The parts of a still are referred to as the still fittings, and they all have specific purposes in order to distill alcohol. The most basic still consists of three main parts: the pot, condenser, and collection container.
The pot is the main component of the still, and is where the liquid to be distilled is heated, which allows the alcohol vapors to rise, separate from the liquid and move on to the condenser. The pot is usually made of copper, as copper removes sulfur and other impurities from the liquid during the distillation process.
The condenser is a tube that the alcohol vapors move through, where it is cooled and condensed into a liquid form. The condenser is usually made of copper or stainless steel, as these materials are non-reactive and will not change the flavor of the alcohol during the distillation process.
The last part of the still is the collection container, also referred to as a receiver, which is where the final product is collected. Usually, this container is larger than the other pieces and made of glass so it can easily be inspected by the distiller.
These three parts then have several other components needed to make them work, including valves, gaskets, couplers, clamps, and other small parts. When all of these pieces are put together, it creates a still that can be used to distill alcohol.
What are the components of a moonshine still?
The components of a traditional moonshine still include a condenser, a column, a thump keg, and a pot. The condenser is a vital part of the distilling process as it removes vapors from the alcohol liquid before it exits the still.
The column is the central piece of the still and is used to store the vapors from the now-alcoholic liquid. The thump keg is a container used to collect the alcoholic liquid throughout the distilling process.
Finally, the pot is the main container used to boil the mixture of water and grain together. All of these components work together to create a traditional moonshine still.
What is the onion top on a still?
The onion top on a still is a type of condenser head that is shaped like an onion and is typically found on homemade stills. It sits atop the still and is designed to condense and trap the alcohol during the distilling process.
The top is usually made of copper or stainless steel and contains several components, specifically a series of small plates with holes that allow the steam to rise up into the condenser. The condenser then traps the rising alcohol as it continues up into the top, releasing a concentrated liquid that is much higher in proof than regular liquor.
The steam condensation process directly relates to the amount of proof the liquor will have, with a larger onion top resulting in a greater concentration of distilled spirits. The onion top also allows for the still to easily be opened and the liquor to be quickly removed, by removing the removable lid.
What does a thumper do in a still?
A thumper is an essential component in a still, and is commonly used to increase the alcoholic content of the alcohol it produces. Generally, a thumper is a container or vessel that contains a mix of liquid, such as water or mash, and alcohol vapors.
The vapors travel up through the thumper, where they exchange heat with the liquid in the thumper, thus increasing the alcoholic content. The vapors are then cooled when they reach the top of the thumper before being collected by the condenser.
The result is a much higher proof alcohol than what was originally put into the still.
Why do moonshiners put a string in the end of the worm?
Moonshiners, or illicit whiskey distillers, often insert a “worm” (actually a metal coil) in the end of a copper still. This worm is important for efficiently condensing the alcohol vapor that is being heated in the still, and it is often referred to as the “condensing coil.
” The worm is also responsible for trapping any impurities that may be present in the distilling mixture, allowing the moonshiner to create a purer and better-tasting product. The easiest way to attach the copper condensing coil is to put a string inside the copper tube and then affix it to the lid on the top of the still.
The string provides an easy, convenient way to attach the copper coil, making it difficult to dislodge during the distilling process. This is important, as any movement of the worm could stop the distilling process by making it difficult to draw the alcohol vapor out of the tube.
In addition, the string helps to keep the worm securely within the copper still, ensuring that it won’t move around and create any unexpected issues with the distillation process.
What is a still head in distillation?
A still head is a chamber or section of a distillation apparatus which contains one or more condensers, or other fittings. It is typically placed between the vessel containing the material being distilled and the collection vessel for the distillate.
The still head is located at the uppermost point of the distillation apparatus, and its purpose is to condense the vapours produced during the distillation process. In most applications, the still head also contains a thermometer and a reflux splitter, both of which are devices used to analyze and control the distillation process.
The thermometer measures the temperature of the vapours which are being collected, while the reflux splitter allows the user to accurately adjust the composition of the final distillate. The still head is an integral component of the distillation apparatus, and its design and size will vary depending on the application.
What berries are gin made from?
Many different types of berries are used in the making of gin. The four most commonly used berries are juniper berries, coriander seeds, angelica root, and citrus fruits. Juniper berries are the most widely used, as they impart herbal flavors and a bright, distinctive aroma.
coriander seeds also help to impart an herbal flavor, while angelica root gives gin a floral, spicy scent. Lastly, many citrus fruits are used, such as orange and lemon, to add a tart and acidic flavor.
These ingredients are combined with a base spirit, usually either grain- or potato-based, and distilled together to create a gin. It is then typically flavored with herbs, spices, flowers, and the aforementioned berries.
Depending on the type of gin, additional flavoring may also be added, such as rosemary, ginger, and cardamom, among many others.
When creating a gin, producers carefully balance the flavors so that it is as unique and flavorful as possible. Depending on the ingredients used, the amount of any given ingredient, and the distillation process, many combinations of berries, herbs, and spices are possible.
Does a moonshine still have to be copper?
No, while a copper moonshine still is traditional, modern stills can be made from other materials like stainless steel or even food-grade plastic. Copper is the best material to use for distilling as it reacts with sulfur compounds and other impurities in the mash, producing a cleaner, smoother and more flavorful spirit.
Copper is also very durable and long-lasting and produces a spirit that is clearer and sharper than spirits produced in stills made of other materials. While copper moonshine stills are the most traditional and desired, you may be able to find stills made from other materials that can produce an acceptable spirit.
Ultimately, the type of still that you choose depends on your budget and aesthetic preferences.
What alcohol content does a spirit have in a wash?
The alcohol content of a spirit in a wash can vary depending on the type of spirit being used. Generally, malt washes will have an alcohol content of around 8-10%, while grain washes tend to have alcohol contents up to 15%.
It’s important to keep in mind that the amount of alcohol in the wash can affect the end product. For example, a higher alcohol content can create flavors that are more intense, while a lower alcohol content may create a smoother, more mellow flavor.
Additionally, keeping the alcohol content low can also help to prevent off-flavors and aromas from developing. It’s also important to note that when it comes to distilling, it’s essential to know the alcohol content of the wash that is being used, as higher alcohol contents can cause additional problems during the distilling process.
How much moonshine will a 13 gallon still make?
The amount of moonshine that can be made with a 13 gallon still ultimately depends on the recipe and still design that is being used. Generally speaking, the average output of a 13 gallon still will be around 3-4 gallons of moonshine with a 40-50% alcohol by volume (ABV).
However, with more efficient recipes and deeper cuts, it is possible to produce upwards of 5-6 gallons of moonshine at a higher ABV. It is important to note that more efficient recipes may require more advanced still equipment to achieve.
Additionally, different types of stills such as reflux and pot stills may provide different outputs from the same 13 gallon still design. Ultimately, it is important to pay attention to your recipe and still design to get the most efficient output from a 13 gallon still.
How long does it take to run 10 gallons of moonshine?
The amount of time it takes to run 10 gallons of moonshine depends on several factors such as the size of the still, the type of fuel used, the volume of the mash, and the amount of yeast used. Generally speaking, it takes anywhere from 7 to 14 days to run 10 gallons of moonshine.
This includes the mashing, distilling, and aging phases of the moonshine-making process. On average, it takes about 7 days to mash and ferment 10 gallons of mash, 3 to 4 days to fill the still, and an additional 4 to 7 days to run the still.
, Once the distilling process has been completed, the moonshine must be aged for an additional 2 to 3 weeks before it is considered ready to drink. To ensure the best-tasting moonshine, it is recommended to allow the moonshine to age for a minimum of 3 weeks, or up to 6 months.
All in all, it generally takes between 3 and 6 weeks to run 10 gallons of moonshine.
How much do moonshiners make per gallon?
The amount that a moonshiner can make per gallon depends on a variety of factors, including the type of alcohol being produced, the particular ingredients used, the skill and expertise of the moonshiner, and even the location of the production.
Generally speaking, moonshiners can charge up to $20 to $30 per 750ml bottle for simple recipes and up to $60 per bottle for more complex recipes. Additionally, a moonshiner’s cost of production and overhead fees need to be taken into account.
On average, it may cost moonshiners anywhere between $35 to $50 to produce one gallon of alcohol. After taking these costs into account, a moonshiner can make anywhere between $50 and $100 per gallon of alcohol, depending on various contributing factors.
What size moonshine still do I need?
The size of moonshine still you need depends on your preference and intended use. If you plan to use your still to make small batches, then a smaller still would be adequate. If you are looking to make larger batches, like 10 or 20 gallons, you may want to consider a larger still.
Another factor to consider is the design of the still. Some stills have a larger capacity than others and may require larger containers for distillation. If you plan to use higher proof alcohols for your moonshine, it may also require a larger still.
Ultimately, the size of still you get should depend on what your individual needs are, as well as the amount of space and resources you have.
