Before you scale up a recipe, you prove it on a small batch. The 6 Gallon FlameFlow™ is the smallest still in this lineup. It's a patented copper still for short, careful runs, where you learn what each fruit, grain or botanical actually does in copper.
What FlameFlow changes
According to the maker, the patented FlameFlow™ design heats up in about half the time of their standard units. It's also less likely to scorch and burn your mash, and the heat is easier to control accurately. On a small still a few degrees make a big difference, so that control matters.
Brandy and schnapps: fruit is fragile
Fruit mashes are full of sugar and pulp, and that's exactly what scorches. A scorched batch of pears or plums tastes burnt no matter how good your cuts are. A still built to resist scorching gives delicate fruit spirits a fair chance. With a 6 gallon batch, a failed experiment costs you a small amount of fruit instead of a whole harvest.
Whiskey, rum, gin and vodka trials
You can use it to:
- Test a new grain bill before you commit to a big mash
- Compare molasses blends for rum
- Try a botanical mix for gin
- Practice cuts on small vodka runs, where you'll learn how tight they need to be
Keep notes on every run and this little still becomes your lab notebook.
Owning a still is legal in the US, but making alcohol requires federal TTB permits. Follow federal, state and local law. The 6 gallon size also works well for water distillation and essential oil work.
