Laura Walther
Last Revised: Nov 15th, 2022
Professional Biography
Dr. Walther is an analytical chemist with 15 years of experience teaching chemistry. After recently earning her doctoral degree working with Dr. Bert Lynn in research, she agreed to help him translate his Spirit Chemistry class into an online format. Dr. Walther relished the opportunity to expand her teaching experience and enjoys the ability to share the chemistry of fermentation and distillation with online students.
Course Instruction
A&S 306:
Spirit Chemistry
(3)
Course Description: In this course, students will explore the production of distilled spirits. The production of distilled spirits involves three basic steps: selection and processing of a carbohydrate (starch or sugar), fermentation of the carbohydrate to produce ethanol and distillation of the ethanol. In these processes, substances are produced and concentrated in the ethanol that create the unique flavors and fragrances associated with the individual spirit. Seven distilled spirits (moonshine, vodka, gin, rum, tequila, bourbon and scotch) will be discussed in detail.
