Category Archives: Distilling

How to Make Pitorro At Home (Step-by-Step Guide)

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Pitorro is a popular Puerto Rican drink, especially during special occasions. It follows the same principle as rum making, the distinction being that the final product is often infused with tropical fruit, spices, or a combination of both, to create a warm, fruity, and sweet spirit. It also packs a punch, with an alcohol by{…}

The Best Still For Making Whiskey (In 2024)

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With so many whiskey-making stills on the market, choosing one that will cater to your needs can be a daunting task. Especially if you’re simply looking to experiment or are on a tight budget. I’ve unboxed several stills throughout my craft. Only a handful have made it to my go-to list. In this post, I’ll{…}

The Best Distillation Column Packing Material (For Reflux)

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Packing material creates a large surface area for the vapor and liquid to interact. The more interaction, the more reflux, and the more reflux, the higher the ABV and purity. But what is the best packing for a distillation column? Common choices for most home distillers are:  This begs the question: how do you choose{…}

How To Clarify Your Moonshine Wash (Distiller’s Guide)

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Clarifying or clearing a wash is a controversial topic amongst home-distillers. Some skip the step altogether and add anti-foaming agents to mitigate any problems that come with distilling solids. While others take the extra time to ensure everything going into the boiler is as clean as possible. There’s no right or wrong. But I’ve always{…}

How Much Alcohol Will My Still Produce?(Explained!)

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Knowing the potential yield of your still can help you plan your distilling day more effectively. Generally, you can expect to obtain 20% alcohol of your still’s capacity. This is just a rough estimate and can vary based on several factors, like wash, fermentation, and distillation efficiency. In this post, I’ll discuss aspects that influence{…}

Why Is My Moonshine Low Proof (13 Reasons Why)

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This article is written for anyone trying to distill at home, but aren’t getting the ABV (or proof) they are expecting. I’ve been there before (many times) and understand just how frustrating it is. We’ve broken it up into two main sections; pot stilling and reflux stilling as there are different factors at play for{…}

The 5 Best Online Distilling Courses (In 2023)

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Let’s face it, mastering the art of distilling takes time and expertise. And despite being aware of the importance of networking to enhance your competence, you sometimes don’t have the time for on-site learning. While our website has an abundance of free information, it’s hard to know where to start That’s where online distilling courses{…}

Banana Moonshine Recipe (How To Make Easy Banana Brandy At Home)

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Bananas are versatile fruits you can enjoy in various ways. But have you ever considered turning them into delicious and potent liquor? Banana moonshine, also known as banana brandy, is an exciting recipe you can try. It uses minimal ingredients and is simple to make, making it an excellent choice for beginner moonshiners.  This batch{…}

Vevor Still Instructions (A Step-By-Step Guide)

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The Vevor still is a fantastic entry-level kit that produces high-quality spirits, making it perfect for novices and those on a budget.  To use:  The still comes in different models, with each requiring a slightly different setup and operation. Carry on reading to get started with yours.  Vevor Still Instructions: A Basic Overview The Vevor{…}

What Are Low Wines (Distilling Explained)

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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{…}

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{...}