Moonshine is a distilled alcoholic beverage that has been around for centuries. It is traditionally made from corn mash and is often associated with the American South. While moonshine is typically associated with illegal activity, it can be made legally for personal use in many countries.
Different types of moonshine still for beginners
Here are the most common types of moonshine stills:
Pot stills: These are the most basic type of still and consist of a simple pot or kettle with a spout or tap for collecting the liquid. They are typically used for producing lower-proof spirits like whiskey or brandy.
Column stills: These stills consist of a tall column with plates or trays inside. Alcohol vapor rises through the column and condenses as it comes into contact with the cool surface of the plates. Column stills are more efficient than pot stills and are typically used to produce higher-proof spirits like vodka and gin.
Reflux stills: These stills are similar to column stills, but they have additional condensing columns that allow for more precise control of the distillation process. They are often used to produce higher-quality, higher-proof spirits.
Continuous stills: These stills are designed to operate continuously and can produce large volumes of alcohol. They are typically used in industrial-scale production of spirits.
Copper stills: These stills are made of copper, which is a good conductor of heat and has antimicrobial properties. Copper stills are often used for the production of high-quality spirits.
Best moonshine still for beginners
VEVOR 8Gal Home Use Moonshine Still
VEVOR is a company that produces some of the industry-standard tools in the market, and this moonshine still is no exception. It is easy to use and comes in different capacities. And thanks to its modular design it is easy to clean all parts. Here are its features:
- Large capacity
This alcohol still has a capacity to produce 8 gallons of fermented alcohol. It consists of a boiler barrel that measures 13.8 inches by 13.8 inches, a condenser that measures 7.9 inches by 4.3 inches, and a thumper keg that measures 7 inches by 4 inches. It is capable of fermenting up to 30 liters of raw materials.
- Quick cooling
The distillery kit uses an open cooling method and has a copper coil with high thermal conductivity and a large surface area for contact with the coolant, resulting in a lower distillation temperature. It also comes with a circulating water pump to conserve cooling water and a rubber pad under the condenser to enhance insulation and cooling.
- Tight seal
The moonshine still includes food-grade silicone tubes that are flexible and durable, and are resistant to bending to create a secure seal. The lid is equipped with four buckles and silicone gaskets to help it seal tightly, and the package also includes a one-way exhaust valve that can be easily used during the fermentation process.
- Easy operation
It has a real-time thermometer on the lid that displays the temperature in both Celsius and Fahrenheit, allowing you to easily monitor the temperature of the wine during distillation. The thumper keg helps to release hot water vapor, which aids in the evaporation of alcohol during secondary distillation, and is also useful for adding flavors.
- Versatile
It can be used to produce a variety of alcoholic beverages such as whiskey, wine, brandy, rum, tequila, and vodka, as well as water distiller, ethanol, and essential oils.
Pros
- Can produce many drinks
- Easy to operate
- Intuitive display
- Safe to use
Seeutek Alcohol Moonshine Still 3 Gal
If you are looking for a budget-friendly moonshine still for beginners, consider buying this model. With it, you can make numerous alcoholic drinks at home seamlessly, here are its features:
- Professional design
The distillery kit uses an open cooling method and has a copper cooling tube with good thermal conductivity and a large surface area for contact with the coolant.
- Alcohol still
All parts of the moonshine still are made of food-grade materials that are lead-free and resistant to high temperatures, acid, and alkali. The fermenter barrel has been specially thickened to support a range of heating methods, including gas stove and induction cooker.
- Integrated thermometer
The distillery kit includes a metal thermometer that displays the temperature in both Celsius and Fahrenheit, allowing you to more accurately monitor the temperature of the fermenter during use.
- Versatile
The alcohol distiller allows you to make a variety of your favorite beverages, including whiskey, scotch, and rum. In addition to distilling alcoholic beverages, the spirit still can also be used to distill water and make essential oils.
Pros
- Can produce different alcoholic drinks
- Comes in safe components
- Ideal for beginners
YUEWO 5.8Gal/22Litres Moonshine Still
If you are looking for a professional moonshine still that is ideal for beginners, get yourself this model. It allows you to make up to 22 liters, which is enough for months of social drinking. Here are its features:
- ABV-approved
This professional distillery equipment is characterized by high precision, thickness, and durability. It boasts excellent quality and strong function.
- Unique design
The modular design of the distiller allows you to remove plates from some or all of the sections in order to produce spirits like whiskey, rum, and brandy. The flute still can also be used to produce high percentage neutral spirits like vodka by leaving all the plates in and adding more sections.
- Top-notch performance
The four-story copper alcohol distiller column is equipped with a sight glass, which allows you to clearly see the exclusive function called “Spirit Dance.” The liquor vapor reacts fully with the pure copper tower core in the distiller, undergoing distillation layer by layer. This process effectively removes methanol and accurately removes fusel oil.
Pros
- Produces high-quality wine
- Modular design
- Compact design
- Durable construction
Aimee-JL 13 Gal 50L Moonshine Still
Are you looking for a high-capacity moonshine still? Well, the Aimee model got you covered. With a capacity of 50 liters, you can produce enough alcohol for a small party. What’s more it is straightforward to use. Here are its features:
- High-capacity
The alcohol still machine has a real capacity of 8 gallons and is capable of distilling 33 liters of raw material through the process of heating to selectively boil and then cooling to condense the vapor.
- Quick cooling mechanism
This water distiller uses an open-type cooling method and has copper coils with rapid thermal conductivity, which provide excellent cooling performance and result in a low temperature of the distilled product. The copper coils have a large surface area for contact with the coolant.
- Temperature display
The moonshine still is equipped with a precise thermometer on the lid that displays the temperature in both Celsius and Fahrenheit, making it easy to monitor the temperature of the wine during the distillation process.
- Secure sealing
The distiller uses food-grade silicone tubes that are flexible and tough and won’t easily bend, ensuring efficient water flow. The lid is equipped with four quick clips and a silicone gasket, which facilitate a tight seal.
Pros
- Comes with secure sealing
- Easy to use at home
- Ideal for beginners
- Excellent water flow
BACOENG 3Gal/12L Alcohol Still
This is yet another affordable workhorse you add in your arsenal. It is an ideal option for people looking to produce small amounts of alcoholic drinks. Here are its features:
- Copper stills
This alembic still is great for beginners or expert distillers, and is portable and easy to handle.
- Non-toxic materials
The best moonshine still for beginners is made of non-toxic red copper and stainless steel and is stable when heated on top of an induction cooker or stove.
- Integrated thermometer
It has metal thermometers that display the temperature in both Celsius and Fahrenheit, allowing the operator to easily monitor the temperature during use.
Pros
- Easy to use
- Ideal for making different alcoholic drinks
- Large capacity
What should you look for when buying a moonshine still for beginners?
Size: Consider the size of the still and whether it will be suitable for your needs. Larger stills may be more expensive, but they can produce more alcohol in a single batch.
Material: Copper is a popular choice for stills because it is a good conductor of heat and has antimicrobial properties. Other materials such as stainless steel or aluminum may also be used.
Design: Different stills have different designs and features that may be more or less suitable for your needs. Consider the type of alcohol you want to produce and choose a still with the appropriate design and features.
Quality: Look for a well-made still that is constructed from high-quality materials and has a good reputation. Avoid cheaper, poorly made stills as they may not produce consistent results and may be more prone to problems.
Cost: Consider your budget and look for a still that offers good value for money. Keep in mind that more expensive stills may have higher-quality materials and construction and may produce better results.
Safety: Make sure that the still you choose is safe to use and has appropriate safety features such as a pressure gauge and safety valves.
Are moonshine stills for beginners worth it?
Yes, they are ideal if you want to make high-quality liquor at home. They also save you money since you can make up to 50 liters of booze. Besides, you can make rum, whiskey, and wine with the best moonshine still for beginners.
FAQ about the best moonshine still for beginners
How much alcohol can I produce with a still?
You can produce anywhere from 12 liters to 50 liters depending on the make and capacity of the still.
Is it legal to own and use a moonshine still?
Well, it depends with your country. Ideally, making alcohol at home is illegal under federal law.
Where can I find recipes and instructions for making moonshine?
There are numerous sources such as YouTube channels, blogs, and manufacturer’s websites.
The liquid produced by a moonshine still is typically high in alcohol content and has a strong, distinctive flavor. Making and selling moonshine is illegal in many countries because it is produced outside of government oversight and regulation, and it can be dangerous to consume due to the potential for contamination.
You should buy a moonshine still for beginners if you are proficient at alcohol production. If you want to produce high-quality and consistent alcohol at home, buying a moonshine still can be an ideal bet. Besides, it enables you to safely produce alcohol without handling flammable materials and vapors manually.
