Moonshine Stills for Sale in Tennessee
Great shine comes from a great moonshine still. Check out our guide to moonshine stills for sale in Tennessee.
What is Moonshine?
Moonshine is a term often associated with homemade, illegally-produced alcohol, crafted in secret in the backwoods of rural areas.
However, it is important to note that this traditional, illicit image does not accurately represent the moonshine industry today.
Moonshine refers to any distilled alcohol made in small quantities, often using traditional methods and equipment.
It can include a variety of spirits such as whiskey, rum, or vodka. Moonshine is now produced legally and commercially in many states, where the tradition of distilling high-quality spirits has a long-standing history.
Check out: Is Moonshine Illegal? And Home Distilling Laws by State
In recent years, there has been a resurgence of interest in artisanal, craft moonshine, leading to an increased demand for moonshine stills and equipment for both professional and hobbyist distillers.
Whether you are a passionate home distiller looking to create your own unique spirits or a professional distillery in need of high-quality stills, there are a variety of options for moonshine stills for sale in Tennessee.
Check out our Distillery Equipment Guide!
History of Moonshine in Tennessee
Moonshine has a rich and storied history in Tennessee, deeply ingrained in the culture of the state. It dates back to the early settlers who brought the art of illicit distillation with them from Europe.
Moonshine stills were common fixtures throughout Tennessee, hidden away in the hills and mountains, crafting homemade spirits.
For many years, the production and sale of moonshine remained illegal, operating in the shadows. However, in recent years, there has been a shift in Tennessee's stance on moonshine.
With the passing of the Tennessee Whiskey Law in 2013, distilleries were allowed to legally produce and sell moonshine. This opened up new opportunities for entrepreneurs and highlighted the cultural significance of moonshine in Tennessee.
However, this does not mean you are allowed to produce moonshine at home. The production of moonshine in Tennessee requires a distilled spirit plant permit.
Today, there are numerous distilleries in Tennessee producing high-quality moonshine.These distilleries have embraced the legacy of moonshine while incorporating modern techniques and flavors.
The history of moonshine in Tennessee is a testament to the state's independent spirit and resilience.
It remains an integral part of the region's heritage and continues to be celebrated today. Whether you're interested in the cultural significance or simply want to enjoy some authentic Tennessee moonshine, the state has plenty to offer.
What Types of Moonshine Stills are Available?
Moonshine enthusiasts in Tennessee have a wide range of still options to choose from. Whether you are a hobbyist or a professional distiller, there is a still that can meet your needs.
When purchasing a moonshine still, it is important to look for a still that is well-made, with quality materials and from a reputable company.
At How to Moonshine, we pride ourselves not only on our high-quality craft stills, accessories and grain, but also our world-class customer service.
At How to Moonshine, our interaction with our customers does not end when your receive your products. We are here to answer questions, provide how-to guides, reviews and weekly recipes to help you every step on your moonshining journey.
Whether you're a seasoned distiller or just starting out, we have the perfect still for you.
Pot Stills
Pot stills are an essential tool for anyone looking to make high-quality moonshine. There are several types of pot stills available on the market, each with its own unique features and benefits.
These stills are known for their ability to produce spirits with rich flavors and lower proof. Copper Pot Stills are one option for removing the sulfur from your moonshine mash.
However, copper is expensive and hard to clean and maintain. Instead, many modern shiners choose to use stainless steel distillers with the addition of copper mesh. This combination is a great way to combine affordability and performance.
The copper mesh helps to remove unwanted impurities and adds a distinct taste to the final product. The stainless steel body is easy to maintain and affordable.
The Magnum is an all-in-one pot still that is both a still and a fermentor. The Magnum features a large 50L capacity so it is perfect for large runs. It is easy to assemble and features a large column that is perfect for packing with our copper mesh.
The Magnum can be run on the stove or induction burner and is a great option for those who want a great tasting shine with minimal effort.
Another option is the column still, which offers a more efficient distillation process. These stills consist of multiple stacked columns, allowing for continuous distillation. While they may not produce the same depth of flavor as a pot still, column stills can be ideal for large-scale production.
When choosing a pot still for your moonshine making needs, it's essential to consider the size and design.
There are various sizes available, ranging from small home distillation kits to commercial-grade equipment. Some designs feature additional features such as condensing coils or accessories for improved functionality.
Pot stills are a vital part of the moonshine distillation process. Whether you opt for a traditional copper pot still or a more efficient column still, these tools can help you create spirits with exceptional flavor and lower proof. Explore the various options available to find the perfect pot still for your needs.
Column Stills
One popular type of still for making moonshine is the column still. These stills offer a more efficient and continuous distillation process compared to other types.
Column stills consist of multiple stacked columns, each serving a specific purpose. The first column, known as the rectifying column, removes unwanted impurities from the vapor. The second column, called the enrichment column, increases the alcohol content. And the third column, known as the reflux column, helps control the proof by condensing and recycling vapors.
The Standard is an exceptionally easy to use column still that is a favorite among both new and seasoned shiners alike.
The Standard stands out among other column stills because it is electric. With an easy to use temperature dial and simple assembly The Standard truly is a stand out option for moonshine.
The barrel of The Standard can be used as both a still and a fermentor, saving you both money and precious storage space. The Standard really lives up to its name as the best column still for moonshiners.
The advantage of column stills is their ability to produce large quantities of moonshine quickly. They are especially favored by commercial distilleries due to their high production capacity. However, while column stills offer efficiency, they may not provide the same depth of flavor as pot stills.
Pot stills, on the other hand, are known for their ability to produce spirits with rich flavors and lower proof. These stills are simple in design, consisting of a large pot, a condensing coil, and a collection chamber. The pot is heated, causing the liquid to vaporize and rise through the condensing coil, where it transforms back into a liquid and is collected.
Other types of stills include hybrid stills, which combine the characteristics of both pot and column stills, flute stills, which have a tall column with multiple plates for increased flavor extraction.
Air Still
The air still is a great option for shiners who want a simple still that is easy to use and even easier to store.
Our Moonshine Cherry is out best selling air still that is small on price but big on performance. The Cherry is about the size of the standard kitchen kettle and just about as easy to operate.
The Cherry has a simple up and down temperature setting and an automatic shut off to take all the guess work out of making moonshine.
It runs on electricity with an internal fan so there is no need to an outside water source to run the still.
Its compact design is perfect for the cottage, camper, boat or anywhere where you want to make shine with a simple set up.
Whether you choose a column still, pot still, hybrid still or flute still each type offers its own unique advantages and characteristics for the distillation process. Experimenting with different still types can lead to a variety of flavors and qualities in your homemade moonshine.
Check out: Pot Still vs Column Still: Which is Right for You?
Hybrid Stills
Hybrid stills, as the name suggests, combine elements of both pot stills and column stills, resulting in a versatile piece of distillation equipment. With their unique design and functionality, these stills offer distillers the ability to produce a wide range of spirits with varying flavors and proofs.
The design of hybrid stills typically incorporates a pot still configuration, where the liquid is heated in a large pot, causing it to vaporize. However, unlike traditional pot stills, hybrid stills also feature a rectifying column, similar to those found in column stills. This column aids in removing impurities and increasing alcohol content.
By combining the characteristics of both pot stills and column stills, hybrid stills allow distillers to experiment with different techniques and achieve desired flavor profiles.
They provide the opportunity to produce spirits with the richness and depth of pot stills, while also offering the efficiency and higher production capacity of column stills.
Whether distillers are aiming to create whiskey with robust flavors or vodka with smooth purity, hybrid stills are an excellent choice.
Their versatility and ability to produce a range of spirits make them a valuable tool for distilleries seeking to cater to diverse consumer preferences.
Flute Still
The Flute Still is a type of moonshine still that offers a unique approach to the distillation process. Its distinctive design sets it apart from other types of stills, providing numerous benefits for those seeking to produce high-quality spirits.
One key feature of the Flute Still is its tall column, which allows for increased contact between the rising vapor and the copper plates inside. This contact results in a more refined and pure final product, as the copper plates help to remove impurities and unwanted flavors from the distillate. This makes the Flute Still particularly well-suited for producing high-quality spirits with enhanced flavors and aromas.
The Flute Still also utilizes a reflux process, which further aids in the removal of impurities. This process involves the re-condensation of vapor as it rises within the column, leading to a higher alcohol concentration and resulting in a smoother, more refined spirit.
Key components of the Flute Still include the tall column, the copper plates, and the reflux condenser.
Each of these components plays a crucial role in the distillation process, contributing to the creation of high-quality spirits.
Due to its unique design and features, the Flute Still can be used for a variety of purposes. It is particularly well-suited for producing high-quality spirits such as whiskey, vodka, and gin, thanks to its ability to enhance flavors and remove impurities.
Whether you're a professional distiller or a home enthusiast, the Flute Still is an excellent choice for creating spirits of exceptional quality.
Check out How to Make a Moonshine Still
Moonshine Grain Kits
Moonshine Grain Kits are essential for creating high-quality moonshine and provide all the necessary ingredients to produce a delicious and authentic product.
These kits are designed to make the process of making moonshine easier and more convenient, ensuring consistent results every time.
There are various types of grain kits available, including corn, barley, and rye. Each type of grain imparts its unique flavor profile on the final moonshine, allowing you to experiment and customize your spirit to suit your preferences.
Corn-based kits, for example, produce a sweet and smooth moonshine, while barley and rye kits offer a more robust and complex taste.
Using Moonshine Grain Kits takes the guesswork out of the distillation process. They provide the perfect balance of ingredients, allowing even novice distillers to create a high-quality product with ease.
These kits also offer the flexibility to tweak and refine your recipe, ensuring that you can continuously improve your moonshine-making skills.
Whether you're a seasoned moonshiner or just starting out, Moonshine Grain Kits are an invaluable tool for producing exceptional moonshine at home.
With their selection of high-quality ingredients and the ability to experiment with different grains, these kits provide a convenient and reliable way to create a truly personalized moonshine experience.
Parts and Accessories for Your Moonshine Still
When it comes to owning a moonshine still, having the right parts and accessories is essential for a successful distillation process. Let's take a closer look at the various components that make up a moonshine still kit and the purpose they serve.
One important component is the condensing coil. This coil is responsible for cooling the vapor produced during the distillation process, turning it back into liquid form. It plays a crucial role in separating the alcohol from other impurities, resulting in a higher-quality end product.
Another component to consider is the kettle. The kettle is where the mash or wash is heated to produce the vapor that will eventually become moonshine. It is important to choose a kettle made of high-quality materials, such as copper, as it helps to control the temperature and ensures proper heat distribution.
To enhance your distillation process, there are various options available. These include additional accessories like thumpers, which can be used to add flavor to the final product, or a gin basket, which allows you to easily incorporate new flavors to your shine.
Having the right parts and accessories for your moonshine still is crucial for achieving optimal results. Whether it's the condensing coil, kettle, copper mesh, or additional accessories, investing in high-quality components will ensure a smooth and efficient distillation process, resulting in a truly exceptional moonshine.
How to Care for Your Still
It is essential to properly care for your moonshine still to ensure its longevity and optimal performance. Regular cleaning and maintenance are crucial to remove impurities and prevent contamination, which can affect the quality of your moonshine.
To care for your still, start by thoroughly cleaning it after each use. Use warm water and a mild soap to remove any residue or build-up.
Avoid using harsh or abrasive cleaners, as they can damage the surface of your still. After cleaning, rinse the still with clean water to remove any soap residue.
For copper pot stills, it is recommended to use a specialized copper cleaner to keep the surface clean and prevent tarnish. Copper reacts with air and liquids, creating a natural protective layer, but regular cleaning will help maintain its efficiency.
Column stills and hybrid stills may require additional maintenance. You can clean the columns by running a solution of vinegar and water through them. This helps remove any mineral deposits or impurities that may have built up over time.
Additionally, it is important to regularly inspect the seals and connections of your still. Check for any signs of wear or leaks and replace any damaged parts. This will ensure the proper functioning of your still and prevent any potential accidents.
By following these steps and regularly caring for your still, you can maintain its quality and performance for years to come.
Keep in mind that each still may have specific care instructions provided by the manufacturer, so it is always advisable to refer to the user manual for detailed guidelines.
Additional Equipment for Making Moonshine
When it comes to making moonshine, having the right equipment is essential for a successful and efficient process. In addition to a moonshine still, there are several additional pieces of equipment that are necessary for a smooth distillation.
Firstly, you will need a fermentation vessel. This is where you will mix your ingredients, such as sugar, water, and yeast, to create the mash.
A fermentation vessel can come in various sizes, depending on the amount of moonshine you plan to produce.
Of course, The Standard and Magnum all-in-one stills do not require any additional fermentation vessels as their barrels do double duty as both a fermentor and a distiller.
To ensure a controlled fermentation process and prevent any unwanted contaminants from entering the vessel, an airlock is necessary. The airlock allows gasses to escape while creating a barrier against outside elements. Both The Standard and The Magnum all-in-one stills include an airlock.
A hydrometer is a vital tool for any moonshiner. It measures the specific gravity of your mash, helping you determine the alcohol content and fermentation progress.
Other essential items include a heating source, such as a stove or burner, to heat your still and initiate the distillation process. A thermometer is also necessary to monitor the temperature accurately.
To make your moonshine mash a large kettle and moonshine paddle are ideal for making your moonshine mash. Cheesecloth can be used to strain any solids from your mash.
Moonshine Starter Kit
Craft your own moonshine with our all-inclusive Starter Kit. Includes a 5-gallon pot, thermometer, hydrometer, cheesecloth, mash paddle, and our How to Make Moonshine e-book.
While the moonshine still is the heart of the operation, having the right additional equipment will make your moonshining experience much more manageable and enjoyable. Make sure to invest in quality equipment to ensure consistent results and safe production practices.