Match the Copper Still to the Spirit You're After
Match the copper still to the spirit you're after
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Every spirit starts the same way: a fermented wash, a copper pot, steady heat, and vapor you coax back into liquid. What changes is what you ask the still to do. A grain whiskey needs the body of the mash to come through. A clean vodka needs you to strip flavor away. A fruit brandy needs you to keep the orchard in the glass. Liquor Stills is built on one idea: pick the copper still that fits the spirit you're after, then run the experiment yourself.
These stills are handmade in America by a family shop in New Hampshire. Running one makes you part alchemist and part scientist. You choose the wash, set the heat, watch the thermometer and the proof, and decide where the heads end and the hearts begin.
Whiskey and Rum: Body and Character
Whiskey and rum do best on a still that carries flavor forward. A thumper between the pot and the worm works like a second pass inside a single run, which adds depth to a grain or molasses wash. The 6 Gallon Complete Copper Moonshine Still with Thumper and Worm (from $699) is a hands-on way to learn. If you're curious but want to start small, the 3 Gallon Copper Moonshine Still has no thumper and starts at $229. For bigger batches, the same design comes in larger sizes: the 10 Gallon Advanced Model (from $949), the 15 Gallon Advanced Model with EZ Seal Cap and 4 inch Thumper Port (from $1,049), the 25 Gallon Advanced Model with 6 Gallon Thumper and 6 Gallon Worm (from $1,100), the 30 Gallon Advanced Model with 6 Gallon Thumper (from $1,300), and the 50 Gallon Advanced Model with 10 Gallon Thumper and 10 Gallon Worm (from $1,900).
Brandy and Schnapps: Keep the Fruit
Fruit spirits take restraint. Gentle, even heat and careful cuts protect the delicate aromas of apples, pears, peaches, or grapes. With an electric model and a controller, you set the heat yourself instead of babysitting a flame. Options include the 6 Gallon 110V model with controller (from $1,099), the 10 Gallon 220V Electric (from $1,249), the 20 Gallon 220V Electric Advanced Model (from $1,199), and the 15 Gallon 220V Electric Advanced Model (from $1,299).
Vodka and Gin: Clean and Bright
Vodka is meant to be neutral and high-proof. On a copper pot still, that means more than one run and very disciplined cuts. A larger pot gives you more volume to work with. Look at the 20 Gallon Complete Copper Moonshine Still (from $899) or the 25 Gallon Advanced Model with 220V Electric Element and Controller (from $1,299). Gin starts from that clean base and gets its character from juniper and other botanicals. You design the recipe, and each change you make teaches you something.
Curious About FlameFlow™?
The patented FlameFlow™ line comes in a 6 gallon (from $1,199), the Brilliant 10 gallon (from $1,499), and a complete 30 gallon (from $2,999). Cooking over propane? The Propane Burner (from $129) is made for copper distillers from 6 to 30 gallons.
Tools for the Lab
- Hydrometer Set for measuring alcohol proof (from $29)
- Copper Proofing Parrot (from $119)
- Individual thumpers (from $299)
- Distilling Data Dump, a collection of distillation research (from $29)
- 15 and 25 Gallon "EZ KIT" you-build stills (from $629 and $679)
A word on the law: owning a still is legal in the US, but distilling alcohol requires federal (TTB) permits. Many owners also use copper stills to make distilled water and essential oils, and to make fuel alcohol with a permit. Always follow federal, state, and local law. Questions about which still fits your plans? Call the shop at 603-997-6786.
Questions people ask
Which copper still is best for whiskey or rum?
A still with a thumper and worm suits spirits where you want flavor to come through. The thumper acts like a second pass within one run. Sizes range from the 6 Gallon Complete Copper Moonshine Still with Thumper and Worm (from $699) up to the 50 Gallon Advanced Model with 10 Gallon Thumper and 10 Gallon Worm (from $1,900).
Can I make vodka on a copper pot still?
Vodka needs a neutral, high-proof spirit. On a pot-style copper still, that usually means more than one run and careful cuts. A larger pot, like the 20 or 25 gallon models, gives you more volume to work with. Distilling alcohol requires federal (TTB) permits.
Why choose an electric still for brandy or schnapps?
Fruit spirits reward gentle, even heat. The electric models come with a controller, so you set the heat yourself instead of tending a flame. Choices include a 6 gallon 110V model and 10, 15, 20, and 25 gallon 220V models.
Is it legal to own a still?
Yes, owning a still is legal in the US. Distilling alcohol requires federal (TTB) permits, and you must also follow state and local law. Stills are also used to make distilled water, essential oils, and fuel alcohol (with a permit).
Do I need a burner for a flame-heated still?
If you plan to heat with propane, the Propane Burner (from $129) is made for copper distillers from 6 to 30 gallons. The electric models have their own heating element and controller.
How do I measure the proof of what I make?
The Hydrometer Set (from $29) measures alcohol proof. The Copper Proofing Parrot (from $119) holds a hydrometer at the outlet so you can check proof as the run goes. Both help you make accurate cuts.
Guides
- Which Copper Still Is Best for Whiskey? Pot Stills, Grain, and Character
- Choosing a Copper Still for Rum: How Molasses and Cane Shape the Choice
- Copper Stills for Brandy: Turning Fruit Wine Into Something Finer
- Making Vodka: Why Reflux Columns Beat Pot Stills for a Clean Spirit
- Gin Stills Explained: Vapor Baskets vs. Steeping Botanicals in the Pot
- Schnapps and Eau-de-Vie: Picking a Copper Still That Keeps the Fruit Bright