Mr David Rich, Proprietor of Rich Grain Distilling, Canton, MS spoke to the Rotary Club of North Jackson at its August 22, 2017 meeting. Mr. Rich worked as an engineer in Huntsville, AL prior to starting his company. He is a graduate of Madison Ridgeland Academy in Madison and of the University of Mississippi. His company is one of 3 licensed grain distillers in Mississippi. The company manufactures Rye, Bourbon and Rum whiskies and sells the products via liquor stores throughout the state. He pointed out that distilled spirits are clear when produced and get their color and flavor from being aged in charred wooden barrels. He also said that Bourbon can only be produced in the United States and that it must be aged in new charred white oak barrels. The minimum aging time depends on the size of the barrel in which the product is aged. For example, 15 gallon barrel aging requires less time than the standard 53 gallon barrel because the 15 gallon barrel has more surface area per gallon than the larger barrels. At the Canton plant, Rich Grain Distilling performs the complete manufacturing process from receipt of grain, through malting, fermenting, distilling, aging and bottling.
Mr. Rich is shown in the accompanying photo during his talk. We thank him for his commitment to the State of Mississippi and for his presentation to our Rotary Club.
