The word ‘still’ comes from the Old English word ‘stil’, which means a ‘vessel used for distilling liquids. ‘ Still is regularly used to refer to the device used in distilling alcoholic beverages. The still is essentially a device that helps create distilled beverages by heating mixtures of fermented ingredients, allowing for the steam to separate the liquids from the solids by rising.
The condensed liquid, which is the beverage we drink, is known as the distillate.
Still designs vary from pot stills and continuous stills with differing names depending on their design and place of origin, such as a whisky still or a moonshine still. Through the process of distillation, stills are able to turn alcoholic beverages and wines into brandies, spirits and liqueurs.
The name ‘still’ has stuck around for centuries because it still describes the primary function of the device.
What alcohol is made in a still?
Alcohol that is made in a still is typically ethyl alcohol (also known as grain alcohol or ethanol). This is the type of alcohol that is found in wine, beer, and liquor, and is produced through a process of fermentation and distillation.
Distillation is the process of separating a liquid mixture into its various components with the use of a still. A still is a device that boils the liquid mixture, captures and condenses the steam, and separates out the components of the liquid mixture depending on their boiling points.
The ethyl alcohol ( ethanol ) is the component of the liquid mixture that has one of the lowest boiling points, so it will vaporize first and then be condensed back into a liquid form as part of the distillation process.
It is important to note that a still can also be used to make other types of alcohol, such as methanol and isopropyl alcohol, but these are not typically used as beverages due to their toxicity and unpleasant taste.
How does a still work?
A still is an apparatus that is used to distill liquid mixtures by heating them to separate the components. Stills have been used for centuries to separate liquids from solids, different liquids and gases, and liquids with different boiling points.
A still consists of a chamber that is heated, a condenser, and a collection container.
When heated, the chamber begins to vaporize the liquid mixture, which is then directed into the condenser. The condenser cools down the vapor to turn it back into a liquid, and then this liquid is collected in the container.
The different components of the original liquid mixture will have different boiling points, so each of them will become vapor at different temperatures and then condense back into liquid at different temperatures.
This allows the components with higher boiling points to be collected in the container without the lower boiling point components.
The fractional distillation process is a common method used in the production of ethanol alcohol, perfumes, essential oils, food flavoring, and more. Not only does this allow the collection of desired products, but it can also help to purify the substance and remove undesired components.
When using a still, it is important to pay attention to safety precautions and make sure the equipment is of good quality and the components are rated for their intended purpose. Additionally, many regions have laws that regulate the use of stills, so it is important to be aware of such regulations when using a still.
What can a still make?
A still is a device used to create distilled beverages from water and other ingredients. Still designs may range from large stainless steel tanks to small homemade contraptions, and the distillation process can vary depending on the desired result.
Generally, a still works by heating and vaporizing water and then collecting the concentrated vapor before it condenses. The vapor is then cooled and collected, resulting in a concentrated beverage like whiskey, brandy, and other cognacs.
Still designs may include components like a boiler, condenser, and collection tank to provide the end result. The boiler is where the water and other ingredients are placed to be heated and vaporized, the condenser is where the vapor is cooled and then condensed back into liquid form, and the collection tank is where the distilled beverage is collected.
Depending on the design, many stills are quite efficient and can generate a high-proof beverage in just a few hours.
How much moonshine does a 8 gallon still make?
The amount of moonshine that an 8 gallon still will produce will depend on a lot of factors. The efficiency of the still, the amount of mash used, the purity of the mash, and the temperature of the still are all factors that will have an impact on the amount of moonshine produced.
Generally, a 8 gallon still will yield between 6-7 gallons of moonshine per batch, with an average of about 6 1/2 gallons of moonshine. Of course, experienced still operators can increase the yield by adjusting all of the variables to get a higher output.
The maximum yield of an 8 gallon still would be about 8 gallons of moonshine, but this would be possible only under ideal conditions.
How can you tell the proof of moonshine?
Moonshine, also known as spirituous liquor, is an illicit, un-aged distilled alcoholic beverage. To tell whether you have genuine moonshine or not, you can perform a few simple tests.
The first test is to smell and taste the moonshine. Genuine moonshine should have a strong, almost metallic, smell and a distinctive, pungent taste. An experienced moonshine connoisseur can sometimes detect other aromas, such as wood, apple, or corn.
The second test is to try a float test. To perform this test, pour the moonshine carefully into a glass until about one-third full and then layer another liquid such as bar sugar, vegetable oil, or egg white over the top of the moonshine.
If the layered liquid rises to the top and floats, it is a good indication that the moonshine is genuine.
The third test is to do an alcohol content test. To do this test, you’ll need an alcoholmeter and a container of moonshine. Then, take the alcoholmeter and measure the alcohol content in the container of moonshine.
For genuine moonshine, the alcohol content should be between 60 and 95 percent ABV.
Finally, you can also have a professional test your moonshine. This is an expensive option, but it can be well worth it if you are serious about identifying genuine moonshine.
Can you drink moonshine heads?
Moonshine heads, or the heads of a moonshine still, should absolutely not be consumed. The heads of a moonshine still contain methanol, a lethal poison that can cause permanent blindness, organ damage and even death.
Furthermore, the heads of a still have not been properly filtered or distilled, and therefore contain many other contaminants, such as lead, that can cause a wide range of health problems. While some claim that moonshine heads can be drunk if spiced with cinnamon or other spices to cover up some of the toxins in the alcohol, this is a very dangerous practice and should be avoided.
What temperature should you run a still?
The best temperature to run a still will vary depending on the particular still you have and what product you’re distilling. Generally speaking, the temperature should be kept low enough to ensure that the product evaporates and is collected without being heated too much.
Many alcohol distillers, for example, will set the temperature of the still to about 170-180 degrees Fahrenheit. This ensures that the alcohol evaporates, but isn’t heated too much, which can cause off flavors or colors.
For essential oil distillers or herbalists, you may want to set the temperature to as low as 135 degrees Fahrenheit to ensure that the most subtle elements of the botanical being distilled are captured.
As always, it’s important to familiarize yourself with the particular type of still you have and any safety regulations before distilling.
How much corn do I need for 50 gallons of mash?
The amount of corn needed for 50 gallons of mash will depend on several different factors, such as the type of mash, the alcohol content, and the flavor profile desired. Generally speaking, for a traditional mash, a ratio of 1 pound of corn per gallon of water is considered the average amount used.
Therefore, for 50 gallons of mash, you would need approximately 50 pounds of corn. It is important to note that this is an approximate measurement, and depending on the desired outcome, more or less corn may be needed.
It is also important to note that different types of corn may provide different results. For example, a corn designed for whiskey may produce a sweeter flavor than other types of corn. Therefore, if the desired outcome is a sweeter product, more of the whiskey corn may be needed.
Additionally, the mash’s total grain weight, which includes other grains that may be used in the mash, should be taken into account when calculating the overall grain weight needed.
How long does it take to run a 10 gallon still?
The amount of time it takes to run a 10 gallon still varies depending on several factors, such as the size of the still, the type of mash used, and the desired alcohol content. For example, if a high-gravity beer or whisky is desired, it might take a bit longer than if a lighter alcoholic drink is desired.
Generally, it will take approximately four to five hours to run a 10 gallon still, but this can vary depending on the specifics of the distillation process. Furthermore, the duration can also be extended if multiple batches or distillation runs are desired.
What size moonshine still do I need?
The size of moonshine still you need depends on what type of still you are using and the size of your production. For larger production operations, a larger still is usually needed. Common still sizes can range from a small 5-gallon still, to a more substantial 30-gallon still.
The exact size you will need will depend on what you are producing and the type of still being used. For example, if your production is mainly for whiskey, then a larger still such as a 30-gallon still would be needed.
This will enable there to be a larger batch fermentation, and a higher proof result. On the other hand, if your production is mainly for smaller types of brews (i. e. beer and wine) then a smaller still such as a 5-gallon still would be most suitable.
Ultimately, it is important to take note of the specific production needs and the type of still that you are using. This way, you can be sure that you are selecting the right size of still for your desired production goals.
At what proof do you stop distilling?
Distillation is a process of purifying a liquid by vaporizing it and recondensing the vapor. The most common form of distillation is a process of separating the components of a liquid mixture by heating the mixture to a temperature at which one or more of its components vaporizes, and then cooling the vapor so that it condenses.
The resultingliquid, called the distillate, is usually of a higher purity than the original mixture.
Theoretically, any mixture can be separated by distillation, but in practice, certain conditions must be met in order for distillation to be an effective purification method. First, the components of the mixture must have different vapor pressure at the distillation temperature.
If all of the components of a mixture have the same vapor pressure, they will vaporize at the same temperature and will not be separated by distillation. Second, the components of the mixture must not react with each other or with the distillation apparatus.
If the components of a mixture react with each other or with the distillation apparatus, they will not be separated by distillation.
The process of distillation can be used to purify liquids, to separate liquids from solids, and to separate mixtures of liquids. The major types of distillation are fractional distillation, steam distillation, and vacuum distillation.
Fractional distillation is the most commonly used type of distillation. It is used to purify liquids, to separate mixtures of liquids, and to separate liquids from solids. Steam distillation is used to purify liquids, to separate mixtures of liquids, and to separate liquids from solids.
Vacuum distillation is used to purify liquids, to separate mixtures of liquids, and to separate liquids from solids.
The most common application of distillation is the purification of water. Distilled water is water that has been purified by distillation. It is used in computers, in laboratories, in hospitals, and in the food and beverage industry.
Distilled water is also used in lead-acid batteries and in automotive coolant systems.
What ABV should my moonshine mash be?
It is difficult to give an exact answer to this question as there are many factors to consider when it comes to the ABV or alcohol by volume of your moonshine mash. Generally, most moonshine mash will have an ABV of between 40-60%.
However, this can vary depending on a number of factors.
The amount of sugar in the mash is the main factor to consider and the more sugar in the mash the higher the ABV of the finished product. However, it is recommended that for a mash that is intended for use in distilling a moonshine with a higher ABV, you should use a mash with a sugar content of at least 10% by weight.
In addition to the sugar content, the amount of time that the mash is left to ferment will also affect the ABV. The fermentation process can be stopped before it’s complete by either reducing the temperature or by adding a preservative to the mash.
This will also reduce the ABV as the fermentation process is halted before it is able to convert all of the sugars into alcohol.
Finally, the type of yeast used to ferment the mash can also have an effect on the ABV. Generally, a strong strain of yeast is used to ferment the mash and this will lead to a higher ABV. Conversely, a weaker strain will result in a lower ABV.
In conclusion, the ABV of a moonshine mash will depend largely on the sugar content, fermentation time, and type of yeast used. A mash with a higher sugar content, longer fermentation period, and stronger yeast strain will result in a higher ABV.
Can you make whiskey without a still?
Yes, it is possible to make whiskey without using a still. The basic process involves mixing grain mash with yeast, which then ferments and produces an alcoholic liquid. This is the same solution that is used in most distilling processes.
Once the mixture is complete, you can leave it in a bottle or jug and allow it to sit for a few weeks so that the flavors can develop. The longer the whiskey type sits, the stronger its flavor will become.
After the appropriate amount of time has passed, you can strain the solution and bottle it for consumption.
Although you do not need a still to produce whiskey, the presence of a still can greatly benefit the process. With a still, you can still the fermented solution to isolate the alcohol from the water, producing a distilled version of whiskey.
This spirit can then be aged in oak barrels for some time, allowing the whiskey to acquire its signature flavor. Still-less whiskey tends to have less flavor, but many distillers have achieved great taste without distillation.
Do you need a still to make spirits?
Yes, you do need a still to make spirits. A still is a device used to distill liquid mixtures by heating them to separate components with different boiling points. This allows you to produce higher-proof alcohol or to isolate certain flavors and compounds from the mixture.
You can make spirits using a still with a number of different feedstocks, including grains, fruits, and vegetables. The process typically involves boiling the feedstock and then capturing the ethanol vapors, which are the primary component of spirits.
The vapors are then condensed and collected as liquid. Depending on the specific recipe or instructions, additional ingredients may be added before distillation is completed.
Why is it illegal to distill alcohol in the US?
In the United States, it is illegal to distill (also known as “make”) alcohol without the proper federal permit. This is because the federal government has regulated the production and sale of alcohol since the early 1900s.
Distilling or making alcohol is a complex process and there are potential hazards such as fire and explosions involved. Federal regulations are put in place to ensure that all alcohol is produced safely, with quality control standards in place.
Furthermore, alcohol produced by unlicensed producers may contain impurities and contaminants, posing a safety risk to anyone who consumes it.
The permitting process also helps to ensure that any profits generated by the sale of alcohol are properly reported and taxes are collected in a fair and consistent manner. The federal government also requires that all alcohol producers must follow the same labeling and advertising guidelines, so that consumers have clear information about the alcohol content of any beverage they purchase.
Violators of these laws are subject to serious penalties, including fines and potential jail time. In summary, it is illegal to distill alcohol in the US without the proper federal permit due to safety concerns, revenue collection, and consumer protection.
Is it illegal to make moonshine for personal use?
It depends on where you live. In many countries, making moonshine for personal use is not illegal, and in some places, it is even legal to produce and consume moonshine as long as it is not sold in any form.
However, in the United States and some of its territories, it is illegal to produce moonshine without a permit from the federal Alcohol and Tobacco Tax Trade Bureau. Even with a permit, it can only be made for scientific purposes or fuel.
If you’re caught producing moonshine without a permit, you may face heavy fines, jail time, and/or a felony conviction. Therefore, it is important to find out the laws in your area before you attempt to make moonshine for personal use.
What proof is moonshine?
Moonshine is an alcoholic beverage that is typically home-made and not legally produced or sold. It is not aged, so it has a much higher alcohol content than store-bought liquor. It is usually made of corn mash, yeast, and sugar, but can be made with a variety of other ingredients, including fruits and grains.
Distillation is used to concentrate the alcohol to about 90-95%. Proof is the measure of the percentage of alcohol. So with moonshine, its proof would be 90-95%.
Is it legal to own a still in Minnesota?
No, it is not legal to own a still in Minnesota. The possession, sale or manufacturing of stills is regulated by federal law, and in Minnesota it is illegal to own or operate a still. People caught in possession of a still or manufacturing alcohol, or selling alcohol may be prosecuted with a felony.
It is also illegal to possess or distribute alcohol made illegally, and penalties for violations are very serious. Furthermore, the alcohol produced from a still may not be pure and may contain poisonous methanol, which can cause illnesses.
