Starting your own home distillation journey is an exciting and rewarding experience. Having the right equipment and ingredients is crucial to ensure success and create high-quality spirits. Whether you're aiming to craft absinthe, whiskey, or anything in between, we'll dive step-by-step into the essentials you'll need to master the art of distillation at home.
Step 1: Cleanliness is Key - The Role of Sanitiser
Before you begin, cleanliness is paramount. Contamination can ruin your wash and final spirit, so always start with a good sanitiser. This ensures all equipment, including your fermenter and mixing spoon, are free from unwanted bacteria. A clean environment is the first step towards producing a top-notch spirit.
To view our sanitising products, click here.
Step 2: Creating Your Wash - Equipment and Ingredients
Fermenter and Mixing Spoon: Choose a fermenter that matches or exceeds the capacity of your distillation system. A large, food-grade plastic or stainless steel fermenter with bung and airlock is ideal. Pair this with a sturdy mixing spoon to thoroughly blend your ingredients. Making whiskey or bourbon from grain will require extra equipment. Check out our range of fermenting equipment here.
Hydrometer: A hydrometer is essential for measuring the specific gravity of your wash before and after fermentation. This tool helps you monitor the fermentation progress and estimate the potential alcohol content.
Ingredients: You'll need specific ingredients depending on the spirit you're making, but water will always be needed. This water should be non-chlorinated drinking water. You'll also always need a fermentable sugar source and yeast. To view our sugars and other fermentables click here, to view our range of yeasts and nutrients click here.
Step 3: The Distillation Process - Key Tools and Accessories
Distilling System: Investing in a reliable distilling system is crucial. The choice between a pot still and a reflux still depends on the type of spirit you wish to produce. A reflux still is ideal for creating neutral spirits like vodka, which can then be flavoured, offering flexibility and time savings. However, a pot still captures the essence of the raw materials, providing a more authentic experience for traditional spirits. For more on the different types of distillation systems and what might be right for you, see Reflux and Pot Stills: A Guide for Home Distillers.
Mains Water Control: Mains water is necessary for systems that aren't air-cooled. Many distillation systems come with attachments for faucets or garden hoses. However, an electronic flow controller is recommended for easier control with reflux systems.
Ceramic Boil Enhancers: These are added to the boiler to ensure smooth boiling and prevent surging, boil-overs, and system 'puking' during distillation.
Distilling Conditioner: A distilling conditioner is an antifoaming agent which disrupts the formation of foamy bubbles, which can contaminate your final product if they rise into the still.
Collection Vessels: Collect your distilled spirit in clean, food-grade containers. Glass, stainless steel, or alcohol-safe plastic containers are ideal. Many use 0.5-1L mason jars to collect the distillate and either keep them as separate cuts or decant them into a larger container like a 5L demijohn.
To view our distilling equipment and accessories, click here.
Step 4: Diluting Your Spirit - Measuring and Adjusting
Alcometer and Trial Jar: To achieve the desired alcohol by volume (ABV), use an alcometer to measure the strength of your distilled spirit. A trial jar or measuring cylinder is useful for holding samples during these measurements.
Graduated Jugs: Plastic jugs of 3-5L capacity are great for measuring and diluting your spirit.
Clean Drinking Water: Use clean drinking water to dilute your spirit to the desired ABV. This step is crucial for ensuring your final product's taste. If your tap water tastes good, it's likely fine to use to dilute your spirit. If not, we suggest using distilled water.
To view our diluting equipment, click here.
Step 5: Ageing Your Spirit - Enhancing Flavour
If you wish to age your spirit, you'll need barrel chips, cubes, staves, spirals, and an airtight, alcohol-safe vessel to store the spirit. This ageing process can significantly enhance the depth and complexity of your spirit's flavour.
To view our ageing products, click here.
Step 6: Filtering Your Spirit - Refining the Taste
Carbon Filter System: Using a carbon filter system can polish your spirit by removing impurities, resulting in a smoother and more enjoyable drink. Choose a filter system that meets your specific needs.
To view our filters and accessories, click here.
Step 7: Flavouring and Bottling - The Final Touches
Flavourings: For those who make neutral spirits, adding flavourings can transform your base into a variety of spirits and liqueurs. A whisk is useful for dissolving cream bases, and a mixing spoon will help blend flavours evenly.
Bottles and Caps: Store your finished spirit in clean, sterilised bottles. Glass bottles are preferred as they don't interact with the spirit, preserving its integrity.
Funnel: A funnel will make the bottling process smooth and mess-free.
Labels: Labelling your bottles is not only practical but also adds a professional touch. Include details like the type of spirit and its ABV.
To view our flavouring range, click here.
By gathering these essential tools and ingredients, you're well on your way to crafting exceptional spirits at home. Happy distilling and enjoy the creative process of making your own unique batches!
MYO Drinks
Helping you to make your own Great Batch from Scratch.