How to Build a Still

Before you build a still check the laws in your state or region. Some countries have restrictions about owning or making your drinks. If it’s permissible, you can start preparing the following ingredients.

Required Tools and Materials

Drinking glass (8 oz)
A bowl for mixing (it must have a rounded bottom)
A cooking pot (able to hold at least a gallon of water)
Cooking thermometer
Red table wine (half a gallon)
Hydrometer (device for testing alcohol)
A magnet
Ice cubes
A 5 lb weight (a concrete block or brick will do)

Set the Cooking Pot and Wine in Place

Place the pot on a burner. Pour a couple of quarts of red wine into it. Begin to build a still by setting the glass in the middle of the pot. Put the magnet in the glass.

Now turn up the burner until it reaches 120 F. Use the thermometer to get the right temperature reading. When it reaches 120 F, reduce it to a very low level.

Add Ice Cubes

Get the mixing bowl and put some ice cubes in it. Put a seal on the bowl and place this on the pot. For best results the seal must be very tight. Place the weight on top of the bowl. The seal is for keeping the vapor from getting out.

Increase the Temperature

The key to build a still will be how you adjust the temperatures. Over the next half hour, bring it up slowly. Take note of the chemicals that dissipate. At 148.5 F it is ethyl. At 173 degrees it is methyl and water at 212 degrees. You’ll know the alcohol has evaporated when the ice cubes start oozing in the glass. For the best condensation possible, use a cold bowl.

Lower the Temperature

Turn it off as it approaches 212 degrees. Take away the glass and discard the wine. The glass is now filled with a couple of ounces of water per 2 quarts of the wine.

Use the Hydrometer

Get the hydrometer and test the purity of the glass’ contents. On average the result will be 20%. The best level is 80%, which translates to 40% alcohol. This can be attained through continuous practice after you build a still.

Tips

The guide above is a basic type. There are many different types you can try. There are several different versions. Do some research so you can try other variants.

There are also some ready to assemble kits available. This will take out a lot of the work required. By assembling the kit you can just concentrate on getting the mixture right.

Take all the proper precautions. Don’t get too near the burner when you heat it up. You should also be patient. Few who try it the first time get the right alcohol level they desire. As stated, you will get the right level in due time.

Learning to build a still will help you understand how to create more complex apparatus. Once you have made one, you can start to make all kinds of drinks.