Combine two distillates of different strength and see the strength and volume of the mixture. The calculator includes contraction and shows how much 40% alcohol you get after dilution.
How do we calculate the strength of a mixture?
Each component is converted to the mass of pure ethanol and water using density tables at 20°C; these are added up and the strength and volume of the mixture determined. This keeps the result accurate even for large strength differences, e.g. mixing 96% spirit with 40% distillate.
When should distillates be blended?
Most often when combining hearts from several runs, evening out strength before ageing or preparing an infusion base for maceration. Only blend fractions of similar quality – heads are not fit for consumption.
How we calculate
We add up the masses of ethanol and water of both components (from density tables at 20°C) and then determine the strength and volume of the mixture.
Frequently asked questions
Can I blend fractions from different runs?
Yes, as long as they are hearts fractions of similar quality. Never mix heads (foreshots) into the finished product.
Does blending distillates improve the taste?
Often, yes – combining fractions from several runs evens out taste and strength. Before blending everything, try a small sample in the same proportion.
How do I calculate strength after mixing two spirits?
Approximately: (V1 × A1 + V2 × A2) / (V1 + V2). The calculator is more accurate, using mixture densities, so the result can differ by a few tenths of a percent.
Why is the mixture volume smaller?
That is contraction – mixing solutions of different strength slightly reduces the volume. The calculator accounts for it automatically.