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{…}
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{…}
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{…}
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{…}
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{…}
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{…}
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{…}
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{…}
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{…}
As a new distiller, one of the most dampening feelings is winding up with a puking still. Even more so, when you’ve excitedly set up your still and have it running and had it run for the whole run. So, what exactly caused it to boil over? A few common causes of a still boilover are increased heat,{…}