Good moonshine stills: overview, description of models, characteristics

2024 Author: Isabella Gilson | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-17 03:14

Often, users ask the question: which of the moonshine stills is the best? Is there a rating for this equipment? Where can you buy the most successful device? And in general, what does it mean - good moonshine stills?

Progress through the ages

The history of the emergence of moonshine is rooted in the deep past. Even the ancient Greeks, Egyptians and Romans mastered the art of distilling water and various essential oils. They used for this clay dishes equipped with pipes.

The device was improved by the Great Avicenna - the scientist turned the elongated tube into a serpentine, and the result was a device for the production of medicinal essences, which were used to heal the sick.

Good moonshine, corresponding to the level of development of the then science, was used by alchemists in the Middle Ages to produce the "water of life" - that was what alcohol was then called.

Moonshine progressed across Europe and little by little reached Russia.

Here his intoxicating qualities, the ability to shootpain, in an hour of despondency to cheer up, during the holidays to increase fun were appreciated.

Already in the seventeenth century, home distilleries smoked with might and main in many estates, in which the drink was brewed in wooden or earthenware vessels with metal pipes.

Good moonshine stills were rare at the time. Time has filled this gap.

Today in any village you can find a classic device in which steam passes through the coil, and coolant is located outside. Old inexpensive stainless steel units are sold on the markets, you can find a great variety of models, the best of which will be the one that can best meet the individual needs of the consumer.

Market Patterns

The demand for this specific equipment is increasing in direct proportion to the rise in prices for alcoholic products. As well as an increase in the number of surrogate on store shelves.

In connection with this, many plants, factories, organizations and simply "handy" craftsmen began to produce moonshine units of various types and brands. Today, more than 100 different names are known. How to find really good moonshine among them?

How to choose? Overview

Specialists believe that each moonshine is good in its own way - provided that it is assembled with high quality by a conscientious manufacturer.

When choosing a suitable moonshine still, you should decide on several criteria:

• cooling method;
• wayheating the mash;
• do you plan to use an induction hob;
• what kind of drinks - distillates or rectificates - the user is going to make using the machine;
• what is the plan to drain the sludge from the steamer;
• what material should the unit be made of;
• whether the apparatus will be used with or without alembic;
• on what cost of the device the user plans to count;
• what should be its performance;
• what should be the parameters of the device so that it can easily fit in the kitchen.

On the modern market there is a wide range of various equipment for home brewing. We offer readers a brief overview.

By cooling method

This criterion divides moonshine stills into flow and non-flow. The flow is used with the use of a water pipe (water continuously enters the cooler through a PVC hose), and a non-flow one is used without it: a container is used into which the coil is lowered and water is poured. As the water heats up, it must be constantly changed.

From the most famous stagnant devices should be mentioned:

1. Moonshine still "Magarych village", which is considered the most economical.
2. Moonshine still "Good heat country", which is a distiller, according to experts, deserving of the attention of consumers.

All other well-known brands are flowable.

By the method of heating the mash

Different devices equipped with heating elements, and without it. Making a choiceit is necessary to weigh the living conditions in which it is planned to carry out the production of moonshine. If they allow the use of a gas stove, electric or induction stove, then you should purchase a device without a heating element, which is cheaper. Otherwise, experts recommend choosing a device with a heating element. The “sore spot” in these devices is the gaskets connecting the heating elements to the body. It is necessary to constantly ensure that they are always immersed in mash.

Worthy moonshine stills with heating elements are:

1. "Magarych TT". The structural elements are connected by silicone tubes, it does not have automatic adjustment.
2. "Technology", which comes with coolers "Legend" or "Bogatyr". The latter is more compact, the cooler and dryer are placed directly on the body.

Other devices are not equipped with heating elements.

Distillation column or moonshine - which is better?

When choosing a machine, you should decide which drinks are the most preferable:

• distillates (moonshine, tequila, cognac, brandy, whiskey, calvados, chacha, etc.);
• or rectified (vodka, absinthe, tincture, alcohol, etc.)

Depending on preferences, a distillation column or moonshine still is selected. "What's better?" users ask.

It should be borne in mind that in moonshine stills, even with the help of repeated distillation, you will not get purealcohol and real vodka. For this purpose, distillation columns should be used. For many users this may be the answer.

Classic Moonshines:

• "Good heat".
• Magarych.
• "Thermosphere".

From the more "advanced", according to experts, you can pay attention to the following models:

• Grinalco distillers;
• MAX Cuprum (copper).

Distillation columns are of two types:

• dish-shaped ("Brownie");
• column.

The moonshine still with a column is Dobrovary, Grinalko.

Distillery in miniature

Distillation columns, according to experts, is a kind of mini-distillery that allows you to get pure alcohol, which is used in the preparation of tinctures, vodka, absinthe, home perfumes. In the recent past, such installations were used exclusively in laboratory and production conditions, now they are also operated at home.

The distillation column uses any alcohol-containing raw material. As a result of distillation, rectified alcohol is obtained without a strong aroma.

The distillation process in a column compares favorably with the absence of pungent odors from the use of distillers, when a strong unpleasant vodka-alcohol smell from the kitchen spreads throughout the apartment and the entrance.

The process consists in the repeated transformation of liquid into vapor and vice versa: the lightest fraction is at the top, and then at the exit.

It should be noted the minimum content of harmful impurities,which is provided by the alcohol preparation system. The downside of the work is the low rate of product formation (500 ml per hour).

Most Popular Models

1. For several years now, the Pchelka distillation column has been in consistently high demand. It will be suitable for buyers who do not chase high speeds. The device produces 200 ml per hour.

2. The Litrovka distillation column is already a more serious apparatus that requires a significant amount of space, sufficient water for cooling and good heating. It has high productivity, excellent quality, produces a product of at least 80-90% strength.

About the universal system

Connoisseurs advise those who find it difficult to choose between a distillation column and a distillate, to give preference to a universal apparatus with which you can produce moonshine and pure alcohol (96%). The essence of improving the design of the device is to add a new node.

You can make a universal system yourself by purchasing a good distillation column for a high-quality distiller.

The best qualities of distillation and rectification devices are combined in the popular Two-in-One system (Dom Peregon company). The category of "universal moonshine stills" also includes the fairly well-known "Doctor Huber Midget" and Midget 2016.

What type of drain is planned?

The user needs to know that moonshine equipment comes with and without a steamer. As a rule, modern classicaldevices are issued with sukhoparnikov. A relatively more economical exception is Magarych-economy. How profitable it is, everyone decides for themselves.

With the help of a sukhoparnik, additional cleaning of fusel oils, protection from mash splashes, aromatization of products is provided.

The sludge of their dry steamer is best drained with a faucet. They are available for devices:

• "Good heat";
• "Thermosphere".

Dry steamers are not needed for column-type devices, since they are cleaned by distillation.

What material should the unit be made of?

It is important to decide on the choice of material. The main materials from which modern moonshine stills are made are copper and stainless steel. Their fans are among themselves a long-standing dispute. Meanwhile, you can make the right decision in favor of one or the other by studying some well-known points.

About the features of copper devices

Copper is able to absorb and neutralize sulfur oxide. As a result of distillation, the unpleasant smell of moonshine from apples practically disappears.

Copper machines are traditionally used in the production of all well-known European cognac brands.

The disadvantage of the copper apparatus is that over time the copper will be covered with a bloom. This neutralizes its absorbent properties.

You can increase the life of the device by cleaning it regularly with baking soda and a brush.

We must also remember that copperis a soft metal and should be handled with care.

The most popular are MAX Cuprum copper devices.

About the features of stainless steel devices

They appeared relatively recently, when the development of metallurgy made possible the widespread use of stainless steel in the food industry. The main advantage of stainless steel is its inertness to any substances, as a result of which moonshine stills from it are the most durable, strong and durable.

The line of reliable and high-quality moonshine stills made of stainless steel is offered by Dobry Zhar, Domovenok, Magarych and others. Stainless steel products have won the trust of customers due to their simplicity, reliability and high quality.

Glass moonshine still

In addition to the above materials, glass is also used in the production of moonshine stills. A glass device is suitable for those who wish to receive alcohol in small quantities.

The whole fascinating process of distillation in such an apparatus appears before the user at a glance. It is recommended to be purchased by novice moonshiners as an excellent device that allows you to "plunge headlong" into the process.

The glass moonshine still has a higher quality of the final product at the output. You can buy a glass moonshine still in the online store. Its cost ranges from 3-20 thousand rubles. Experts call the glass unit the best combination of price and qualityfinal product.

In addition to the positive qualities, glass moonshine stills have their disadvantages:

• fragile material;
• result in lower quality berry spirits.

About the presence of an alembic

Almost all modern units come with an alembic:

• "Good heat".
• Magarych.
• "Thermosphere".
• Grinalko systems.

There are no stills in distillation columns and some distillers, such as:

• "Brownie".
• "Dobrovary".
• MAX Cuprum.
• Grinalco budget phones.

Alembic volume

Today, moonshine stills with a cube volume are known:

• 12 to 20 liters;
• 20 to 40 liters.

Over 40 liters - these are devices of the Dobry Zhar brand, which are manufactured in volumes up to 120 liters.

About moonshine stills of the Magarych series

The line of reliable, high-quality and affordable stainless steel devices, with cubes in both segments, is the Magarych series. Very easy to operate, easy to transport and store due to its compactness.

Apparatus for 12 liters

Moonshine still Mashkovsky (12 liters) "Magarych" is one of the most popular among users.

Stocked:

• double steamer;
• top steamer with removable lid for adding fruits and flavors;
• thermometer;
• 12 liter tank;
• wideneckline;
• wood handles.

Pros

Brand benefits include:

• providing better distillate purification with a series-arranged pair of dry steamers;
• the presence of the upper sukhoparnik provides the possibility of laying spices and flavors, which results in an excellent taste of the drink as a result of the first distillation;
• this design provides the ability to increase the number of dry steamers and improve the degree of distillate purification in one distillation;
• convenient design, high performance, low cost of the device allows the use of Mashkovsky apparatus instead of relatively inconvenient distillation columns.

Apparatus for 20 l: characteristics, how it works

Moonshine still (20 liters) (“Magarych” by Mashkovsky) is intended for lovers of distillation technology with a steamer. His distiller was created using a patented technology, which includes two dry steamers. This design feature improves the quality of moonshine due to double purification from fusel oils.

1. The first steamer is used for coarse cleaning, the second for fine cleaning.
2. The top dryer has a removable lid for loading fruits, spices, flavors or flavors, resulting in a drink with the desired taste.
3. Thanks to the wide mouth of the device, access to the inside of the tank is opened, which makes it easier to clean it afterwork.
4. The presence of handles with wooden knobs gives the device a finished and attractive appearance, and the process itself makes it pleasant and comfortable.
5. The distiller is used on all types of stoves.
6. Productivity: 1.5 liters per hour.
7. Made of stainless steel, no corrosion.
8. With the help of argon welding, the joints are completely tight.
9. Using a thermometer installed on a dry steamer for fine cleaning, you can accurately determine the temperature of alcohol vapors and get an idea of which fraction will condense in the refrigerator in the next minute.
10. Coil built in.
11. Vertical through-flow cooler.

Brand varieties

Those who wish can choose a similar device with the same volume:

• "Magarych Derevensky 20T" without dry steamer.
• "Magarych Standard 20T" with a steamer.
• "Magarych Premium 20 BKDR" with a dry jacket and wide neck.

Moonshine mini-machine

For those who are among the people who want to receive high-quality moonshine in the shortest possible time, the best option would be a compact moonshine. The device works on the same principle as its "big brother" - overall analog.

The difference between the compact and standard devices is the size of the still, cooler, steamer and the length of the distillation tubes. Craftsmen make devices that, when assembled, are half or even three times smaller than a standard competitor. AtIn this performance, the device will yield only 2-3 liters.

As for the quality of product purification, mini-systems sometimes even outperform larger distillers.

The popularity of miniature moonshine stills among professionals is growing every year. The reason is easy to explain: the device is easy to hide in a backpack in order to use it in nature. Most of the units by their design do not depend on the presence of running water. An ordinary fire can serve as a heating element for them.

The apparatus is also unpretentious in storage. You just need to wash and dry the device, and grease it with a special paste made of stainless steel. It is also recommended to scrape off the remaining sealant from the joints - during long-term storage, the composition hardens strongly. Cleaning it hardened may damage the machine.

Best Mini Gadgets

Of the most popular models, experts recommend:

1. Small-sized device "Domovenok". A compact device, which, in addition to high-quality moonshine, allows you to make aromatic extracts from squeegees and herbs for tinctures. Productivity - 1, 3 liters per hour. Weight - 2 kg. Equipped with a nut for fastening to the lid of the distillation tank, a hose for water drainage (3 m). Fits easily in any kitchen.
2. Desktop apparatus Moonsshine Still LePet. Allows you to independently produce strong drinks on a raw material basis in the form of inexpensive low-alcohol wine. The device does not require a connection to the water supply. Ice cubes can be used to cool it.

Wine,poured into the distillation tank (1.9 l), evaporating, passes through the cooling system and turns into distilled alcohol, gradually accumulating in a certain container. From 1.9 liters of weak wine (12 degrees) 200 ml of alcohol is obtained, from raw materials from 20 degrees - the volume of the product will be up to 380 ml. The device is made of stainless steel. Non-corrosive.

Do-it-yourself moonshine still

Many stores stock a plethora of mini and standard distillers, as well as other home brewing devices that do the job just fine. However, it is believed that it is much more pleasant to use a home-made moonshine still. By making the device with his own hands, the owner is guaranteed its 100% reliability.

How to make your own mini distiller?

Usually this question is asked by fans of using the system in nature.

In order to make a compact home-made moonshine, you should use:

• glass jar (3-5L);
• aluminum can (soda can x2);
• bolts and nuts (set);
• copper wire;
• plastic bottle (not more than 0.5 l);
• polyethylene cap;
• a few silicone tubes (1m).

The use of rubber tubes is not recommended, as they transfer their pungent odor to the alcohol during the distillation process.

Fasteners are easy to make with your own hands.

Some home craftsmen produceequipping home-made mini-devices with dry steamers: for this, a container with a sealed lid (100 g) is installed between the distillation cube and the cooler. An additional element allows you to produce not only refined moonshine, but homemade tincture or liqueur.

On the benefits of "homemade"

Moonshine stills are easy to make. The web is filled with tips and tricks on how to make a moonshine still using the tools at hand.

The scheme of a standard home device consists of two parts:

• heated tank;
• coil.

Some people add a dry steamer, which greatly enhances the taste of the product. Someone does without a coil, managing to manipulate with a single pan.

Making a home-made device allows you to achieve significant cost savings: despite the fact that a store device usually costs up to 8-16 thousand rubles, a self-made unit can cost about 1-2 thousand rubles.

What else should I look for when choosing a moonshine still?

Those who choose the best home moonshine still for themselves or as a gift should also pay attention to the parameters of the device. The dimensions of the device should allow you to freely place it in the kitchen. You also need to pay attention to its performance. By the way, experts believe that the latter is easy to increase by turning the knob of the gas stove.

And of course, the cost of the device will be an important factor when choosing.

As for the cost, it naturally depends on the manufacturer, size, material, build quality, etc., and is one of the main criteria that most beginners are guided by.

Each device has certain advantages over the others. The variety of worthy representatives of moonshine technology is so great that it is not possible to cover it in one review.

The main thing to remember: making good moonshine is a real art. Its production is sometimes a great pleasure for the master and, most importantly, it results in a quality, inexpensive and safe product. But only if you use a really good, reliable moonshine for this.