Where Can I Find a Moonshine Still For Sale?
Are you ready to make moonshine but need to get your hands on a quality still? Fear not, we can help you find a moonshine still for sale.
What is Moonshine?
While many people associate moonshine with the American prohibition of the 1920's, it actually dates back much further than that.
In the United States the art of moonshining was cultivated by those early settlers who chose to ferment their excess grain. This was a popular practice with whiskey actually used as currency at one time.
As the American Revolution put America into debt, Alexander Hamilton, amongst others, came up with the brilliant idea to tax spirits to generate income. From this the 'whiskey tax' was born.
While this resulted in an uprising and rebellion, it did nothing to restore the art of moonshine. Instead, moonshiners were forced to distill in secret, often in the outdoors, to keep the shine flowing.
During prohibition the demand for moonshine was high and many shiners used unsafe equipment and additives to their shine making it a very dangerous practice. In addition running moonshine often meant high speed car chases from the fuzz.
During the early years of NASCAR racing, there was a booming business in the transportation of illegal liquor in the South. Many of the sport's original stars were involved in driving, owning, or constructing moonshine cars.
History of Moonshine
Traditional moonshiners used pot stills to distill their homemade spirits, which were typically made of copper and had a distinct shape that allowed for the separation of alcohol from impurities through the process of distillation.
The use of pot stills became synonymous with moonshining and played a significant role in the production of moonshine, whiskey, and brandy.
Today, moonshine stills continue to be an essential tool in the production of homemade distilled spirits, allowing enthusiasts to create premium products at home.
The distillation traditions and techniques passed down through generations have contributed to the continued popularity of moonshine and its association with quality distilled products.
Types of Moonshine Stills
Moonshine stills have been a part of American history for centuries, used to produce homemade spirits in secret. There are various types of moonshine stills, each with its own unique design and method of distillation.
The different types of moonshine stills include pot stills, reflux stills, and thumper stills with advantages and disadvantages to each.
Whether you are a seasoned moonshiner or a newcomer to the craft, understanding the different types of stills available can help you make more informed decisions when it comes to producing your own moonshine.
Pot Stills
Pot stills come in various types and sizes, each designed for specific types of spirits. The most common types are the alembic pot still, which is ideal for producing brandy and rum, and the column still, which is used for creating vodka and whiskey.
The sizes of pot stills can range from small tabletop versions for hobbyist distillers to large industrial sizes for commercial production.
The Magnum All-in-One pot still is a great option for those who want a still for home use but want to make large batches. Its generous 50L barrel is perfect for those large recipes.
The Magnum is made with food grade stainless steel so it is an economical option for those who want a large still without a large investment. By adding our copper mesh to your still you can experience the benefits of copper without the cost.
The Magnum does double duty as both a fermentor and a still. This all in one kit also includes a thermometer and a water pump so you have all you need for your first run.
Traditional pot stills are favored by many moonshiners for their ability to create a more flavorful spirit. The Magnum is known for its ability to produce a rich and flavorful output.
Reflux Column Stills
The Standard All-in-One reflux still is a great option for shiners who want consistent quality, high proof spirits with minimal effort.
The Standard is electric which means there is no need for an outside heat source and it is easy to control the temperature of the still. It also has a spout for easy emptying of the barrel and does double duty as a fermentor.
One of the major benefits of using a column still is its ability to produce a higher alcohol yield compared to other distillation methods.
The continuous distillation process allows for a more efficient separation of alcohol from the wash, resulting in a higher concentration of alcohol in the final product. This means that distillers can produce more spirits with the same amount of raw materials.
Consistent Quality
Another advantage of using a column still is the ability to achieve consistent quality in the spirits produced. The continuous distillation process allows for precise control over the temperature and flow rate, resulting in a more consistent and uniform product.
This is particularly important for distillers who aim to maintain a specific flavor profile or meet certain quality standards.
Flexibility in Flavor Profiles
While some may argue that column stills produce spirits with less character compared to pot stills, they offer distillers a greater degree of flexibility in creating different flavor profiles.
By adjusting the temperature, reflux ratio, and other parameters, distillers can produce a wide range of spirits with varying levels of purity and flavor intensity. This versatility allows for experimentation and innovation in the distillation process.
Efficiency and Cost Savings
Column stills are known for their efficiency and cost savings. The continuous distillation process requires less energy and time compared to batch distillation methods.
Additionally, column stills can be operated continuously, allowing for higher production volumes and reduced labor costs. These factors make column stills a preferred choice for large-scale distilleries.
Air Still
The Moonshine Cherry Air Still is compact, simple to use and produces a great tasting shine.
This still is about the size of your kitchen kettle and almost as easy to use. With an internal cooling fan and electric design, you can simply set your temperature and start distilling. This is the perfect still for those just starting out, or for those who have a smaller space.
Traditional moonshine-making methods can be time-consuming and expensive. However, with the Moonshine Cherry Air Still, you can save both time and money.
This device is designed to produce moonshine quickly and efficiently, allowing you to enjoy your homemade moonshine without the long wait.
Copper Moonshine Stills
Copper moonshine stills are available in various categories, including complete units, individual pieces, and moonshine kits.
Complete units come with all the necessary components for distillation, while individual pieces allow for customization and replacement parts. Moonshine kits typically include all the essential equipment and ingredients for beginners.
The advantages of using copper as the material for moonshine stills are numerous. Copper is an excellent conductor of heat, ensuring efficient distillation. It also reacts with sulfur compounds and produces a smoother, better-tasting final product. In addition, copper has natural antimicrobial properties, making it easier to clean and maintain.
Copper moonshine stills are available in a variety of sizes to suit different production needs. Common sizes include 1-gallon, 5-gallon, and 10-gallon stills, catering to hobbyist distillers and small-scale producers alike. The versatility of copper stills allows for the production of various quantities of moonshine, making them a popular choice among home distillers.
Benefits of Buying a Still for Sale
There are several benefits to investing in a still, whether you're a home brewer looking to enhance your craft, a small distillery owner looking to expand your operations, or a hobbyist interested in creating your own essential oils.
From cost savings and production control to the ability to customize your distillation process, buying a still can provide numerous advantages.
All-in-One Moonshine Still Kits
Our all-in-one moonshine kits are a great value for anyone who wants to get started making moonshine without a large investment.
Both The Standard and The Magnum do double duty as a fermentor as well as a still and include both a hydrometer and a water pump to get you started.
Both options are also easy to set-up and include both a digital manual as well as our 'How to Make Moonshine' e-book.
Moonshine Starter Kit
Are you ready to make your first mash? Check out our Starter Kit.
Complete moonshine kits often include essential items such as a copper still, thumper keg, worm, and recipes. Craft distillers can choose from a variety of options to suit their preferences and production needs, whether they are looking for a smaller, more portable set-up or a larger, more elaborate setup. With the range of options available, craft distillers can find the perfect kit and accessories to enhance their moonshine production process.
Preparation for the Distillation Process
The distillation process is a commonly used method for separating and purifying liquids. This process is widely utilized in various industries, including the production of alcoholic beverages, essential oils, and fuels.
Before beginning the distillation process, it is crucial to properly prepare the equipment and materials. This includes cleaning and inspecting the distillation apparatus to ensure it is in good working condition.
Additionally, selecting the appropriate raw materials and conducting any necessary pre-treatment or filtration is essential for a successful distillation. Proper preparation for the distillation process not only ensures the quality of the final product but also helps to maintain the efficiency and safety of the distillation equipment.
Understanding the importance of preparation will help to achieve the desired results and prevent any potential issues during the distillation process.
Setting Up the Still
Setting up the still for distillation is an essential step in the process of creating a variety of distilled products, including spirits like whiskey and gin.
The still is the primary piece of equipment used to heat and extract the desired flavors and aromas from the raw ingredients.
Properly setting up the still involves ensuring that all components are clean and in good working condition, as well as making sure that the still is properly connected to a reliable heat source.
This process requires attention to detail and a thorough understanding of the distillation process in order to produce high-quality, flavorful spirits.