How to Build a Homemade Still for Making Moonshine

Moonshine, a term used to describe homemade liquor, has been a long-standing tradition in many regions of the world. Although it is illegal in most countries to make it, many people still carry on with the age-old practice. One of the most important tools for making moonshine is a still. It is an apparatus designed to extract the alcohol content from a fermented mixture. Today, we will show you how to make a still at home so that you can create your own homemade spirits.

Making a still may sound like a complicated process, but it is actually quite simple. In this article, we will walk you through the steps to build a basic still for moonshine. The process of making a still involves creating a setup that separates the water from the alcohol in a fermented liquid. Many different types of stills can be constructed, but we will focus on a simple design that anyone can build with readily available materials. Once you complete this project, you will enjoy sip-worthy spirits that you can share with friends or keep for yourself.

Materials Needed for Making a Still

Making a still can be a fun and rewarding project. While it may seem daunting at first, it’s actually quite straightforward if you have the right materials. Here are the things you’ll need to make a still for moonshine.

A container for your still

One of the most important things you’ll need is a container to hold your still. You’ll want to choose something that’s made of a durable material, like stainless steel or copper. The container should also be large enough to hold all of your equipment and ingredients.

Copper tubing

Copper tubing is a key component of any still. It’s used to carry the steam from your mixture to the condenser. Copper is an excellent conductor of heat, which makes it ideal for this purpose.

A condenser

Another important component of the still is the condenser. This is where the steam from your mixture will be condensed back into a liquid. You can make a condenser out of copper tubing by coiling it into a spiral shape and immersing it in cold water.

A heat source

Your still will need a heat source to create the steam that will eventually become moonshine. There are several options for this, including a gas burner, an electric hot plate, or a wood fire.

A thermometer

To make sure you’re getting the best results from your still, you’ll want to use a thermometer to monitor the temperature of your mixture. This will help you achieve the perfect balance of heat and cooling to create the highest quality moonshine.

A hydrometer

A hydrometer is another important tool for monitoring the quality of your moonshine. This device measures the specific gravity of your mixture, which can tell you how much alcohol is present.

Cleaning supplies

Keeping your still clean is essential for maintaining the quality of your moonshine. Be sure to have plenty of cleaning supplies on hand, including a scrub brush, copper cleaner, and soap.

A funnel

When it’s time to transfer your mixture from one container to another, a funnel can be a helpful tool. Look for one that’s large enough to handle the liquid flow, and that’s made of a material that can withstand the high temperatures.

Extra hoses

It’s always a good idea to have some extra hoses on hand in case of leaks or other problems. Make sure you choose hoses that are compatible with your still’s fittings.

Safety equipment

Finally, be sure to invest in some safety equipment, including goggles, gloves, and a fire extinguisher. Making moonshine can be a lot of fun, but it’s important to stay safe while you’re doing it.

Getting Started: The Materials and Tools You Need

Making a still for moonshine is not as difficult as it might seem, but you’ll need a few basic materials and tools to get started. Here’s what you’ll need:

1. A large stockpot with a tight-fitting lid and a capacity of at least 5 gallons.
2. A copper coil or tubing, preferably 3/8 inch in diameter.
3. A propane burner or a stovetop with a reliable heat source.
4. A thermometer that can withstand high temperatures (at least 220°F).
5. A hydrometer to measure the alcohol content of your moonshine.
6. A drill with a bit that can make a 3/8″ hole.
7. Plumbing tape to connect the copper tubing and the pot.
8. A container or bucket to collect your moonshine.
9. A grain mill, if you’re planning to make your own mash.
10. A funnel and a large stirring spoon.

Once you’ve gathered all your materials, it’s time to start building your moonshine still.

Choosing the Right Pot

The first thing you need to consider when making a still for moonshine is the pot. You’ll want to use a large pot with a tight-fitting lid that can hold at least 5 gallons of liquid. A stainless steel stockpot is a good choice, but if you want the best flavor and quality for your moonshine, you should consider using a copper pot. Copper is an excellent conductor of heat and can help remove impurities and sulfur compounds from your moonshine.

Choosing the Right Coil or Tubing

The coil or tubing you choose for your moonshine still is equally important. Most moonshiners prefer copper tubing for its antimicrobial properties and excellent heat conductance. The tubing should be at least 3/8 inch in diameter to allow for maximum heat transfer and to prevent clogging. You can buy pre-made copper coils or tubing from hardware stores or online suppliers.

Choosing the Right Burner or Heat Source

The heat source you choose for your moonshine still will depend on your preference and the amount of moonshine you want to make. If you’re planning to make small batches, you can use a stovetop burner. However, if you want to make larger batches or if you prefer to work outdoors, a propane burner is a better choice. Propane burners give you more control over the heat and can heat your pot faster.

Drilling a Hole and Inserting the Coil

The next step in making a moonshine still is drilling a hole in the top of your pot and inserting the copper coil. Use a drill with a bit that can make a 3/8″ hole. Install the coil by feeding one end through the hole and running it down to the bottom of the pot. Make sure the coil fits snugly in the pot and that the other end of the coil is above the pot’s rim.

Attaching the Plumbing Tape

Once the coil is securely in place, you’ll need to attach the plumbing tape to the copper tubing and the pot. Wrap the plumbing tape around the copper tubing where it meets the hole in the pot to prevent leaks. Be sure to wrap the tape tightly and evenly, as any gaps or overlaps can cause the moonshine to leak.

Building a Condenser

To turn the alcohol vapors from your pot back into liquid, you’ll need to build a condenser. The easiest way to do this is to use a bucket or container with a lid. Cut a small hole in the lid and insert the other end of the copper tubing into the hole. The tubing should be long enough to reach the bottom of the container, and the container should be filled with ice and water to cool the vapor back into liquid.

Add a Thermometer

To monitor the temperature of your moonshine, you’ll need to add a thermometer to your pot. The thermometer should be able to withstand high temperatures (at least 220°F) and should be placed near the top of the pot, away from the flame, where it can be easily read.

Using a Hydrometer

A hydrometer is a tool that measures the specific gravity of your moonshine, which in turn tells you the alcohol content. To use a hydrometer, simply fill a container with your moonshine and insert the hydrometer into the liquid. The hydrometer will float at a certain level, indicating the alcohol content.

Making Your Own Mash

If you want to make your own moonshine, you’ll need to start with a mash. A mash is a mixture of grains, sugar, and water. You’ll need a grain mill to grind your grains, which should be corn, barley, or rye. Mix the grains with sugar and water and let the mash ferment for a few days before distilling.

Distilling Your Moonshine

Distilling your moonshine takes time and patience, but with the right tools and techniques, you can create a top-quality product. Simply fill your pot with your mash or store-bought alcohol, heat it up using your chosen heat source, and collect the distilled moonshine in your condenser. As you collect your moonshine, make sure to use your hydrometer to test the alcohol content and adjust as needed. With these steps, you’ll be making high-quality moonshine in no time.

Materials Needed

To make a still for moonshine, there are a few materials that are necessary. Here are the materials needed to make a basic still:

With these materials on hand, it’s time to begin constructing the still.

Cheers to Homemade Moonshine!

Well, there you have it, folks! Making your own moonshine is an exciting and rewarding experience that is not for the faint of heart. Remember to always be safe and follow all necessary precautions when operating your still. Thanks for reading and we hope this article has inspired you to start your own moonshine journey. Be sure to visit us again soon for more exciting DIY projects! Happy distilling!