Category Archives: Distilling 101

How To Select The Right Heat Source For Your Distillation Column (Explained!)

Image of diy distilling the best heating element for your distillation column

The purpose of the distillation process, in the production of alcohol, is to purify the liquid in the distillation column. This is achieved by heating and vaporizing the liquid. When the vapor recondenses into liquid, it is collected. This liquid is considered to be more pure than the original liquid as many of the impurities{…}

Why Does Gin Give Me A Headache?

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Whether you prefer a gin and tonic, a slow gin fizz, or Bombay Sapphire on the rocks, gin lovers everywhere may sometimes wonder why gin gives them a headache? Gin is a liquor that boasts a 40 percent alcohol volume, which means it is 80 proof and strong. It is derived from grain distillation along{…}

Why Is My Gin Cloudy? (Gin Louching Explained)

Louching is when your spirit turns a cloudy milky white color, instead of a nice clear spirit. In this article, we’re going to tackle what causes louching, and what you can do to fix it! Why is my gin cloudy? Gin goes cloudy due to a phenomenon known as louching. This is where the alcohol{…}

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 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{…}

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{…}

Moonshine Explained: What is Moonshine and How to Make It

Image of diy distilling what is moonshine and how to make it

The term ‘moonshine” is not well understood and often misused when referring to homemade alcohol, or bad-quality alcohol. Some people call any homemade spirit ‘moonshine’ Others, refer to white whiskey as moonshine. Is it moonshine if it’s bad? Is it moonshine if it’s made illegally?? In this article, we’re going to look into exactly what{…}

How Long Does Gin Last? (And How To Tell If It’s Gone Bad)

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As a general rule, a bottle of gin can last forever. The flavors will be best preserved if you keep the bottle sealed in a cool place and out of direct sunlight. Once opened, the flavors will change more rapidly due to oxidization, but the gin will still be safe to drink. If possible, keep{…}

How to Avoid Methanol When Distilling Alcohol (Must Read!)

Image of 64diy distilling how to avoid methanol when distilling

Making your own spirits at home is not only interesting but also a great learning experience. However, preparing any alcoholic beverage by yourself calls for the right care and precision. Methanol is an unwanted byproduct of fermentation. It can be concentrated if distillation is performed incorrectly and this can lead to harmful or even lethal{…}

What Are The Symptoms Of Methanol Poisoning (And How To Treat It!)

Image of diy distilling what are the symptoms of methanol poisoning and how to treat it

Methanol is the simplest form of alcohol and is closely associated with ethanol, which is mostly found in wine, beer, and spirits. However, methanol is much more toxic and could lead to death when left untreated. The following symptoms will manifest themselves as the first signs of methanol poisoning: Fortunately it’s also possible to treat{…}

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{...}