If you want to produce your own spirits at home, you need to distill them using a still. But what is a still? How do they work? And how can you find the right still for you? In this article, we’ll tell you everything you need to know about stills – how they work, the{…}
Author Archives: DIY Distilling
Gin is no longer a drink for little old ladies, it’s hit the mainstream and in the last few years has developed a cult-like status. And with that status comes the challenge of keeping track of which gins are great, which ones aren’t, and what to try next. Being unashamed gin snobs, it’s hard work{…}
Test Equipment, Tools and Equipment
The Best Alcohol Meter For Distilling In 2023 (Spirit Hydrometer)
Also known as ‘alcohol hydrometers’, ‘spirit hydrometers’, ‘proofing hydrometers, or simply as an ‘alcoholmeter’, these devices are essential in the distilling process to test the alcohol by volume (ABV) produced. But which are the best? Do you need one that goes from 0-100 or should you get a set with finer resolution?? Is there a{…}
These are some of the seven best books for whiskey, written by folks who have spent decades in the trenches researching and tasting whiskey, visiting distilleries, pubs, and libraries in an attempt to figure out what makes our country’s favorite spirit so excellent. Please pick up a few of these whiskey books, study them, and{…}
Oh, the sweet and toasty taste of our beloved rum. A treasured liquor that has been around for 60 years, having originated from the West Indies. In those 60 years, well-known experts, and self-taught lovers of rum have come to have extensive knowledge of the strong drink. Said individuals have been generous to share that{…}
Tequila and Mezcal have a rich and textured history. It is culturally significant. For many, it is a way of life and, for even more, their livelihood that has been in their family for generations. Whether you want to learn more about the history, how to make it at home, are in search of some awesome{…}
Distilling 101, Tools and Equipment
How To Select The Right Heat Source For Your Distillation Column (Explained!)
The purpose of the distillation process, in the production of alcohol, is to purify the liquid in the distillation column. This is achieved by heating and vaporizing the liquid. When the vapor recondenses into liquid, it is collected. This liquid is considered to be more pure than the original liquid as many of the impurities{…}
Whether you enjoy drinking gin, you work as a bartender, or you want to make your own gin, you should know and understand the difference between normal gin and dry gin. London Dry and Normal Gin First of all, normal gin is actually referred to as distilled gin and while there are different kinds of{…}
Whether you prefer a gin and tonic, a slow gin fizz, or Bombay Sapphire on the rocks, gin lovers everywhere may sometimes wonder why gin gives them a headache? Gin is a liquor that boasts a 40 percent alcohol volume, which means it is 80 proof and strong. It is derived from grain distillation along{…}
Louching is when your spirit turns a cloudy milky white color, instead of a nice clear spirit. In this article, we’re going to tackle what causes louching, and what you can do to fix it! Why is my gin cloudy? Gin goes cloudy due to a phenomenon known as louching. This is where the alcohol{…}
How to Make Pitorro At Home (Step-by-Step Guide)
Pitorro is a popular Puerto Rican drink, especially during special occasions. It follows the same{...}
The Best Still For Making Whiskey (In 2024)
With so many whiskey-making stills on the market, choosing one that will cater to your{...}
The Best Still For Making Vodka (In 2024)
I make a lot of gin, and to make gin you need vodka first. Over{...}
The Best Thermometer For Distilling (In 2024)
One aspect that allows us to create high-quality spirits hinges on having a reliable and{...}
How To Cut Heads and Tails When Making Gin
One question we get asked a lot in the Facebook group and our Ask an{...}
A Distillers’ Guide To Excise Duty (Excise Tax Considerations)
From the Author: This article has been written as a necessity given the variety of{...}