Mash Tun
A mash tun is a key piece of equipment used in distilleries and breweries to make alcoholic beverages. It's like a large cooking pot or vessel where grains (such as barley, corn, or rye) are mixed with hot water to create a substance called mash. This process releases sugars from the grains, which is essential for making spirits or beer. Think of it like steeping tea, but on a much larger scale with grains instead of tea leaves. The resulting liquid will later be fermented and distilled into spirits like whiskey, bourbon, or other alcoholic beverages.
Examples in Resumes
Supervised the operation and maintenance of a 2000-gallon Mash Tun for whiskey production
Optimized Mash Tun temperatures to improve sugar extraction efficiency by 15%
Managed grain loading and cleaning procedures for three Mash Tuns in craft distillery operations
Typical job title: "Distillery Operators"
Also try searching for:
Where to Find Distillery Operators
Professional Organizations
Online Communities
Job Resources
Example Interview Questions
Senior Level Questions
Q: How would you handle a situation where the mash temperature is consistently running too high?
Expected Answer: A senior operator should discuss checking heating systems, ensuring proper maintenance, verifying temperature sensor calibration, and implementing control measures. They should also mention impact on enzyme activity and sugar conversion.
Q: What process improvements have you implemented to increase mash efficiency?
Expected Answer: Should discuss optimization of grain crushing, water-to-grain ratios, temperature control procedures, and mention experience with process documentation and team training.
Mid Level Questions
Q: What are the key parameters you monitor during the mashing process?
Expected Answer: Should mention temperature control, pH levels, time management, grain-to-water ratios, and stirring speeds. Should understand how these affect the final product quality.
Q: How do you ensure consistent quality from batch to batch?
Expected Answer: Should discuss following standard operating procedures, maintaining proper documentation, checking equipment calibration, and quality control sampling.
Junior Level Questions
Q: What basic safety procedures do you follow when operating a mash tun?
Expected Answer: Should mention proper protective equipment, hot liquid safety, proper lifting techniques, and basic cleaning procedures.
Q: Can you explain the basic mashing process?
Expected Answer: Should be able to describe the basic steps of adding grain to water, controlling temperature, and the purpose of converting starches to sugars.
Experience Level Indicators
Junior (0-2 years)
- Basic mash tun operation
- Equipment cleaning and sanitation
- Following safety procedures
- Basic quality checks
Mid (2-5 years)
- Temperature and process control
- Troubleshooting equipment issues
- Quality control procedures
- Recipe implementation
Senior (5+ years)
- Process optimization
- Team supervision
- Equipment maintenance planning
- Production scheduling
Red Flags to Watch For
- No knowledge of basic safety procedures around hot liquids and heavy equipment
- Lack of understanding about temperature control importance
- No experience with cleaning and sanitation procedures
- Unable to explain basic mashing process
