Author Archives: Tristan

Can Tequila Be Made Outside Of Mexico? (What Are The Rules?)

Image of diy distilling can tequila be made outside of mexico or in the usa

Can tequila be made outside of Mexico? Yes, but it is illegal to call it Tequila, and it will probably not taste the same.  Tequila may only be named tequila if it is manufactured from 100% Blue Weber agave and produced in the Mexican states of Jalisco and Guanajuato, Michoacán, Nayarit, and Tamaulipas. Anything manufactured with{…}

Distilling Terms and Jargon Explained (Learn These!)

Image of diy distilling a distillers glossary of terms

If you are new to the world of distillation, you may have noticed a bunch of distilling terms and terminology being thrown around that you are unfamiliar with. Distilling, like many other industries, has its own jargon and special terms, and no one ever explains these to you at the beginning! In this article, we{…}

Why You Need Copper in Your Distillery (Copper vs. Stainless Steel)

Image of diy distilling do i need copper of stainless steel in my distillation column

Why you need copper in your distillery (Copper vs. Stainless Steel) is a simple question to answer. While it may look a little old-fashioned, copper is a necessary and integral part of the distilling process. To understand why that is, let’s look at the process of making alcohol. It uses evaporation and condensation to distill a{…}

What Is The Best Grain For Making Whiskey? (Whiskey Explained!)

Image of diy distilling the best grains for making and distilling your own whiskey

Whiskey is defined as a distilled drink made from the fermentation of malt.  But do you know the difference is between a Blended Scotch Whisky and a Single Malt Scotch? Curious what makes a Tennessee whiskey, different from a bourbon, or a rye? It all comes down to the grains. In this article, we’re going to talk{…}

Tequila Explained: Anejo vs Reposado vs Blanco

Image of diy distilling the difference between blanco reposado and anejo tequila

Ever notice how tequila sometimes appears translucent and other times it has a slight straw-like color? Or, that some tequilas taste different to others? That’s because there are different types of tequila that are produced using different techniques in different parts of Mexico. Now, that’s a mouthful.  In simple terms the different types of tequila are{…}

What is the Best Still for Home Distilling (The 8 Best Stills Reviewed)

Image of diy distilling what is the best still for beginners

Have you ever purchased alcohol from the bottle store, and thought to yourself, “I could do it better”? Well, you could do it right at home in fact! And it is not challenging at all. Whether you want to distill vodka, whiskey, gin, rum or even tequila at home or even essential oils at home,{…}

How to Make Vodka From Potatoes (Our Step-By-Step Guide!)

Image of diy distilling how to make vodka from potatoes

Vodka is one of the most well-known and accessible alcoholic beverages worldwide. Historically, vodka was made from potatoes since that was the cheapest and most readily available starch source.. especially in Russia! Distilling vodka at home was common in many households as the ingredients are simple and widely available. Nowadays, Vodka is easily mass-produced and{…}

How To Clean A Still (Complete Guide To Maintaining Distillation Hardware)

Whether you are making an alcoholic beverage or a luxurious essential oil at home, preparing perfect distillate calls for the right equipment and a good quality still. Having a clean still, that’s safe from all unwanted substances and residues is just as important as the actual process of distillation to make the perfect drink. Copper{…}

A Complete Guide To Gin Botanicals

Image of diy distilling our complete guide to gin botanicals and gin ingredients

Gin has experienced a surge in popularity in recent years and more and more consumers are asking questions about what botanicals are in their favorite drink. Most gin brands don’t like to list what ingredients they’re uses as they’d be giving away their trade secret! To make gin you start with essentially a neutral spirit{…}

The 9 Best Distilling Books (For Home Distillers!)

Image of diy distilling the best books for home distillers

The hobby of home distilling is growing in popularity every year with the rise in popularity of boutique spirits and craft distilleries. Although it is illegal in many places to create and sell distilled spirits, it’s often not illegal to own moonshine-making equipmen and, in many regions, users can apply for a permit to produce{…}

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{...}