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Scotch whisky milling equipment: the 4 roll mill

Scotch whisky milling equipment: the 4 roll mill

The 4 roll mill is by far the most commonly used mill in the Scotch whisky industry. Named after their creators, the 4 roll mills in Scotland’s whisky distilleries are usually either a Porteus mill or a Boby mill. (Famously, both firms made products that were so good they eventually put themselves out of business.)

Inside, the malt flow is controlled by the feed roll. As malt passes through the top rollers, the barley corn is cracked open and the husk is removed. The husk and fine flour are then directed away to bypass the second set of rollers to protect the husk and keep it complete. The second set of rollers are usually set to be a little tighter, which helps to grind the coarse grits from the heavier endosperm into finer particles. 

All the components of the grist (husk, flour and grits) come together below the rollers to leave the mill ready for the next stage of the process: mashing.

Vital for yield efficiency, milling is an important part of the Scotch whisky production process. 

Whether you’re just starting out on your journey in Scotch or have been an enthusiast for some time, the Certificate in Scotch Whisky is perfect for improving your knowledge. Whet your appetite and sign up for a Free Preview here. See for yourself how fun and accessible the material is and get a sense of the juicy Scotch whisky knowledge you can absorb.

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