need?
469
00:17:41,104 --> 00:17:42,570
I got everything.
470
00:17:42,572 --> 00:17:43,571
All right.
471
00:17:43,573 --> 00:17:45,372
Now, let's get these
things inside
472
00:17:45,374 --> 00:17:47,308
so we can build these
stills, all right?
473
00:17:50,580 --> 00:17:52,413
I believe they got
everything they need,
474
00:17:52,415 --> 00:17:55,249
but I think they all got
each other's still parts.
475
00:17:55,251 --> 00:17:57,084
I'm gonna leave y'all to it.
476
00:17:57,086 --> 00:17:59,153
All right, guys,
get your stills together.
477
00:17:59,155 --> 00:18:00,221
You got one hour.
478
00:18:00,223 --> 00:18:02,256
We'll know when we see 'em
if they'll work.
479
00:18:02,258 --> 00:18:04,325
Your time starts now.
480
00:18:04,327 --> 00:18:05,793
Good luck to all of you.
481
00:18:11,467 --> 00:18:13,067
[kelley] these gaskets
are too new for me.
482
00:18:13,069 --> 00:18:16,170
I'm used to using
beat-to-death [bleep].
483
00:18:17,373 --> 00:18:20,307
[tim] the still is bent
so you have to adjust it.
484
00:18:20,309 --> 00:18:23,777
You don't see
gigantic thumpers inside
production facilities,
485
00:18:23,779 --> 00:18:25,246
so I've never
used a thumper before.
486
00:18:25,882 --> 00:18:27,181
Is it pointing down?
487
00:18:30,019 --> 00:18:31,385
[digger] it would have been
way too easy just
488
00:18:31,387 --> 00:18:32,720
to move that little bench,
wouldn't it?
489
00:18:32,722 --> 00:18:35,022
[moonshiners laughing]
490
00:18:35,024 --> 00:18:37,858
my papa used
a 20-gallon copper pot.
491
00:18:37,860 --> 00:18:40,494
So I'm doing exactly what
my papa taught me.
492
00:18:40,496 --> 00:18:42,196
I'm goin' rogue.
I'm goin' awol.
493
00:18:42,198 --> 00:18:43,864
My still setup's hopefully
gonna help me with it
494
00:18:43,866 --> 00:18:47,768
because the line goin' from
the cap to the thumper,
495
00:18:47,770 --> 00:18:49,303
it's set up on
a downward angle,
496
00:18:49,305 --> 00:18:51,138
and so that vapor doesn't
have to try so hard
497
00:18:51,140 --> 00:18:52,773
to pass down into the thumper.
498
00:18:52,775 --> 00:18:55,009
I'm gonna be able to run
every drop of alcohol
out of there.
499
00:18:57,780 --> 00:19:00,447
[tim] this is good.
All three of you set up
the same basic still, really.
500
00:19:00,449 --> 00:19:03,284
Yeah, kelley's running
a little different
cap to thumper arm,
501
00:19:03,286 --> 00:19:05,753
but, you know,
they'll function the same way.
502
00:19:05,755 --> 00:19:09,290
All right, guys. Time to
get into that spirit run.
503
00:19:09,292 --> 00:19:12,059
[tim] well, hopefully,
you've got your still set up
how you want it.
504
00:19:12,061 --> 00:19:14,461
This competition,
someone's going home.
505
00:19:15,231 --> 00:19:17,698
Make sure you make
those cuts right.
506
00:19:17,700 --> 00:19:21,335
Grappa's one of my
favorite distilled beverages.
507
00:19:21,337 --> 00:19:22,770
So, keep that in mind.
508
00:19:22,772 --> 00:19:25,439
You're gonna have four hours
to get us a clear jar
509
00:19:25,441 --> 00:19:27,107
right up here on this table.
510
00:19:27,109 --> 00:19:29,009
You time starts now.
511
00:19:29,011 --> 00:19:30,177
Good luck, guys.
512
00:19:30,179 --> 00:19:33,414
[tim] hopefully, they use
that water that they got.
513
00:19:33,416 --> 00:19:35,683
This stuff smells good
he's pouring in over here.
514
00:19:36,986 --> 00:19:39,420
Oh, yeah,
we got some fire now.
515
00:19:41,991 --> 00:19:44,091
Now we got two of 'em
got fire.
516
00:19:45,061 --> 00:19:46,794
They're not using
a whole lot of water.
517
00:19:46,796 --> 00:19:47,795
[digger] I noticed that.
518
00:19:47,797 --> 00:19:49,330
She ain't got a
gallon and a half of liquor
519
00:19:49,332 --> 00:19:51,332
but surely she'll put
something over here.
520
00:19:51,334 --> 00:19:53,434
I'm hoping she's gonna
put some water in there.
521
00:19:53,436 --> 00:19:55,202
I hear you talking about me.
522
00:19:55,905 --> 00:19:57,605
Just sayin'.
523
00:19:57,607 --> 00:20:00,007
I just don't have a whole lot
of proof gallons to work with,
524
00:20:00,009 --> 00:20:01,542
so my strategy is to just
525
00:20:01,544 --> 00:20:04,445
put the smallest amount of
water possible into that still
526
00:20:04,447 --> 00:20:05,946
and run it low and slow.
527
00:20:05,948 --> 00:20:08,616
You lookin' to level
your liquid in there, kelley?
528
00:20:08,618 --> 00:20:12,019
I've been having nightmares
about how little
proof gallons I have.
529
00:20:12,021 --> 00:20:13,554
We just need one jar.
530
00:20:13,556 --> 00:20:15,789
I have about 2 gallons
of liquid, total.
531
00:20:15,791 --> 00:20:19,226
1.19 of that is alcohol.
532
00:20:19,228 --> 00:20:22,630
We can't allow you
to run that small amount of
high-octane spirit
533
00:20:22,632 --> 00:20:24,265
without some water in it.
534
00:20:24,267 --> 00:20:25,799
If I cut this too hard
with water,
535
00:20:25,801 --> 00:20:27,735
there's not gonna be
any flavor left in it.
536
00:20:27,737 --> 00:20:29,236
I'm gonna have
to figure out a way
537
00:20:29,238 --> 00:20:32,373
to distill that without losing
a whole lot of the flavor.
538
00:20:32,375 --> 00:20:33,974
It's not safe.
539
00:20:33,976 --> 00:20:36,977
You've got high-octane alcohol
sittin' over an open flame
540
00:20:36,979 --> 00:20:37,745
in a boiler.
541
00:20:37,747 --> 00:20:39,079
If it reaches
its flash point,
542
00:20:39,081 --> 00:20:40,781
-it's gettin' blowed up--
-you don't want me
to blow up--
543
00:20:40,783 --> 00:20:42,216
no, nobody wants to
get blowed up with you.
544
00:20:42,218 --> 00:20:44,918
Michael, do you or brian
need to be blowed up today?
545
00:20:44,920 --> 00:20:46,020
Oh, no. No, sir.
546
00:20:46,022 --> 00:20:48,289
I mean, blowing up
ain't worth a damn.
547
00:20:51,560 --> 00:20:53,594
We can't allow you
to run that small amount of
high-octane spirit
548
00:20:53,596 --> 00:20:54,862
without some water in it.
549
00:20:54,864 --> 00:20:56,597
It's not safe.
550
00:20:56,599 --> 00:20:59,600
You've got high-octane alcohol
sittin' over an open flame
551
00:20:59,602 --> 00:21:00,501
in a boiler.
552
00:21:00,503 --> 00:21:01,602
If it reaches
its flash point,
553
00:21:01,604 --> 00:21:03,103
what are you gonna have?
554
00:21:03,105 --> 00:21:04,905
If I cut this too hard
with water,
555
00:21:04,907 --> 00:21:06,473
there's not gonna be
any flavor left in it.
556
00:21:06,475 --> 00:21:08,475
You need a couple of
3 gallons in there,
bare minimum.
557
00:21:08,477 --> 00:21:10,377
There's not gonna
be here nothin'
to push the steam through
558
00:21:10,379 --> 00:21:11,445
you're gonna run dry.
559
00:21:11,447 --> 00:21:12,579
-Oh, geez.
-[digger] exactly.
560
00:21:12,581 --> 00:21:14,148
Today's not the time to test.
561
00:21:14,150 --> 00:21:15,215
I don't think so either.
562
00:21:15,217 --> 00:21:16,483
All right, well,
I'll water it down.
563
00:21:16,485 --> 00:21:18,285
Do you feel like
getting blowed up today?
564
00:21:18,287 --> 00:21:19,620
Uh, it's your turn.
565
00:21:19,622 --> 00:21:22,489
I'm not afraid of it
blowing up, long as
you keep that cap on it.
566
00:21:23,626 --> 00:21:25,726
If you hear that thing
hissin', run.
567
00:21:27,063 --> 00:21:29,196
[sighs] way to go, kell.
568
00:21:30,032 --> 00:21:31,799
Michael, you're pacing,
brother.
569
00:21:31,801 --> 00:21:33,267
Are ya nervous?
570
00:21:33,269 --> 00:21:35,135
I actually have never used
a thumper before.
571
00:21:35,137 --> 00:21:36,603
Really?
572
00:21:36,605 --> 00:21:38,605
I almost dumped the whole
batch of grape skins
with all the seeds in there,
573
00:21:38,607 --> 00:21:40,274
but it might make it
too bitter.
574
00:21:40,276 --> 00:21:42,176
If you put those skins
and stuff in there,
575
00:21:42,178 --> 00:21:45,346
maybe stop up your arm
going to your condenser.
576
00:21:45,348 --> 00:21:47,414
I was just worried about
flavor, but you're right.
577
00:21:48,884 --> 00:21:50,017
-[mark] brian.
-Yes, sir.
578
00:21:50,052 --> 00:21:52,286
What did you use
to charge your thumper with?
579
00:21:52,288 --> 00:21:54,388
Did I see you putting
some of your wines in there?
580
00:21:54,390 --> 00:21:55,756
Yeah, I put a gallon
581
00:21:55,758 --> 00:22:00,127
and about a half a quart
of my backins in my thumper.
582
00:22:00,129 --> 00:22:02,429
Now, you're gonna pick up
even more alcohol there.
583
00:22:02,431 --> 00:22:03,797
Correct.
584
00:22:03,799 --> 00:22:05,933
I have been worried
over the last few days.
585
00:22:05,935 --> 00:22:08,135
My competition have both
worked in distilleries.
586
00:22:08,137 --> 00:22:09,203
It's intimidating.
587
00:22:09,205 --> 00:22:10,604
I'm a backwoods country boy.
588
00:22:11,574 --> 00:22:13,374
Folks,
y'all got three hours left.
589
00:22:13,376 --> 00:22:15,175
[sighs]
590
00:22:15,177 --> 00:22:17,378
[tim] one of you are
going home after this run.
591
00:22:19,048 --> 00:22:20,180
[kelley]
where are you guys at?
592
00:22:20,182 --> 00:22:21,982
140 vapor.
593
00:22:21,984 --> 00:22:23,183
[brian] yeah, I'm at 150.
594
00:22:23,185 --> 00:22:25,119
We should be runnin'
any minute now.
595
00:22:26,555 --> 00:22:28,856
Oh, we got some drippin'
goin' on here.
596
00:22:28,858 --> 00:22:30,057
Low and slow.
597
00:22:30,059 --> 00:22:32,493
What kind of proof are you
hoping to get out of there?
598
00:22:32,495 --> 00:22:35,496
I want it to be somewhere
100-120,
599
00:22:35,498 --> 00:22:36,563
but it's gotta taste good.
600
00:22:36,565 --> 00:22:38,332
Sometimes when it's too hot,
601
00:22:38,334 --> 00:22:39,466
you don't taste anything.
602
00:22:39,769 --> 00:22:40,667
I agree.
603
00:22:40,669 --> 00:22:42,169
[kelley] all right,
I'm getting there.
604
00:22:42,171 --> 00:22:43,537
There it goes.
605
00:22:44,707 --> 00:22:45,806
[imitates angelic choir]
606
00:22:45,808 --> 00:22:47,007
[tim] she ain't drippin',
she runnin'.
607
00:22:47,009 --> 00:22:48,242
[kelley] we're just gonna
see what happens.
608
00:22:48,244 --> 00:22:50,210
I'm goin' rogue.
I'm goin' awol.
609
00:22:51,080 --> 00:22:53,514
Guys, two hours left
in your run.
610
00:22:53,516 --> 00:22:54,982
Take your time.
611
00:22:56,085 --> 00:22:58,085
-Have you tasted
your stuff yet?
-Not yet.
612
00:22:58,087 --> 00:23:00,120
Oh, I immediately
stuck my finger in it.
613
00:23:01,424 --> 00:23:02,723
I always do.
614
00:23:04,460 --> 00:23:05,426
-[kelley] can I try?
-Yeah.
615
00:23:05,428 --> 00:23:06,427
Cool.
616
00:23:07,329 --> 00:23:08,962
Ooh, I'll be damned.
617
00:23:08,964 --> 00:23:10,531
[slapping michael's back]
618
00:23:10,533 --> 00:23:12,065
-good job, buddy.
-Not too bad.
619
00:23:12,067 --> 00:23:13,467
Not bad at all.
620
00:23:15,271 --> 00:23:16,303
Can I try yours?
621
00:23:16,305 --> 00:23:17,538
By all means.
622
00:23:19,775 --> 00:23:20,574
That is good!
623
00:23:20,576 --> 00:23:21,909
That's got a lot of flavor.
624
00:23:21,911 --> 00:23:22,976
That's, like, fresh.
625
00:23:22,978 --> 00:23:24,378
Why, thank you for
the nice comments.
626
00:23:24,380 --> 00:23:26,213
-I appreciate that.
-Yeah, that's really good.
627
00:23:26,215 --> 00:23:28,549
[digger]
1 hour and 30 minutes, y'all.
628
00:23:30,786 --> 00:23:31,885
[tim] hey, bri.
629
00:23:31,954 --> 00:23:34,021
Now I see you got three jars,
but they're half full.
630
00:23:34,023 --> 00:23:35,756
So you always
cut your jars in half.
631
00:23:35,758 --> 00:23:37,157
[brian]
I usually stop around a pint.
632
00:23:37,159 --> 00:23:38,425
You know this is important.
633
00:23:38,427 --> 00:23:40,627
If you make the wrong cut,
you're going home.
634
00:23:40,629 --> 00:23:41,995
I don't wanna go home.
635
00:23:42,264 --> 00:23:43,263
Good to hear.
636
00:23:43,265 --> 00:23:44,498
-Yes, sir. Thank you.
-All right.
637
00:23:46,202 --> 00:23:47,234
[tim] hey, kelley.
638
00:23:47,236 --> 00:23:48,969
I see you got something
dripping there.
639
00:23:48,971 --> 00:23:51,004
You had a little rocky start.
640
00:23:51,006 --> 00:23:52,773
You think you're getting
the proof out of it you want?
641
00:23:52,775 --> 00:23:55,576
My first two were pretty hot,
642
00:23:55,578 --> 00:23:57,978
-which is to be expected.
-Oh, what--
what jar are you on now?
643
00:23:57,980 --> 00:23:59,346
Um, I'm on three.
644
00:23:59,348 --> 00:24:01,381
Really, the difference
between me going home
and not going home
645
00:24:01,383 --> 00:24:02,583
is the cuts that I make.
646
00:24:02,585 --> 00:24:03,484
That's right.
647
00:24:03,486 --> 00:24:04,785
Bring us your best jar.
648
00:24:04,787 --> 00:24:05,752
I will.
649
00:24:07,289 --> 00:24:08,856
-[tim] hello, michael.
-How are you, sir?
650
00:24:08,858 --> 00:24:10,657
All right.
What jar are you on?
651
00:24:10,659 --> 00:24:12,793
I'm just cutting into
hearts now.
652
00:24:12,795 --> 00:24:14,761
Are you happy with
your taste profile?
653
00:24:14,763 --> 00:24:16,463
So far, yeah.
The aroma's really good.
654
00:24:16,465 --> 00:24:18,265
There is a lot of flavor
in there.
655
00:24:18,267 --> 00:24:21,301
I think the cool thing is that
there's actual mash in here.
656
00:24:21,303 --> 00:24:24,571
When you end up using a lot of
the grape skins and seeds,
657
00:24:24,573 --> 00:24:26,507
they're our centering
components in there,
658
00:24:26,509 --> 00:24:28,775
so I thought to just
use the juice.
659
00:24:28,777 --> 00:24:30,611
You good on proofin' it?
660
00:24:30,613 --> 00:24:34,348
Uh, you know, I have not
had a lot of practice
with reading the bead.
661
00:24:34,350 --> 00:24:35,782
I usually use a hydrometer.
662
00:24:35,784 --> 00:24:36,984
Six jars.
663
00:24:36,986 --> 00:24:39,353
Yeah, well, I mean, these
will probably get blended in.
664
00:24:39,355 --> 00:24:41,955
I don't usually blend
on the fly like this...
665
00:24:41,957 --> 00:24:43,390
-Okay.
-...So, uh,
666
00:24:43,392 --> 00:24:44,992
I'll just trust my instincts.
667
00:24:44,994 --> 00:24:46,493
Well try to bring us
something you would drink.
668
00:24:46,495 --> 00:24:47,427
Exactly.
669
00:24:47,429 --> 00:24:48,896
Personally,
I'm not a cuts guy.
670
00:24:48,898 --> 00:24:51,365
I mean, hell, we just made
everything we'd run.
671
00:24:51,367 --> 00:24:55,269
In grappa,
you really need to get
your proof and your flavor.
672
00:24:56,205 --> 00:24:57,437
One hour left, guys.
673
00:24:57,439 --> 00:24:59,172
Better be buttoning it up.
674
00:24:59,174 --> 00:25:00,641
[michael] how far along
are ya in?
675
00:25:00,643 --> 00:25:02,776
[brian]
this'll be jar number six.
676
00:25:02,778 --> 00:25:04,011
Noting the tails a little bit.
677
00:25:04,013 --> 00:25:06,947
[michael] I can see the bead
on the flow is different.
678
00:25:06,949 --> 00:25:08,248
[kelley] I think I can
run this whole jar
679
00:25:08,250 --> 00:25:09,349
and then I think I'll be done.
680
00:25:09,351 --> 00:25:10,617
[mark] nice job, kelley.
681
00:25:12,621 --> 00:25:13,887
[tim] somebody's done.
682
00:25:13,889 --> 00:25:15,222
Somebody's finished.
683
00:25:15,224 --> 00:25:16,323
[michael] yeah, it stopped.
684
00:25:16,325 --> 00:25:18,025
Time to cool it.
685
00:25:18,027 --> 00:25:19,359
This is done.
686
00:25:19,361 --> 00:25:20,427
It's over.
687
00:25:20,429 --> 00:25:22,963
[tim] cut your gas off.
688
00:25:22,965 --> 00:25:24,598
[michael] hopefully,
this doesn't screw up
my taste buds.
689
00:25:24,600 --> 00:25:25,499
[brian] I know.
690
00:25:27,269 --> 00:25:28,468
I'm not trying
to get drunk on set.
691
00:25:28,470 --> 00:25:29,836
[all laughing]
692
00:25:29,838 --> 00:25:31,505
-[kelley] I am.
-[michael] just five sips.
Okay.
693
00:25:31,507 --> 00:25:34,341
This is the funnest part.
I'm having a great time.
694
00:25:35,511 --> 00:25:37,544
[digger] 45 minutes, folks.
695
00:25:39,315 --> 00:25:40,447
[brian] that's hot.
696
00:25:40,449 --> 00:25:42,449
That is the flavor profile
that I'm looking for.
697
00:25:42,451 --> 00:25:44,451
The hint of burn on
the backside.
698
00:25:46,422 --> 00:25:47,554
[kelley] it's all so hot.
699
00:25:47,556 --> 00:25:49,189
I'm really happy with
the proof.
700
00:25:49,191 --> 00:25:51,959
I ran it, I think,
the best that I could.
701
00:25:51,961 --> 00:25:54,227
Yeah, I got just about
every drop of alcohol
out of there.
702
00:25:54,229 --> 00:25:55,395
Proud of that.
703
00:25:55,397 --> 00:25:57,531
You got 30 minutes left
on your time.
704
00:25:57,533 --> 00:25:59,299
[tim] you're runnin'
outta gas.
705
00:26:00,336 --> 00:26:01,868
[kelley]
you're setting it on fire?
706
00:26:01,870 --> 00:26:04,237
I was just making sure it
wasn't too low proof.
707
00:26:04,239 --> 00:26:05,872
I'm worried about
checking the proof
708
00:26:05,874 --> 00:26:08,442
because I rely on
scientific instruments.
709
00:26:08,444 --> 00:26:10,777
So the fact that we don't
get to use a hydrometer
710
00:26:10,779 --> 00:26:12,479
is a little unsettling.
711
00:26:12,481 --> 00:26:16,216
The problem that I think
michael's gonna have,
712
00:26:16,218 --> 00:26:19,152
he doesn't know how
to proof by the beads.
713
00:26:19,154 --> 00:26:21,655
When you make that many
small cuts,
714
00:26:21,657 --> 00:26:23,924
blending and proofing
is critical.
715
00:26:23,926 --> 00:26:25,258
He could be in trouble.
716
00:26:28,964 --> 00:26:31,164
He doesn't know how
to proof by the beads.
717
00:26:31,166 --> 00:26:34,134
I ended up blending a lot more
tails in than I usually would.
718
00:26:34,136 --> 00:26:35,769
So the flavor got more
concentrated,
719
00:26:35,771 --> 00:26:36,970
there was a lot of aroma.
720
00:26:36,972 --> 00:26:37,704
I'm ready.
721
00:26:38,374 --> 00:26:40,273
[mark]
michael's bringing it in.
722
00:26:41,510 --> 00:26:42,776
[digger] look at them cheeks.
723
00:26:42,778 --> 00:26:45,512
Looks like you've been
field testing a little bit.
724
00:26:45,514 --> 00:26:46,980
I've tested quite a bit.
725
00:26:46,982 --> 00:26:47,781
Good luck.
726
00:26:47,783 --> 00:26:48,982
-Thanks.
-[mark] good luck, michael.
727
00:26:51,987 --> 00:26:53,420
[clicks tongue]
that's interesting.
728
00:26:54,123 --> 00:26:55,355
I taste this off-flavor.
729
00:26:55,357 --> 00:26:57,958
But, overall,
it's a good bottle of grappa.
730
00:26:57,960 --> 00:26:58,959
All right, boys,
731
00:26:58,961 --> 00:27:00,193
I got about had to lit.
732
00:27:00,195 --> 00:27:01,762
All right,
bring it in here, kelley.
733
00:27:01,764 --> 00:27:03,030
I'm gettin' it on in.
734
00:27:03,032 --> 00:27:04,431
Too much field testing
for you too.
735
00:27:04,433 --> 00:27:05,365
Am I a little red?
736
00:27:05,367 --> 00:27:07,367
-You're walking sideways.
-[chuckles]
737
00:27:07,369 --> 00:27:09,236
we'll be to get you here
shortly.
738
00:27:09,238 --> 00:27:10,470
-Thank you, fellas.
-[mark] good luck, kell.
739
00:27:10,472 --> 00:27:11,538
Thank you.
740
00:27:11,540 --> 00:27:13,173
[mark]
bringin' it in here, boss?
741
00:27:13,175 --> 00:27:13,707
Yes, sir.
742
00:27:13,709 --> 00:27:15,475
Saved the best for last.
743
00:27:15,477 --> 00:27:17,744
-[digger] we'll come get y'all
when we reach a verdict.
-Good luck, brian.
744
00:27:17,746 --> 00:27:19,146
Thank you, guys.
Appreciate it.
745
00:27:19,148 --> 00:27:21,515
[digger] we might as well
get busy a-tasting there,
tim smith.
746
00:27:21,517 --> 00:27:22,482
I know. Yup.
747
00:27:22,484 --> 00:27:24,785
Let's go with
michael's grappa.
748
00:27:26,055 --> 00:27:27,387
-Pretty good bead.
-[digger] yeah.
749
00:27:27,389 --> 00:27:29,556
I'm thinking that's
about 90-95.
750
00:27:29,558 --> 00:27:30,624
Little light on the nose,
751
00:27:30,626 --> 00:27:31,925
but I'm picking it up.
752
00:27:31,927 --> 00:27:33,160
Michael oughta know grappa.
753
00:27:33,162 --> 00:27:34,928
He apprenticed in
northern Italy.
754
00:27:34,930 --> 00:27:37,764
These other two better have
their a game a-comin'.
755
00:27:37,766 --> 00:27:39,166
[michael] I thought
the flavor was good,
756
00:27:39,168 --> 00:27:41,034
but, like, we all were
tasting at the end.
757
00:27:41,036 --> 00:27:41,835
It was a little tough.
758
00:27:41,837 --> 00:27:43,537
I put somethin' into the jar.
759
00:27:43,539 --> 00:27:46,106
[chuckles] I don't know if
it was anything I wanted.
760
00:27:46,108 --> 00:27:47,774
Well, there is kelley.
761
00:27:47,776 --> 00:27:49,042
Nice clear jar.
762
00:27:49,044 --> 00:27:50,477
Yup.
763
00:27:50,479 --> 00:27:52,079
Pretty good proof, too.
764
00:27:52,081 --> 00:27:54,514
She's in the range of
90-95 also.
765
00:27:54,516 --> 00:27:56,216
[digger]
I would just about bet.
766
00:27:56,218 --> 00:27:57,350
Yeah.
767
00:27:57,352 --> 00:27:59,453
Well, it's different. I don't
know what she put in it,
768
00:27:59,455 --> 00:28:02,055
-but--
-there's a little funky
something on the nose.
769
00:28:02,057 --> 00:28:04,124
It's got an off-taste to it.
770
00:28:04,126 --> 00:28:07,494
You know, travelling with
her own pomace and juice,
771
00:28:07,496 --> 00:28:08,528
it's gonna get hot.
772
00:28:08,530 --> 00:28:11,064
That's what brings that
sulfury note out.
773
00:28:11,066 --> 00:28:15,302
Kelley did a really good job
for the amount
of distillate she had.
774
00:28:15,304 --> 00:28:17,504
Moving on. Let's go to brian.
775
00:28:19,341 --> 00:28:20,807
Probably 120 up here now.
776
00:28:20,809 --> 00:28:22,876
Now, that's not
out of range, right?
777
00:28:22,878 --> 00:28:25,078
-Not out of range.
-No, that's not
out of range at all.
778
00:28:25,080 --> 00:28:27,180
But he would be at
the higher end of it.
779
00:28:27,182 --> 00:28:29,082
For me, I like my grappa
a little hot.
780
00:28:29,084 --> 00:28:32,252
You know, I wanna taste,
smell the citrus on the front,
781
00:28:32,254 --> 00:28:34,254
little fire on the back end.
782
00:28:34,256 --> 00:28:35,188
Yeah.
783
00:28:36,291 --> 00:28:37,457
[tim] real light on the nose.
784
00:28:37,459 --> 00:28:39,192
-Really light.
-Ooh!
785
00:28:39,194 --> 00:28:41,194
It's buttery, good mouth feel.
786
00:28:41,196 --> 00:28:43,163
Somebody knows
what they're doing.
787
00:28:43,165 --> 00:28:45,599
Backwoods versus
master distillers.
788
00:28:45,601 --> 00:28:47,667
If you know the process,
you know the process.
789
00:28:51,473 --> 00:28:52,572
[digger] welcome back, guys.
790
00:28:52,574 --> 00:28:53,673
All across the board,
791
00:28:53,675 --> 00:28:56,176
great job on
everybody's behalf.
792
00:28:56,879 --> 00:28:58,445
Brian, good drink.
793
00:28:58,447 --> 00:29:00,213
It was just like grappa's
supposed to be,
794
00:29:00,215 --> 00:29:02,115
little last kick on
the tongue,
795
00:29:02,117 --> 00:29:05,952
and all the aromas on the nose
just hit you like a punch.
796
00:29:05,954 --> 00:29:09,156
But a little high
on the octane for me.
797
00:29:09,158 --> 00:29:12,259
You're a higher proof.
I'm gonna guess 120.
798
00:29:12,261 --> 00:29:14,394
But you did a good job
on running that still.
799
00:29:14,396 --> 00:29:15,495
-Thank you.
-Outstanding.
800
00:29:15,497 --> 00:29:17,030
Kelley.
801
00:29:17,032 --> 00:29:18,532
Grappa, through and through.
802
00:29:18,534 --> 00:29:21,334
You had just one little hint
in there that probably
803
00:29:21,336 --> 00:29:23,103
shouldn't have been there.
804
00:29:23,105 --> 00:29:26,439
Now, you said your bus was
working when you were
bringing it, right?
805
00:29:26,441 --> 00:29:27,641
Trunk of the car.
806
00:29:27,643 --> 00:29:30,210
Do you know what yeast does
when it gets stressed?
807
00:29:30,212 --> 00:29:32,379
-Mmm.
-Yeah.
808
00:29:32,381 --> 00:29:34,047
I'm gonna have
to agree with digger.
809
00:29:34,049 --> 00:29:38,051
I think there was
a flavor there that
shouldn't have been.
810
00:29:38,053 --> 00:29:40,153
Proof, right on. About 95.
811
00:29:40,155 --> 00:29:42,155
With no hydrometer,
you did an excellent job.
812
00:29:42,157 --> 00:29:43,523
Thank you, sir.
813
00:29:43,525 --> 00:29:45,358
Michael, good proof,
814
00:29:45,360 --> 00:29:47,160
-good flavor.
-Thank you.
815
00:29:47,162 --> 00:29:50,230
Your distilling mechanics
there was good also.
816
00:29:50,232 --> 00:29:52,999
I know you said you wasn't
familiar with the thumper,
817
00:29:53,001 --> 00:29:55,168
but you poured it out.
818
00:29:55,170 --> 00:29:56,336
-Thank you.
-And then proofing,
819
00:29:56,338 --> 00:29:58,872
I know you said you wasn't
too good at eyeballing it,
820
00:29:58,874 --> 00:30:01,374
but I think you
cheated off of kelley.
821
00:30:01,376 --> 00:30:03,643
'cause both of you
about 95.
822
00:30:03,645 --> 00:30:05,345
-Yeah.
-You're right on it.
823
00:30:06,748 --> 00:30:08,248
Good job, guys, all of you.
824
00:30:08,250 --> 00:30:11,017
Just know that
whoever goes home,
825
00:30:11,019 --> 00:30:12,552
there's nothing to
be ashamed of.
826
00:30:12,554 --> 00:30:14,120
-Thank you, sir.
-Thank you, all.
827
00:30:14,122 --> 00:30:17,657
It's unfortunate that we have
to cut somebody loose.
828
00:30:20,596 --> 00:30:23,330
Kelley, I'm sorry that jar
bought you a trip home,
sweetie.
829
00:30:23,332 --> 00:30:24,764
It's okay.
830
00:30:24,766 --> 00:30:28,001
You just got those
sulfury artifacts from
your fermentation
831
00:30:28,003 --> 00:30:29,402
that carried through
your distillation.
832
00:30:29,404 --> 00:30:32,172
It was just
unfortunate circumstances.
833
00:30:32,174 --> 00:30:33,874
Thank you, all,
for having me here.
834
00:30:33,876 --> 00:30:36,042
We enjoyed having you
as a contestant.
835
00:30:36,044 --> 00:30:38,311
And we certainly appreciate
you being a good sport.
836
00:30:38,313 --> 00:30:39,145
Yeah, no problem.
837
00:30:39,147 --> 00:30:40,146
[mark] good job, girl.
838
00:30:41,683 --> 00:30:43,884
My experience here was
so incredibly empowering.
839
00:30:43,886 --> 00:30:45,752
There's such
a wealth of knowledge.
840
00:30:45,754 --> 00:30:48,288
We expect to see more
big things coming out of you.
841
00:30:48,290 --> 00:30:49,923
Thank you, darling.
842
00:30:49,925 --> 00:30:51,024
I'm gonna go home,
843
00:30:51,026 --> 00:30:53,360
I'm gonna hug each of
my chickens individually,
844
00:30:53,362 --> 00:30:57,097
probably stay in my muumuu
for the next week and a half,
845
00:30:57,099 --> 00:30:58,198
drink some booze,
846
00:30:58,200 --> 00:31:00,433
and then I'm gonna go
back to work.
847
00:31:00,435 --> 00:31:03,336
All right, gentlemen,
the only step you got left
848
00:31:03,338 --> 00:31:05,572
before we cut
the other one loose,
849
00:31:05,574 --> 00:31:07,774
time to rapid age your spirit.
850
00:31:07,776 --> 00:31:10,410
This is where the rubber
hits the road now.
851
00:31:10,412 --> 00:31:14,681
You're gonna have 30 minutes
to get your chips prepped
and your liquor.
852
00:31:14,683 --> 00:31:16,750
When we bring you back,
there'll be time for you
853
00:31:16,752 --> 00:31:20,320
to spend 30 more minutes
polishing that up
however you want to.
854
00:31:20,322 --> 00:31:23,423
This is gonna change
the profile of your grappa.
855
00:31:23,425 --> 00:31:25,125
I'm hoping
you're careful with it.
856
00:31:25,127 --> 00:31:27,127
In Italy, aged grappa
857
00:31:27,129 --> 00:31:30,297
is called grappa invecchiata.
858
00:31:30,299 --> 00:31:32,999
You can overoak it
or underoak it real quick like
859
00:31:33,001 --> 00:31:34,534
so be careful.
860
00:31:35,470 --> 00:31:36,603
30 minutes.
861
00:31:36,605 --> 00:31:38,571
Your time starts...
862
00:31:40,275 --> 00:31:41,341
Now.
863
00:31:41,343 --> 00:31:42,709
Good luck, men.
864
00:31:47,349 --> 00:31:48,381
I think they talked.
865
00:31:48,383 --> 00:31:50,150
'cause both of 'em's
got three jars.
866
00:31:50,152 --> 00:31:51,952
[digger] that gives you
something to blend with
867
00:31:51,954 --> 00:31:55,088
if you don't quite get
the flavor profile
you're looking for.
868
00:31:56,925 --> 00:32:00,060
To do this rapid age,
I wanna use
a little bit of heavy char.
869
00:32:00,062 --> 00:32:01,328
There's some french oak
I saw.
870
00:32:01,330 --> 00:32:05,265
And then I wanna do
another jar of just
untoasted white oak.
871
00:32:05,267 --> 00:32:09,936
Those untoasted chips,
they'll give you that more
mild vanilla note.
872
00:32:09,938 --> 00:32:11,571
When I was living in
northern Italy,
873
00:32:11,573 --> 00:32:13,173
the guy who taught us
how to make grappa,
874
00:32:13,175 --> 00:32:14,841
we would always drink
the clear stuff.
875
00:32:14,843 --> 00:32:17,577
So we are in
uncharted territory.
876
00:32:17,579 --> 00:32:19,646
[tim] I think brian
brought something from home.
877
00:32:19,648 --> 00:32:21,514
-Toasted cherry wood.
-Yes, sir.
878
00:32:21,516 --> 00:32:22,916
Not a bad move.
879
00:32:22,918 --> 00:32:25,085
I use the cherry
as a finisher.
880
00:32:25,087 --> 00:32:26,953
Doesn't take anything
away from the oak.
881
00:32:26,955 --> 00:32:27,921
Doesn't take anything away.
882
00:32:27,923 --> 00:32:29,489
It just helps with the flavor.
883
00:32:29,491 --> 00:32:32,392
It's oak's backup.
884
00:32:32,394 --> 00:32:36,596
The hardest part,
I knew that you wouldn't
get the flavor profile
885
00:32:36,598 --> 00:32:40,000
that my papa would have
had in his jar
886
00:32:40,002 --> 00:32:41,768
in the timeframe
that I had.
887
00:32:41,770 --> 00:32:43,236
I lay my jars on their side,
888
00:32:43,238 --> 00:32:46,806
'cause I want the cubes to
reach more of the alcohol
889
00:32:46,808 --> 00:32:48,074
along the top of the surface.
890
00:32:48,076 --> 00:32:49,876
'cause that's where
they're gonna float.
891
00:32:49,878 --> 00:32:52,045
[tim] michael,
what are you doing here?
892
00:32:52,047 --> 00:32:54,514
Put cheesecloth and
let them age open-air,
893
00:32:54,516 --> 00:32:56,549
maximize that smooth...
894
00:32:56,551 --> 00:32:57,550
Finish.
895
00:32:57,552 --> 00:33:00,020
[mark] brian's is turning
a nice color already.
896
00:33:00,022 --> 00:33:02,555
Michael has one jar over there
that looks like it's been
897
00:33:02,557 --> 00:33:05,291
in a barrel for
five years already.
898
00:33:05,293 --> 00:33:06,226
[digger] one minute.
899
00:33:06,228 --> 00:33:08,161
If you ain't ready,
you ain't gonna be.
900
00:33:10,032 --> 00:33:11,398
All right, I think I'm good.
901
00:33:11,400 --> 00:33:13,133
I feel comfy where I'm at.
902
00:33:13,135 --> 00:33:14,901
[digger]
all right, boys, chase on out.
903
00:33:14,903 --> 00:33:16,536
We'll come get y'all when
the time comes
904
00:33:16,538 --> 00:33:18,905
to come back in here
and finish 'em up.
905
00:33:18,907 --> 00:33:20,173
Thank you.
906
00:33:31,887 --> 00:33:33,119
Welcome back, men.
907
00:33:33,121 --> 00:33:35,288
The time has come for you
to strain your grappa
908
00:33:35,290 --> 00:33:37,424
that's aged on
your wood chips.
909
00:33:37,426 --> 00:33:39,893
Clean it up,
make it gorgeous
910
00:33:39,895 --> 00:33:41,394
and see-through,
can't be cloudy.
911
00:33:41,396 --> 00:33:43,363
We want that in less
than 30 minutes.
912
00:33:43,365 --> 00:33:45,498
Everything's at stake
right here.
913
00:33:45,500 --> 00:33:47,801
And somebody's gonna be
crowned master distiller.
914
00:33:47,803 --> 00:33:49,669
Your time starts...
915
00:33:51,339 --> 00:33:52,572
Now.
916
00:33:59,114 --> 00:34:01,448
Do you think you're gonna
do any blending with
other jars?
917
00:34:01,450 --> 00:34:02,482
I'ma leave 'em alone.
918
00:34:02,484 --> 00:34:04,751
Yeah, I'm gonna shoot for
an easy medium.
919
00:34:04,753 --> 00:34:05,752
I understand.
920
00:34:05,754 --> 00:34:08,688
One extremely clear
and one not so clear.
921
00:34:11,126 --> 00:34:13,293
A lot of concentration
over there, brian.
922
00:34:13,295 --> 00:34:14,060
Yeah.
923
00:34:14,062 --> 00:34:15,395
I am super-focused,
924
00:34:15,397 --> 00:34:18,131
and I'm ready to get
the flavor to where I want it.
925
00:34:18,133 --> 00:34:20,066
The grappa that I've made
my whole life
926
00:34:20,068 --> 00:34:21,334
has always had honey in it.
927
00:34:21,336 --> 00:34:23,603
That's what I was taught
as a kid.
928
00:34:23,605 --> 00:34:25,338
You see what brian just did?
929
00:34:25,340 --> 00:34:26,339
Mmm-hmm.
930
00:34:26,341 --> 00:34:28,041
Make it or break it.
931
00:34:28,043 --> 00:34:29,375
[michael] I saw brian
using honey,
932
00:34:29,377 --> 00:34:30,543
I thought for a second, like,
933
00:34:30,545 --> 00:34:31,945
sugar hides mistakes.
934
00:34:31,947 --> 00:34:34,747
Maybe he's looking to
get rid of some of
the tails flavor.
935
00:34:34,749 --> 00:34:37,183
I saw there was
some cloudiness in there.
936
00:34:37,185 --> 00:34:41,187
[digger] I like tasting
what the wood does first.
937
00:34:41,189 --> 00:34:43,723
And then if you need some
honey, throw it in there.
938
00:34:43,725 --> 00:34:46,059
I'd like to be
the judge of that.
939
00:34:46,061 --> 00:34:49,028
[mark] I mean, it may have
the best flavor. I don't know.
940
00:34:49,030 --> 00:34:51,531
But he destroyed his clarity.
941
00:34:53,101 --> 00:34:55,101
[digger] I mean, that looks
like apple cider now.
942
00:34:59,074 --> 00:35:01,541
Tim, have you ever
made any grappa
943
00:35:01,543 --> 00:35:03,476
other than what you've
learned how to do
944
00:35:03,478 --> 00:35:04,978
and what you done in Italy?
945
00:35:04,980 --> 00:35:07,046
I got introduced to it
in europe.
946
00:35:07,048 --> 00:35:08,882
We started drinking it,
947
00:35:08,884 --> 00:35:10,183
then we started making it,
948
00:35:10,185 --> 00:35:11,518
then we started drinking it,
949
00:35:11,520 --> 00:35:12,952
and that's the
last I remember of it.
950
00:35:12,954 --> 00:35:14,787
That's the last you
remember of it, okay.
951
00:35:14,789 --> 00:35:17,390
You can take a real good
big shot of it, you know,
952
00:35:17,392 --> 00:35:19,092
and you'd be like... [groans]
"I can't breathe."
953
00:35:19,094 --> 00:35:20,527
without oxygen,
954
00:35:20,529 --> 00:35:22,795
then that don't allow
for rational thinking,
does it, tim?
955
00:35:22,797 --> 00:35:23,963
No.
956
00:35:23,965 --> 00:35:25,532
It sounds like maybe
your collar was a little tight
957
00:35:25,534 --> 00:35:27,000
when you was a-drinkin'.
958
00:35:27,002 --> 00:35:28,234
-Yeah.
-[chuckling]
959
00:35:31,306 --> 00:35:34,407
[digger] I like tasting
what the wood does first.
960
00:35:34,409 --> 00:35:36,776
And then if you need some
honey, throw it in there.
961
00:35:36,778 --> 00:35:38,444
I'd like to be
the judge of that.
962
00:35:38,446 --> 00:35:40,246
He destroyed his clarity.
963
00:35:40,248 --> 00:35:42,649
[sighs] dang it.
964
00:35:42,651 --> 00:35:45,418
It's very stressful.
These guys are living legends.
965
00:35:48,390 --> 00:35:50,123
You feel like that was
a pretty good move?
966
00:35:50,125 --> 00:35:52,225
-Yeah.
-I thought you would.
967
00:35:52,994 --> 00:35:54,961
You got 10 minutes, gentlemen.
968
00:35:54,963 --> 00:35:58,097
I ended up using almost
half of the jar
969
00:35:58,099 --> 00:35:59,566
of the untoasted white oak.
970
00:35:59,568 --> 00:36:02,101
It left a nice clean,
little bit of vanilla,
971
00:36:02,103 --> 00:36:03,369
a little bit of
caramel flavor.
972
00:36:03,371 --> 00:36:06,239
[mark] I ain't never saw
such concentration.
973
00:36:07,609 --> 00:36:10,276
Michael took it to heart
when I said I don't want
no cloudy liquor.
974
00:36:10,278 --> 00:36:12,378
Yeah, it's not bad, right.
975
00:36:12,380 --> 00:36:15,481
That made me nervous
when I heard digger
talk about the cloudiness.
976
00:36:15,483 --> 00:36:18,318
Michael's jar, clear,
it looked beautiful.
977
00:36:18,320 --> 00:36:20,153
My jar was a little cloudy.
978
00:36:20,155 --> 00:36:22,789
[digger] three minutes
left in your time, gentlemen.
979
00:36:22,791 --> 00:36:25,024
Looks like brian's all done.
980
00:36:25,760 --> 00:36:27,193
Bring it in, boss.
981
00:36:27,195 --> 00:36:28,461
[brian] I kept my blinders on,
982
00:36:28,463 --> 00:36:29,862
kept my eye on the prize.
983
00:36:29,864 --> 00:36:31,531
I will not
let this legacy die.
984
00:36:31,533 --> 00:36:33,566
That's where you feel like
you need to be, big 'un?
985
00:36:33,568 --> 00:36:34,234
Yes, sir.
986
00:36:34,236 --> 00:36:36,135
All right.
987
00:36:36,137 --> 00:36:37,971
We'll come get you when
we reach our decision.
988
00:36:37,973 --> 00:36:38,972
-Yes, sir.
-Good luck.
989
00:36:38,974 --> 00:36:40,206
Thank you, guys.
990
00:36:41,443 --> 00:36:42,976
Two minutes, michael.
991
00:36:42,978 --> 00:36:44,310
[michael] I made pure
992
00:36:44,312 --> 00:36:46,045
delicious grappa
993
00:36:46,047 --> 00:36:48,114
to show them my best work.
994
00:36:48,116 --> 00:36:49,182
I have a lot of confidence.
995
00:36:49,184 --> 00:36:50,783
All right, guys.
996
00:36:50,785 --> 00:36:53,453
All right, big boy,
we're gonna do
a little tasting
997
00:36:53,455 --> 00:36:55,922
and we'll come get you when
we've reached our verdict.
998
00:36:55,924 --> 00:36:56,956
-Thank you, guys.
-Good luck.
999
00:36:56,958 --> 00:36:58,391
-[mark] good luck, michael.
-Cheers.
1000
00:36:58,393 --> 00:36:59,292
Let's get with it.
1001
00:36:59,294 --> 00:37:00,994
[tim] now this is michael.
1002
00:37:00,996 --> 00:37:03,329
[digger] grappa invecchiata.
1003
00:37:03,331 --> 00:37:05,331
I've never used
that many chips
1004
00:37:05,333 --> 00:37:07,100
on such little alcohol before,
you know.
1005
00:37:07,102 --> 00:37:08,568
You typically age it
in a barrel, right?
1006
00:37:08,570 --> 00:37:09,902
Yeah, yeah.
1007
00:37:09,904 --> 00:37:12,639
[tim] I'm still getting
a little bit of
the grappa smell,
1008
00:37:12,641 --> 00:37:14,374
the grape notes on the nose.
1009
00:37:14,376 --> 00:37:16,175
It's a pretty good
drink of liquor, isn't it?
1010
00:37:16,177 --> 00:37:17,410
[digger] it's 90-95.
1011
00:37:17,412 --> 00:37:19,746
It's got a little fire
on the back end of it.
1012
00:37:19,748 --> 00:37:21,247
You get that little fire
like it's supposed to.
1013
00:37:21,249 --> 00:37:23,116
It's supposed to hit you
in the throat as it goes down.
1014
00:37:23,118 --> 00:37:24,417
It damn sure done that.
1015
00:37:24,419 --> 00:37:26,252
But don't burn your gullet.
It's not overoaked,
1016
00:37:26,254 --> 00:37:28,021
but it's just about right.
1017
00:37:28,023 --> 00:37:29,355
[mark] you taste that heavy.
1018
00:37:29,357 --> 00:37:31,057
That's where the
good oak comes from,
1019
00:37:31,059 --> 00:37:32,925
the cinnamons
and the vanillas.
1020
00:37:32,927 --> 00:37:35,928
Then that fruity floral from
the grapes comes in.
1021
00:37:35,930 --> 00:37:37,163
Let's move on.
1022
00:37:37,599 --> 00:37:38,998
For me in the past,
1023
00:37:39,000 --> 00:37:40,533
usually only use quart jars.
1024
00:37:40,535 --> 00:37:43,536
You wanna use about
a handful of chips,
1025
00:37:43,538 --> 00:37:44,904
so you don't overoak.
1026
00:37:44,906 --> 00:37:46,939
-Yeah, yeah.
-I learned that lesson
the hard way.
1027
00:37:46,941 --> 00:37:49,175
Can't see through it.
1028
00:37:49,177 --> 00:37:50,910
-It's a little bit milky.
-[mark] sure can't
read the bead.
1029
00:37:50,912 --> 00:37:51,844
Can't even read the bead.
1030
00:37:51,846 --> 00:37:53,112
He got a whole lot
of sugar in that.
1031
00:37:53,114 --> 00:37:55,448
He put four tablespoons
of honey in there.
1032
00:37:55,450 --> 00:37:58,217
We're just gonna have to
see what it tastes like.
1033
00:37:58,219 --> 00:37:59,752
[brian]
I blended the best I could,
1034
00:37:59,754 --> 00:38:01,254
got the flavor that
I was looking for.
1035
00:38:01,256 --> 00:38:03,423
Hope that it's
what they're looking for.
1036
00:38:03,425 --> 00:38:06,359
Now I'm getting a little bit
of sweetness on the nose.
1037
00:38:06,361 --> 00:38:08,094
Good proof. Proof's right on.
1038
00:38:08,096 --> 00:38:11,798
It just like real grappa
should smell like.
1039
00:38:14,869 --> 00:38:18,404
And I'm getting a combination
of whiskey and honey
on the palate.
1040
00:38:18,406 --> 00:38:19,772
[digger chuckles]
that's really nice.
1041
00:38:19,774 --> 00:38:22,608
I was kinda closed-minded
to that honey going in there.
1042
00:38:22,610 --> 00:38:24,043
But the honey's
not overpowering,
1043
00:38:24,045 --> 00:38:25,912
it's just complementary
to the liquor.
1044
00:38:25,914 --> 00:38:29,182
-I like that. And I taste
a little bit of the oak in it.
-Yup.
1045
00:38:29,184 --> 00:38:31,884
And I think he's got the
alcohol right on the money.
1046
00:38:31,886 --> 00:38:33,886
Yeah, the proof is perfect.
1047
00:38:33,888 --> 00:38:35,455
[mark] these guys are spot-on.
1048
00:38:35,457 --> 00:38:37,457
Michael trained in Italy.
1049
00:38:37,459 --> 00:38:41,127
Brian's grandpa's grappa was
his number one product.
1050
00:38:41,129 --> 00:38:43,096
He's been taught something
as well.
1051
00:38:43,098 --> 00:38:45,231
Which one would you buy
sitting on the shelf?
1052
00:38:45,233 --> 00:38:48,134
This is as good as it gets
in both jars.
1053
00:38:48,136 --> 00:38:49,569
I'm confident in
what I'm doing,
1054
00:38:49,571 --> 00:38:52,238
but I do also know that
I'm going up against
a professional here.
1055
00:38:52,240 --> 00:38:54,307
And for me, I do it
once a week as a hobby.
1056
00:38:54,309 --> 00:38:56,042
That's kind of nerve-racking.
1057
00:38:56,044 --> 00:38:58,544
I think it's just gonna go up
to the personal preferences
of the judges.
1058
00:38:58,546 --> 00:38:59,479
-You know?
-Agreed.
1059
00:38:59,481 --> 00:39:01,114
Uh, we're all on
the same page?
1060
00:39:01,116 --> 00:39:02,181
I think we are.
1061
00:39:02,183 --> 00:39:03,282
I'ma go fetch 'em.
1062
00:39:03,284 --> 00:39:04,617
They've waited long enough.
1063
00:39:09,157 --> 00:39:11,124
Welcome back, men.
1064
00:39:11,126 --> 00:39:13,192
This contest right here...
1065
00:39:13,194 --> 00:39:16,863
Was probably the toughest
decision we've ever
had to go with.
1066
00:39:16,865 --> 00:39:19,098
But somebody's gonna be
crowned master distiller.
1067
00:39:19,100 --> 00:39:21,167
You get a limited run
of your liquor
1068
00:39:21,169 --> 00:39:23,102
and sugarlands
distilling company.
1069
00:39:23,538 --> 00:39:25,805
Brian, great drink.
1070
00:39:25,807 --> 00:39:28,174
The color was good.
The flavor was there.
1071
00:39:28,176 --> 00:39:30,777
I wasn't quite as
boom-on-the-nose
1072
00:39:30,779 --> 00:39:32,378
like I would expect it to be,
1073
00:39:32,380 --> 00:39:34,113
but it's silky smooth.
1074
00:39:34,115 --> 00:39:36,349
The only thing that
I had against it,
1075
00:39:36,351 --> 00:39:38,251
I don't like cloudy liquor.
1076
00:39:39,254 --> 00:39:42,622
The clarity is not quite
up to par.
1077
00:39:43,758 --> 00:39:46,592
The touch of honey, yes,
it did make it cloudy,
1078
00:39:46,594 --> 00:39:52,031
but it's just added
a little bit of complexity
to your jar.
1079
00:39:52,033 --> 00:39:54,467
Michael, your jar,
when you open that top,
1080
00:39:54,469 --> 00:39:56,936
it hits you right in the nose.
1081
00:39:56,938 --> 00:40:00,173
You know exactly you're
getting ready to taste
something very good.
1082
00:40:00,175 --> 00:40:02,275
[digger] you get
the benefits of the aging,
1083
00:40:02,277 --> 00:40:04,610
your fruity floral notes
open up in the middle.
1084
00:40:04,612 --> 00:40:07,780
So it's really, really
a great drink of liquor.
1085
00:40:07,782 --> 00:40:09,449
Proof is right on the money.
1086
00:40:09,451 --> 00:40:12,218
And clarity is perfect also.
1087
00:40:12,220 --> 00:40:14,053
At the end of the day,
1088
00:40:14,055 --> 00:40:17,590
I could find everything right
with both of 'em.
1089
00:40:17,592 --> 00:40:21,394
It's hard to express
how outstanding those jars are
1090
00:40:21,396 --> 00:40:23,029
that both of you have.
1091
00:40:23,031 --> 00:40:24,931
You both should be very proud.
1092
00:40:24,933 --> 00:40:26,432
Unfortunately...
1093
00:40:27,101 --> 00:40:29,035
We gotta cut somebody loose
1094
00:40:29,037 --> 00:40:31,737
and name somebody
the master distiller.
1095
00:40:35,076 --> 00:40:36,142
Brian,
1096
00:40:36,144 --> 00:40:37,677
you're the next
master distiller.
1097
00:40:37,679 --> 00:40:38,444
Yeah!
1098
00:40:38,446 --> 00:40:40,379
Congratulations.
1099
00:40:41,783 --> 00:40:44,250
To hear the words "you're
the next master distiller,"
1100
00:40:44,252 --> 00:40:45,785
it's one of the greatest
feelings in the world.
1101
00:40:46,788 --> 00:40:49,989
The jar I turned in is
papa's grappa, to the t.
1102
00:40:49,991 --> 00:40:51,023
Michael,
1103
00:40:51,025 --> 00:40:53,392
that jar is
frigging outstanding.
1104
00:40:53,394 --> 00:40:55,528
-Thank you.
-[digger]
it is off the charts.
1105
00:40:55,530 --> 00:40:57,330
Brian had some
really awesome flavors.
1106
00:40:57,332 --> 00:40:58,264
He deserved it.
1107
00:40:58,266 --> 00:40:59,565
I was happy to be here.
1108
00:40:59,601 --> 00:41:01,467
And I think I could be
a pioneer for
the grappa movement
1109
00:41:01,469 --> 00:41:03,669
in the northeast
sometime in the future.
1110
00:41:03,671 --> 00:41:05,171
-Hey, brian.
-Yes, sir.
1111
00:41:05,173 --> 00:41:06,706
Thank you. Papa's proud.
1112
00:41:09,944 --> 00:41:11,911
-Ain't no doubt, man.
-Yeah.
1113
00:41:11,913 --> 00:41:13,546
I'm grateful for my papa.
1114
00:41:13,548 --> 00:41:15,982
He spent eight years
in the state penitentiary
1115
00:41:15,984 --> 00:41:17,283
because of moonshine.
1116
00:41:17,285 --> 00:41:20,620
I stand here today
because of him.
1117
00:41:20,622 --> 00:41:22,889
I want to thank both of you
from the bottom of my heart
1118
00:41:22,891 --> 00:41:24,624
for allowing me to
judge y'all.
1119
00:41:24,626 --> 00:41:26,993
Now get on out of here
before you get us in tears.