How To Use Turbo Yeast (Step by Step)

Image of diy distilling how to use turbo yeast complete guide

Turbo yeast has made fermenting a high-ABV wash fast and easy. It works by using high alcohol tolerant strains of yeast and a concoction of potent yeast nutrients. These sachets can be incredibly efficient, but also lead to producing some nasty flavors and overall a poor quality product. In this article, we’ll explain how to{…}

The 5 Best Alembic Stills (For Making Alcohol)

Image of diy distilling the best alembic stills for making alcohol

An alembic still is a type of pot still used in the production of distilled beverages. The features of the alembic still resemble a huge onion shape, which enables an easy release of vapor from the mixture. The alembic still is made up of three parts: the alembic pot, a swan neck lid, and a condensing{…}

What Is an Alembic Still? (And How Do They Work?)

Image of diy distilling what is an alembic still and how do they work

Alembic stills have been in use for millennia. They quickly gained traction as the craft market exploded with distillers and home crafters wanting unique products that would give them the final alcoholic products they wished for. The history of these stills is long and rich, and they are also used for processes like oil extraction and purification.{…}

What Is A Dephlegmator (And How Do They Work?)

Image of diy distilling what is a dephlegmator and how does it work

Distillation of alcohol has been around for hundreds of years, dating back as far as the 12th century. The processes have dramatically changed over the years, and a lot of that has to do with the distilling hardware being used. Distillation is used in the production of wine, whisky, vodka, and other spirits. Distillation can{…}

The Best Oak For Aging Whiskey

Image of diy distilling diy distilling what is the best oak for aging whiskey french oak american oak

Oaking or ‘aging’ whiskey is what gives it all of it’s color, and a lot of its taste an aroma. In fact, Dan Szor, CEO and Founder of Costwalds Distillers estimates that wood contributes 60% to 70 % towards the taste of the final whiskey product. “Wood is known to take out the bad through{…}

What Is A Thumper Keg (And How Do They Work?)

Image of diy distilling what is a thumper keg and how does a thumper work

Nothing beats a beautifully flavored and smooth final spirit. If you want to avoid multiple distillation runs while ensuring that you get high-proof alcohol without impurities, a thumper (or thumper keg) is a tool worth investing in. In this article, we’ll discuss what a thumper keg is, why you need one, and how it works. Ready?{…}

The Best Yeasts For Distilling (Our Top 4!)

Image of diy distilling the best yeast for distilling 1

There are currently over 1500 varieties of yeast available to choose from. But yeast is yeast, right? Well while they may all seem similar enough, there are plenty of differences you should be aware of. Some yeast types perform better than others based on the ingredients you’re fermenting. Others impart unique flavors that are critical{…}

How To Age Whiskey (Complete Guide)

Image of diy distilling how to age whiskey the complete guide to oak barrels and aging whiskey

Aging whiskey is one of the most important aspects of this wonderful elixir. It’s the bridge between an okay-tasting whiskey and a perfectly smooth, intensely flavored drink. Whether you want to age your own whiskey, or just like reading about aging whiskey, here’s everything you need to know about the art. How Do You ‘Age’ Spirits?{…}

Toasted vs. Charred Barrels (Explained)

The relationship between the type of barrel and spirit characteristics is something that most coopers and winemakers have been wondering about. If you want to understand the difference between a toasted and charred barrel, and how these affect the flavors of the beverage aged in them, this article is for you. Toasted vs. Charred Barrels{…}

What is a Stripping Run (And How To Perform One)

You’ll hear a lot of terms thrown around by those in the home (and commercial) brewing industry. One of those common terms is a stripping run. When you’re new to the hobby, trying to understand these phrases can feel a bit overwhelming. If you’ve happened upon this term and want to know what a strip run is and how{…}

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{...}