Aqua Vitae

from BLAM from Radical Brewing

“Start with a bottle of plain corn syrup (Karo) in a heavy saucepan, and add to it 9 grams of ammonium bicarbonate, an ingredient that is sold as a sort of leavening in Middle Eastern specialty markets. (Ammonium phosphate, sold as a yeast nutrient, will also work.) Stir to dissolve. Cook over medium-high heat. In several minutes the sugar will start to darken. You can sample as you go, by removing a drop now and then and cooling it on aluminum foil, and tasting it when it is well cooled. When the desired color/flavor is reached, remove the pan from the heat, and carefully add cold water to creat a thick syrup, which will be easy to add to your kettle.”