Making a basic still involves combining prepared ingredients and process that ultimately ends with the collection of a liquid mixture that is largely composed of alcohol. You will need a boiling pot, heat source, a large plastic bottle, fermentation material, a long copper coil and a condensation chamber.
First, you will need to fill your boiling pot with your prepared ingredients which can be any type of grain, vegetables, fruits, flowers, herbs or any type of sugars and then place it on your heat source.
Boil the ingredients in the pot until the liquid starts to bubble, often referred to as a wash, and let it sit for a few hours.
After that, transfer the wash into a large plastic bottle and then add your fermentation material, such as a commercial yeast, to the liquid to help with the fermentation process. The fermentation process is when the sugar from the ingredients will react with the yeast to create alcohol.
Seal the plastic bottle and let it sit for about a week.
Once the fermentation process is complete, the liquid needs to be distilled to remove unwanted impurities and separate the alcohol from the liquid. To do this, you will need a long copper coil connected to your plastic bottle and then placed in a separate condensation chamber filled with cold water.
Heat the liquid as it flows through the copper coil and the steam that is released will condense into liquid again in the condensation chamber. The liquid will be mostly alcohol and can be used to create a variety of drinks.
Making a basic still is a complex process, but it is well worth the effort when done correctly. Provided you have the necessary supplies and adhere to the right procedures, you should have no problem getting a great result.
What do I need to build a moonshine still?
Building a moonshine still requires several components, including a heat source, a boiler, a condenser and various pieces of tubing.
Firstly, for the heat source, you can use a gas burner, an electric element, or a wood fire. It is important to choose a heat source that is rated for alcohol production and will be able to safely handle the high temperatures needed for distillation.
The boiler is what will hold the mash or beer, usually a stainless steel container, and will attach to the heat source. The size of the boiler will depend on how much moonshine you plan to make.
The condenser is important for collecting the alcohol and cooling the vaporized alcohol back into liquid form. The simplest type of condenser is a water-cooled condenser, which requires running water to flow through the condenser and cool the vaporized alcohol.
Lastly, several pieces of tubing and fittings, such as valves and connectors, will be needed to connect the boiler, condenser and heat source as well as for venting, distilling and collecting the moonshine.
Copper is the most commonly used material for these pieces, as it is non-reactive and resists corrosion.
In addition to these components, a thermometer, funnels and jars may also be necessary to measure the temperature and collect the moonshine. In many states, it is recommended to obtain the necessary permits, even if moonshine production is for personal use.
How much will a 5 gallon still make?
A 5 gallon still will typically produce around 10-15 gallons of mash which will yield about 5-7 gallons of finished product, depending on the type of mash used. This can equate to roughly 25-40 750ml bottles of distilled alcohol.
The precise amount of yield will depend on the type of mash and ABV, as well as other factors such as temperature, time, and distillation method. Additionally, some distillers prefer to do multiple runs on the same mash to produce higher strength spirits, resulting in even less yield but stronger finished product.
How thick should copper be for a still?
The thickness of copper that is required for a still can depend on the size and style of the still you are creating. Generally speaking, copper sheeting should be at least 16 to 20 oz. /sq. ft. in order to withstand the intense heat and pressure created by the still.
The copper should also be at least. 02 inches (1/50 of an inch) thick to ensure that it can handle the extreme temperatures created in the distilling process. As such, for a small to medium still, 16 oz/sq. ft.
copper sheeting that is. 02 inches thick will usually suffice. However, for a larger still, 18 to 20 oz/sq. ft. copper sheeting that is. 03 inches thick may be necessary.
How long does it take to make moonshine in a still?
The amount of time it takes to make moonshine in a still depends on the type of still being used and the recipe being followed. Generally, it will take anywhere from three to 24 hours, plus additional resting time, to complete one run of moonshine.
The process involves heating up mash or another source of fermented sugar to convert it into alcohol. The heated liquid is then collected and distilled to produce a higher proof spirit. This run will generally take between three and seven hours, with the setup and break down of the still adding additional time.
Once the product has been produced, it needs to be aged and rested in a barrel for anywhere from a few days to several months in order to achieve smooth, mature flavor profiles. This resting time can also reduce the proof of the moonshine.
The length of this resting period will depend on the type of still being used and the desired product. It is possible to make moonshine within a single day, however allowing adequate time for the product to rest and mature will generally create a more enjoyable spirit.
Is making moonshine illegal?
Yes, making moonshine, also known as illegal homemade liquor, is illegal. It is illegal to make and possess any alcohol product without the appropriate licensing and taxes paid. Moonshine is an unaged distilled spirit, usually made with corn mash or other grains, and usually at a relatively low proof, compared to other liquors.
It is often made in an attempt to avoid taxes or legal regulations associated with purchasing alcohol, such as taxes or licensing fees. The production, sale, and transportation of moonshine is widely considered to be a form of tax evasion, and is therefore illegal in many countries and jurisdictions.
In most places, the production, distribution, and possession of moonshine is prosecuted under public health or excise taxes. Additionally, the safety hazard and risk posed by illegal production of liquor is of great importance, as contamination of the product can occur, leading to serious injury or illness due to additives like methanol.
For these reasons and more, making moonshine is illegal in many places.
What does a thumper keg do?
A thumper keg is a type of keg used for making home-brewed beer. It acts as a secondary chamber, helping to filter and clarify the beer as it ferments and conditions. It works by allowing liquid to move between the primary fermentation vessel (the carboy) and the secondary chamber (the thumper keg) where it is sent through for more filtering.
This removes unwanted sediment, resulting in a clear, great-tasting beer. The thumper keg also acts as a means of bottling the beer, as it can generally be placed under pressure and connected to a tap system for easy dispensing.
It also makes it easier to transport the beer in a mobile or draft format.
Can you make moonshine in stainless steel?
Yes, you can make moonshine in stainless steel. The process is actually quite simple. All you need is a stainless steel pot, some sugar, yeast, and water. The first thing you need to do is make a sugar solution.
To do this, simply mix sugar and water in a pot and heat it until the sugar is dissolved. Once the sugar is dissolved, remove the pot from the heat and let it cool. Next, add yeast to the sugar solution and stir until it is fully dissolved.
Now, it’s time to start distilling. Place your stainless steel pot over a heat source and bring the liquid to a boil. Once the liquid starts boiling, it will start to condense on the sides of the pot.
Use a condensing coil to collect the condensed liquid and then collect it in a clean container. Congratulations, you’ve just made moonshine!.
How much mash do you put in a 5 gallon still?
The amount of mash you put into a 5 gallon still can vary depending on the type of still you are using, the type of spirit you are distilling, and the strength of the mash itself. Generally, for a 5 gallon still, you would use between 8-10 pounds of mashed grains.
If you are using a reflux still or a pot still, it may be beneficial to use a higher amount of mash, such as 12-14 pounds. When using a reflux still, it is important to note that the mash should be pre-boiled prior to distilling, as it will help to reduce the amount of byproducts that can an otherwise be produced during distillation.
Likewise, the mash should definitely be mashed for the required amount of time, usually an hour or two, to effectively convert the starches into sugar, which will be converted into alcohol during distillation.
Also, when using a reflux still, the mash should be quite thick, as the particles must pass through the column of the reflux still. The temperature of the mash should also be taken into consideration, as it must be hot enough to create enough vapor to fill the column of the still.
Lastly, if you are intending to produce a flavored spirit, botanicals should also be added to the mash, which can result in an even larger mash.
What’s a gallon of moonshine worth?
The cost of a gallon of moonshine can vary greatly depending on the location, type of moonshine being purchased and the source. Generally, a gallon of moonshine will range in price from around $30 – $50 in legal states like Kentucky, Tennessee, and Georgia.
In states where moonshine is illegal, the cost increases significantly and may range anywhere from $150 to $400. High-end moonshine, such as that produced for a particular distillery or with specialized ingredients, can even cost $500 or more for a single gallon.
Additionally, the cost of moonshine usually increases around the holiday season.
How much head do you throw away when distilling?
When distilling, the amount of head that is thrown away depends on multiple factors, such as the type of distillation, the type of spirit being produced, and the desired end product. For example, a basic copper pot still will generate a more distinct separation between the head and heart, and therefore a larger amount of head can be discarded during the distillation process.
On the other hand, a column still has a much smaller separation between the head and the heart, so less head needs to be thrown away when using this type of still.
The most common practice for all stills is to discard the first 15-25 percent of their liquid collected. This is because the first portion of alcohol contains high levels of methanol, which can lead to unpleasant flavors if not discarded.
Once the desirable amount of alcohol has been collected, the still will switch to the tails and discard the remaining liquid, which contains fusel oils and other compounds that impart off-flavors and aromas.
Ultimately, the amount of head that is discarded when distilling depends on the type of spirit being produced, the desired end product, and the type of still being used. By trial and error, distillers can find the optimal amount of head to discard for each of their spirits.
At what proof do you stop distilling?
The proof at which you stop distilling is determined by the type of liquor you are making and the desired outcomes. Generally, the higher proof, the more concentrated the flavors in the liquid, and the higher the alcohol content.
For whiskeys and bourbons, many will stop distilling at between 80 and 160 proof, while flavored spirits and liqueurs may be distilled as high as 190 proof. The most common distillation proofs, however, are between 90 and 110.
If you’re distilling in order to produce a higher alcohol content, then you want to aim to stop at the highest proof you can, as this will provide the highest amount of alcohol. The flavors of your spirits will also concentrate the higher you go in proof, but this, too, is determined by the base ingredients.
It is usually recommended to stop distilling at a lower proof in order to preserve other aspects of the ingredients, such as smoothness and flavor. As such, the proof at which you stop distilling will vary depending on the type of spirit being made and what your desired outcome is.
How long does it take to distill 3 gallons of moonshine?
The time it takes to distill 3 gallons of moonshine depends on a few factors, such as the type of still used, the quality of the fermentable liquid, and the experience of the distiller. For example, if you are using a column still and have high-quality fermentable liquid, it may take 3 to 4 hours to distill 3 gallons of moonshine.
If, however, you are using a pot still and have lower-quality fermentable liquid, it may take up to 8 hours. Additionally, if you are a novice distiller, it may take you longer than an experienced distiller.
In that case, you may need to dedicate a whole day to distilling 3 gallons of moonshine.
What temperature should you run a still?
The temperature at which you should run a still depends on several factors, such as the type of mash or wash that you are distilling. Generally speaking, for grains, you want your still to be running at about 170℉ (77℃).
Different mash types may need to be slightly adjusted, for example, a fruit mash should be about 10-20°F (6-11°C) cooler than a grain mash. With a mash that is much higher in sugar content such as honey, the temperature should be closer to around 140-150°F (60-66°C).
For higher proof runs, you may need to reduce the temperature of your still.
When using a pot still you will want to continually monitor and adjust your still’s temperature in order to get a good quality distillate. With a reflux still, you are able to set the temperature and will likely have to adjust and tweak it in order to get the results that you’re looking for.
In general, you should aim to start off at a higher temperature than what you are aiming to end up at, and then adjust downwards to get the desired results.
Working with a still can be a very precise process and take a great amount of patience and practice in order to get just the right temperature for superior results. Take the time to get to know your still and the process that it needs to work consistently and you will find yourself with the best possible results.