For persons who enjoy the process of making their very own beer and other liquor beverages at home, a still is an ideal tool to have. While others buy their own, others would rather invest their time and energy in making one from their own hands, to know that all their efforts went into the entire process, from making the still to making the liquor. Even though in some countries this is illegal, countries such as Austria, Italy, and New Zealand, can enjoy this without coming into conflict with the law. This article will make that possible by following these instructions.
Tools required
- Thermometer
- Hydrometer
- Magnet
Materials required
- Cooking pot
- Mixing bowl
- Tall Drinking glass
- Wine
- Ice cubes
Instructions
- After gathering all the items, thoroughly wash them. All the components being used need to be properly cleaned.
- Put two quarts of the wine into the pot then place it on the burner or stove. Place the glass in the center of the pot. Make sure that the glass is stable inside of the pot. Turn on the heat now and when the ingredients start to heat up, put the magnet in the collection glass. The glass should be held in place when the ingredients start to heat up.
- Turn your stove on high until it gets to 120 degrees Fahrenheit and check the heating process with the use of a thermometer. When the pot finally gets to 120 degrees Fahrenheit turn the heat on low then monitor the heat and watch it rise consistently again. Do this for about half an hour to 45 minutes.
- Take the bowl and put ice cubes in it until is full and place it on top of the large pot. The idea is to trap all the alcohol vapor by securing that the bowl has a good seal and adding a weight or brick on top of it to seal it better. As the wine heats up slowly and reaches boiling point, the alcohol will start turning to vapor and the bowl above with ice will cool down the condensation process and then the wine will drip down into the glass.
- While in the pot, don’t allow the wine to boil up. When the water approaches 212 degrees, turn off the heat and remove the glass, then dispose of the wine. The glass should contain about 2 – 4 ounces of water for every two quarts of wine that was cooked.
- Use a hygrometer to test proof the alcohol. You should normally get about 20 proofs.
Tips and Warning
- Ensure that your working area is properly ventilated so the heat, fumes, and gasses have a way of escaping. The fumes may be harmful to your health if this is not done.
- Be cautious when operating around high temperatures. Be careful not to let anything spill or turn over as this may cause high-degree burns.
- Use gloves and proper clothing when handling all the tools and materials, especially because heat Is involved.