What is a wash? Nat February 01, 2020 11:06 Updated Follow A wash is a mix of water, sugar, yeast and nutrients. You ferment this to make an alcoholic base for distilling. Related articles Why is my wash not clearing? What is fermentation in distilling? How to Video - Alembic Pot Still - Making the Wash and Preparing the Still Instructions - Air Still Fermentation Kit Why isn't my airlock bubbling?