Choosing the Right Ingredients for Your High Quality, Cheap Whiskey Stills

After choosing to buy whiskey stills online, the whiskey enthusiast is faced with the daunting task of choosing other pieces of equipment and selecting the right ingredients for crafting spirits. What makes whiskey such a unique spirit are those ingredients used as part of the fermentation and distillation processes. In particular, fermented grain, water, and yeast make up the essential components of true whiskey. While this blend of ingredients can vary somewhat depending upon the region wherein the whiskey is produced (Scotland, for instance, has a rich, storied tradition in the production of whiskey), you’ll always see one form or other of these three main ingredients. However, finding cheap whiskey stills and selecting these ingredients must be painstakingly detailed to ensure that the appropriate flavor and robustness come to the fore. Otherwise, the unfortunate blend will yield a batch of spirits that will in no way satisfy the aims of the whiskey enthusiast.

American whiskeys (even those produced by hobbyists using cheap whiskey stills) are usually produced with rye, barley, wheat, and, most famously, corn. Usually, the American whiskey is then aged in white oak barrels where it will be kept for a predetermined number of years until it is finally imbibed by the consumer. However, some distillers have also taken to utilizing other ingredients like millets, oats, rice, and just about every other grain you can imagine. Regardless of the grains chosen, the total amount of grains and/or variation in grains used within the mixture is known as the grain bill.

Even with so many grains to choose from, there exist variations within the actual grains utilized in the grain bill; for instance, they can be flaked, crushed, or even finely ground into meal before being included within the mixture. Flaked grains are the preferred grain of choice for many distillers who buy whiskey stills online due to their flexibility in terms of utilization. They are unmalted grains which have been crushed, moistened, cooked, and finally flaked between rollers. While most distillers utilize flaked grains to complement their whole grain recipes, hobbyists can avoid a great deal of the work involved in crushing grains by choosing instead to work only with flaked grains. Doing so will save some time, money, and efforts. Though these grains still need to be mashed, the processing used for flaked grains isn’t nearly as tedious and painstaking as that which is found with preparing and crushing whole grains.

However, one thing that should be avoided when choosing grains is utilizing any which contain seeds. Instead, the grains selected should be dried, food grade grains. Those which were intended to be used later on for seeding purposes often contain pesticides and fertilizers which make them potentially harmful to ingest. Indeed, even after the distillation process in your high-quality, cheap whiskey stills, the pesticides and fertilizers are likely still present within the final product. Fortunately, pesticide free grains can easily be found at health food shops, homebrew stores, and wholesale food distributors.

Ultimately, the selection of grains can have a major impact upon the final yield in your high-quality, cheap whiskey stills. So, before making a decision on which grains to purchase, it is always important for the home distiller to learn as much as possible about the grains. Do your diligence and by carefully planning out what the drink should eventually become at the conclusion of the process. Then, once the grains are collected, the next steps can finally be put into action: the malting and mashing phases. These steps are critical and must be done carefully before the ultimate distillation process within your cheap whiskey stills. Suffice it to say that, while doing research before having to buy whiskey stills online can be tedious and long, there is no mistaking the kind of work which needs to be done to select and prepare your ingredients before finally putting your cheap whiskey stills to use.

Evaluating Materials for Learning How to Make a Whiskey Still

Tips for attempting to construct a whiskey still at home concern a great deal of varying areas, and include a number of practical and scientific topics. This type of project is certainly interesting as it has garnered an increasing level of interest among whiskey hobbyists. Learning more about this potentially arduous task is not a bad idea, especially for those who have no previous experience with the process of still construction. Even whiskey hobbyists without any particular interest in constructing stills themselves should at least acquaint themselves with the knowledge of how these apparatuses are constructed as it will provide additional insight into how to craft spirits. Before proceeding, anyone in the hopes of constructing their own still or at least learning about the process should carefully examine a few safety guidelines. 

For making whiskey still, the material of choice has always been metal. However, selecting parts which composed of stainless steel or copper is another matter entirely. Much has been made of ingenious types of construction projects involving a whiskey still being pieced together using objects found around a garage or tool shed, like an old radiator, for example. The reasoning behind such decisions often goes something like this: “hey, this object is made out of metal (it kind of looks like steel) and has the right tubing needed for the job…I could definitely use this as part of my still, right?” While the prospect of making such a useful tool out of an old, useless car part is very interesting and quite creative, it isn’t recommended for a variety of safety guidelines. For making whiskey still goes beyond creativity and a passion for eco-friendly options; the science of the still’s materials must be carefully examined.

Creating a still from a useless object is certainly eco-friendly and very much “green;” however, it doesn’t have anything more going in its favor. In particular, constructing a whiskey still out of old junk isn’t conducive to a tasty brew or a healthy body; indeed, it is dangerous to pursue such a DIY project without first carefully examining the inner workings of the part itself, as well as the part’s history during both its active usage and during its storage as a piece of scrap. Aside from the obvious cleanliness issues (roaches, pests, mold, etc.) which arise from the storage of a random apparatus like a car radiator inside a garage, attic, or outdoor tool shed, there are other dangerous factors to consider. The DIY’er of a whiskey still who has used these types of parts may have learned how to make a whiskey still (tips for this type of project are readily available on the Internet), but he/she likely overlooked the science behind the materials themselves.

The most pressing concern comes from this fact: you have no specific knowledge of what was contained within the object during its usable life. If we stick with our car radiator example, we can already pinpoint several hazards. The most prominent of these is the utilization of antifreeze or other chemicals during the part’s lifetime in a working automobile; the presence of anti-freeze, with its host of toxic compounds, should render this part off-limits. Despite however much you try to cleanse the radiator, the chemicals from the anti-freeze (or any other chemicals used during the life of the radiator), have embedded themselves into the metal. Once this happens, they are not easily separated; instead, those who use this type of object as part of their still will quickly discover that the chemicals left behind inside the radiator easily blend into the liquor which has been distilled inside this apparatus. If someone is putting together a list for how to make a whiskey still, tips should prominently feature safety concerns.

Suffice it to say that when thinking about how to make a whiskey still, tips to consider should include not using old household or automotive objects; these used parts must be considered off limits as a component for a whiskey still. Attempting to use such components is far too dangerous; regardless of however much you believe that any particular piece has been cleansed of any dangerous compounds (just because you can’t see them with the naked eye doesn’t mean they’re not there). Instead, anyone wishing to pursue this DIY hobby should carefully think about whether or not this project is really worthwhile, especially given that there are so many companies which produce fully constructed whiskey stills of several varieties and sizes (and which adhere to reliable safety guidelines for making whiskey still). These stills are usually made out of brand new copper or stainless steel, and are thus safe from potentially hazardous reactions with alcohol. Additionally, they are not put together with solder that will contribute any noxious compounds to the distilled spirits. 

However, if the DIY spirit within the whiskey hobbyist is too strong to overcome, then there are always companies which sell individual copper parts that can be assembled using the right equipment. However, for safety and reliability’s sake, many enthusiasts simply gravitate toward the distillation process itself and leave the construction of the still to professional craftsmen who specialize in forging excellent copper stills while abiding by specific safety guidelines for making whiskey still. You can’t go wrong with choosing such a still, especially when so much time and effort will be spent on learning how to better distill fine liquors.

Purchase Your Whiskey Still Kit at Affordable Prices

The whiskey selection at most liquor stores may, after some time and continued sampling, prove to be inadequate while attempting to satiate your thirst for new varieties of this fine spirit.  There’s not much you can do to develop this taste for flavors after acquiring a kit for whiskey still and only drinking your own product.  As you become more acquainted with different flavors and further develop your fine liquor palate while sampling spirits from a variety of single malt distilleries, you may grow weary at the same old selection on the shelves of your local emporium.  While a great number of blended whiskey options are available at most liquor stores across America, there seems to be a limited number of single malt options and, sadly, this hinders our quest to further cultivate our taste for this fine product. Indeed, at your ordinary, run of the mill liquor store, you may see only a dozen or so different varieties of Scotch single malt whiskey.  Though you may be unable to create a fine single malt Scotch after finding a good whiskey still kit for sale, there is no reason to give up hope in developing your liquor palate.  Continue doing your research and sampling a variety of single malt Scotch brands from a variety of distilleries.

However, in order to truly grasp the varieties which are available to the whiskey connoisseur, you should learn a little more about the nature (literally) of the region in which the spirit was actually produced.  Even if the kit for whiskey still which you purchased was made in Scotland, producing spirits from your own mini still won’t be a substitute for learning about the history and culture out of which single malt Scotch originated.  A rich history has developed regarding the varying styles unique to each region.  Though the role of these regions has upon distinctive tastes has certainly become gradually marginalized over the years, the whiskey enthusiast’s knowledge of the traditional styles corresponding to each region remains an important guidepost.  This is a crucial factor regarding why purchasing your own whiskey still kit for sale isn’t enough to build your capacity as a distiller; you need to gain more and more insight about the product produced over the years to gain a firmer grasp upon the product you’re attempting to cultivate.  Indeed, information about regional Scotch whiskies provides great clarity as we learn more and more about the distilleries from which each single malt liquor has been produced. 

This is a particularly important piece of knowledge for anyone looking to become more acquainted with the various flavors and styles which each distillery has to offer (particularly if you can acquire a kit for whiskey still from one of these regions).  It is because of this accumulation of knowledge that the whiskey enthusiast can more carefully scrutinize the beverage which he/she is purchasing, and thus learn more about the tastes and styles which will be more pleasing in the future. While there was a time when the incorporation of local barley or the unique climate of a particular region produced a decidedly distinct effect upon a whiskey, the regions out of which any single malt Scotch originates will nonetheless prove to be a factor in the final production process.  It thus behooves anyone who has just purchased a whiskey still kit for sale to learn everything he can about the products which may ultimately be produced from each region in Scotland, and from each distillery contained therein.

In essence, there are 5 primary whisky regions which you should be aware of: Speyside, Highlands, Lowlands, Islay and Campbeltown. Furthermore, each of these whiskey regions can be broken down further into sub-regions.  Indeed, while looking for a whiskey still kit for sale, it wouldn’t be a bad idea to check labels and ask questions about where certain parts, ingredients, and other components of your kit have come from.  For instance, the Lowlands region consists of four areas; Central, East, West and Borders.  Oddly enough, this knowledge about the Lowlands isn’t particularly helpful because there are only three remaining malt whiskey distilleries still actively producing spirits in this region.  Another famous tradition passed down through word of mouth has been that the Isle of Islay produces the only peated whiskey anywhere, when in fact this type of whiskey is produced regularly throughout Scotland and even in Ireland.  A hobbyist must thus perform his research with the mindset of a critical investigator; in essence, he/she must not be blinded by individual source bias, but must instead critical analyze a variety of information sources and scrutinize all information carefully, especially as it pertains to research being done for a kit for whiskey still which originates from one of these regions.

Suffice it to say, a person’s knowledge regarding Scotch whisky regions isn’t only the stuff of useless folklore and history.  Instead, this information gives the whiskey connoisseur an interesting insight into the strange and unique world of whiskey, and will prove helpful as you ponder your decision regarding the purchase of a kit for whiskey still.  Thus, a whiskey enthusiast will be well served in learning about the history and traditions of a region.  Such knowledge will pay dividends not only when searching for a whiskey still kit for sale, but also as the hobbyist attempts to understand the production processes unique to each region and, furthermore, unique to each individual distillery in Scotland. 

How to Find High-Quality Cheap Whiskey Stills

Shopping online for top whiskey stills is frustrating - how do you know if the cheap whiskey stills you’re looking at are high quality? There are a few expert tips and tricks you can use to shop online for high quality whiskey stills, at great prices.

Tips and Tricks for Whiskey Still Shopping

1. Know What You’re Looking For

Different whiskey and moonshine still designs are better for making different products. You might consider a whiskey still with a column, or even a flip top column, if you want to produce different types of alcohol. You might need a premium design for the highest quality essential oils. If you’re looking to produce great things, you want to know what whiskey still design will be best for you.

You can get away with using a cheap whiskey still, if you aren’t concerned about the purity or quality of your final product, or if you have the time to distill multiple times. Otherwise, know that investing in a superior quality whiskey still will pay off.

2. Always Choose Copper

Copper has natural purifying properties and a beautiful look. It’s easy to maintain and clean. But mostly, it makes your distilled alcohol, water, or essential oils superior quality. Whiskey stills come in other materials, with copper mesh or copper parts, but for the highest-quality, choose an all-copper moonshine or whiskey still.

Even if - for some reason - you choose a non-copper whiskey still, always check to make sure it is 100% lead-free soldering. 

3. Safety First

Look for whiskey still designs that include built-in thermometers, emptying valves, rubber gripping, extra-thick bottom layers, and other safety features. Whiskey stills are serious tools, and distillers work with seriously high temperatures. You never want to sacrifice safety to save a few dollars.

4. Company Policies are Important

The best online whiskey still shops offer free or reduced shipping and a fair return policy, including a potential money-back guarantee. There are many factors to consider when purchasing a small or large whiskey still, and customer reviews can provide a lot of valuable information about how a company does business.

Shopping online for affordable but superior quality whiskey stills can be challenging, but keeping a few good shopping guidelines in mind will help you avoid the costly mistake of purchasing cheap whiskey stills that don’t live up to your expectations. Take the time during shopping, and save yourself the money with a satisfying purchase.

What you will find in our whiskey still kit

Moonshine and whiskey stills for sale come in all shapes and sizes. Depending on how much you’re planning to make and what your recipe is, you might need several sizes. But what if you have to move a large, heavy, copper whiskey still from one place to another? A one-piece still may not be the best option for you. A well-stocked whiskey still kit will make it easy for your to have a fully functioning and beautiful still, but enjoy the convenience to move it easily from one place to another.

Parts of a whiskey still 

It doesn’t matter if you get a pot still or a column still - most stills have the same basic parts, although there are a few differences. Both pot stills and column stills have:

• A boiler pot: This is the largest part of the still and requires the most attention with cleaning and inspection. This is the part you place on your heat source, and then you your mash materials in the pot to be boiled.
• An “onion-head” top: This part of the still gets its colourful name from its shape. Many have built-in thermometers to help you monitor the temperature of your boiling whiskey mash.
• A condenser coil: This is the most difficult to clean, and requires careful inspection before every run. This is the part you must keep cool during a run, in order to turn your vaporized alcohol back into drinkable alcohol.  

All basic designs of whiskey stills for sale include these three parts, but a column whiskey still kit (no matter whether they’re flip top or fixed column stills) will also include a column piece that attaches to the top of the boiler pot and to the bottom of the onion-head top. A column allows a distiller to produce different things, like essential oils, because of its steam distillation technique. Versatility is key, and every distiller knows that you can make more out of your whiskey still when you understand how all the parts of it work together.

Article by: Jim Thomas

Online 10 gallon copper still for sale

For a vinegar run, mix water and vinegar equally to fill the still to about 20% capacity – so, 1 gallon of vinegar and 1 gallon of water for a 10 Gallon Copper Still. Heat the still without cooling the condenser until steam, vinegar, and water come out of the condenser. Turn off the heat and allow the copper still to cool.

How to Seal a Copper Still with Flour Paste

Once you have purchased the right copper whiskey still, you have made your mash, and you are ready for your alcohol run, there are a few final preparations to make your whiskey or moonshine run a smashing success.

Your copper moonshine still detaches from the pot at the onion bulb, for easy cleaning, transport, and filling. However, you do not want alcohol vapor to escape from the space between these parts. Alcohol vapor is highly flammable - which is why you should always distill in a well-ventilated area - and alcohol vapor that escapes is vapor that is not turned into moonshine.


So, Before you begin distilling your own moonshine at home, make sure that you seal the space between the onion head of the still and the body of the still with a simple flour paste that you can make yourself.