A kiln is an oven used in the whisky making process to dry malt, stopping the germination process started by malting stage.
It’s doesn’t just perform an entirely practical function though, as kilning provides the distiller with direct access to the grain’s starch content and as a result, it’s a key component in optimising the yield of alcohol.
The kiln also provides distillers with the opportunity to further develop the character of the malt and it’s where peat can be added so that a smoky profile can be imbued into the barely.