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I'm looking to make a still, like the one on MASH, but obviously don't want to go blind. Anyone know any good books to read so that way I know that this is rediculasly hard.

2006-09-18 18:56:34 · 8 answers · asked by mountnrebl 2 in Food & Drink Beer, Wine & Spirits

8 answers

Hey Rebl,

In the US they don't make the "kit" as was mentioned, that is why you see the "chemistry class" set-up that they had in M*A*S*H.

And the reason....

It's illegal to make your own distilled alcohol in the US. It's called bootlegging. It's like growing your own pot. You can claim it is for personal use, but the Feds don't care. They are afraid that you'll start making your own and put Seagrams out of business.

Beer and Wine are not distilled, so make your little arms go like mad to make it yourself.

If you want to know how to make a still, plans are available on the INTERNET or as simple as going to your LOCAL LIBRARY. The still was considered one of the best inventions of the 19th century.

Good Luck,

James in San Diego

2006-09-18 20:31:22 · answer #1 · answered by jpr_sd 4 · 0 0

I don't think you can legally do this. Beer and wine can be made at home, but distilling spirits at home is a no no.If you want detailed information read The Foxfire Book. This book was written by high school students in the 70's. They interviewed grandparents and elderly neighbors in Appalachia to find out how everyday things were done years ago. I've had home made liquor (moonshine) once. Just buy some pure grain alcohol, it tastes better.

2006-09-19 03:40:57 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0 0

First, understand what "stilling" is. To distill is to rid the mixture of water and leave alcohol behind, so anything that evaporates water can be used. The problem is that alcohol evaporates at lower temperature than water, so you need a way to trap the alcohol. Unless you use the reverse process wherein you freeze the water out, since alcohol freezes at much lower temperature.

Theoretically speaking, a still should heat the substance to be distilled, then cool off the substance to be kept at a high enough level (talking distance here) that the unwanted distillate is sloughed off. That's why moonshine stills use metal balls to trap alcohol high up in heated container, then cold water pack to condense said alcohol.

But simplest method, theoretically speaking, is to freeze out the water, skim the alchohol, then reflavor the distillate (since grain alcohol wouldn't taste very good in this manner...most of the taste is in the frozen water). I'd suggest an acidic flavouring, since it will cut in on the grain taste and (theoretically) balance it out.

2006-09-19 04:13:40 · answer #3 · answered by necroth 3 · 0 0

Like others have said....

DISTILLING ALCOHOL IS ILLEGAL IN THE USA AND IF YOU GET CAUGHT YOU WILL BE CHARGED WITH A FEDERAL CRIME...

...however, there are lots of books available on the subject. Check out Amazon and Barnes and Noble if you really want to do this. Be careful, though....there's a long history of homemade stills exploding and injuring or even killing people.

2006-09-19 11:34:55 · answer #4 · answered by Silver 4 · 0 0

Sit down, be prepared for a lot of work, time, and patience.
Study this:
http://homedistiller.org

EVERYTHING you could possibly want to know is there.

Bear in mind that outside of New Zealand, and perhaps a few other countries I'm not aware of, home distilling is ILLEGAL...in any quantity, for any purpose, personal or commercial.

2006-09-19 11:50:08 · answer #5 · answered by Trid 6 · 1 0

Its really not difficult if you get a kit. There are loads of online companies selling proper kits, with instructions. Just see if you can find one.

2006-09-19 05:10:51 · answer #6 · answered by the_garf 2 · 0 0

any store that sels kits in beer wine spirit ,making

2006-09-19 03:23:10 · answer #7 · answered by rammesis2 3 · 0 0

Huh?

2006-09-19 01:57:47 · answer #8 · answered by xinnybuxlrie 5 · 0 1

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