Author Archives: Tristan

STC-1000 Controller (Complete Setup Guide)

Image of DIY DISTILLING a complete guide to the stc 1000 controller

Home brewing requires attention to detail in every step to achieve the desired flavor and quality of the final product. One of the most critical aspects is temperature control.  Proper temperature control ensures your fermenter maintains the ideal fermentation conditions.  One way to encourage such an environment is to use the STC-1000 controller.  To set{…}

Grainfather Brewing System – Review (All Models Compared)

Image of DIY DISTILLING Grainfather complete review 1

Home brewers are always bombarded with the next, best brewing unit.  Just when you think you’ve found your go-to brewing system, you’re presented with one that promises you all the features and functions to ease your load during brew day, without compromising quality.  One of those systems is the Grainfather.  Grainfather is an all-in-one brewing{…}

What Are Low Wines (Distilling Explained)

Image of DIY DISTILLING what are low wines

As a beginner home distiller, you might have come across the term low wines.  It’s one of those terms advanced home distillers often throw around and skimp over, making it difficult for newbies to grasp some basics of the craft.  Low wines are the result of the first distillation. They are produced from a fermented{…}

A Complete Guide To Distillation Temperatures (Explained!)

Image of DIY DISTILLING What is the best temperature for distilling

If you’re anything like me, the further you get into the distilling hobby, the more you whish you had a degree in chemical engineering.. When people start talking ‘Azeotropes’, ‘temperature gradients’, and ‘equilibirum points’.. its clear that temperature plays a crucial role in the distilling process – but what does this all mean!? In this{…}

The Best Corn For Distilling (Making Whiskey and Moonshine)

Image of DIY DISTILLING te best corn for making whiskey

Corn is the basis for the production of whiskey and moonshine. It has a starch content necessary for fermentation, and when combined with a decent enzyme, it can create the desired ABV.  But not all corn is created equal.  Some varieties, like corn flour, have a low starch content and are only suited to making{…}

How To Make Genever (Our DIY Guide)

Image of DIY DISTILLING How to make genever at home

Genever, commonly referred to as Dutch Gin, has been enjoyed for centuries in Holland. It’s a malt-based spirit blended with unique herbs and spices like juniper berries, coriander, cloves, and licorice – making it botanical-rich.  The traditional version is typically unaged, but modern variations – young genever, tend to be aged in oak casks. Not{…}

How Does A Gin Basket Work (Distiller’s Guide)

Image of DIY DISTILLING How does a gin basket work and how to use a gin basket

Infused and cold compound gin can get monotonous over time. Yes, they introduce fantastic flavor to your spirit. But there comes a time when you yearn for smooth and light alcohol. Luckily, you can achieve that with a gin basket. A gin basket extracts botanical flavors through a vapor infusion method. It’s placed in the{…}

Soxhlet Extractor For Distilling (+ How To Use One)

Image of DIY DISTILLING Soxhlet Extractor For Distilling

There are a plethora of devices and techniques you can use to create a superbly flavored drink. These include a gin basket, maceration, and infusion.  But one technique that isn’t always talked about is the use of a soxhlet extractor.  The device has been used by chemists since its discovery in 1879. It’s renowned because{…}

Does Distilled Water Freeze? (The Key Differences)

Image of DIY DISTILLING does distilled water freeze

There are various ways to purify water. From distilling, deionizing, and reverse osmosis. Most of these methods treat the water you use at home. Distilling water is a common technique used commercially and it can be replicated at home. Distilled water is water that’s steamed, condensed, and collected in sterile jars. This ensures an excellent level{…}

Distillation Column Flooding (How To Prevent It)

Image of DIY DISTILLING Why is my distillation column flooding

Flooding is frustration – throwing your still out of equilibrium and often ruining your product.. But, the good news is that you can fix it mid-distillation or prevent it from happening in the future. Flooding still is often a result of a higher than normal reflux rate. It could also mean there’s a high feed{…}

How To Fix A Low Proof Distillate (Beginner Mistakes)

One common question I get in the Facebook group and our Ask an Expert service{...}

Vevor Air Still Review (The Easiest Way To Distill Alcohol At Home?)

The Vevor 4L water distiller is a great option for beginner home distillers because of{...}

8 Vevor Replacement Parts and Upgrades (Master Distiller Advises)

When I started my journey into distilling I bought a Vevor pot still.. well.. because{...}

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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{...}

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