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.