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Below is a list of our most commonly received questions. If you do not find an answer to yours, please send us an email at customerservice@whiskeystill.net
Q: Are these stills functional, or are they just good-looking replicas?
A: Our stills are made to be completely functional. They just happen to look great.
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Q: Are there instructions on how to operate the still?
A: Yes. A quick-start guide is included with the purchase of every still.
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Q: Do you have a recipe and instructions on how to prepare the ingredients that go in the still?
A: Yes, a basic recipe is included in the quick-start guide.
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Q: What heat source do you use for the still?
A: It depends on the distillers preference and service. The easiest option when using smaller (ten or less gallons) indoors is using an electric stove or hot-plate. Propane burners are very effective, but as with any heat source that uses a flame, they should always be used outside. I also suggest to avoid a natural-gas or oil stove when distilling indoors.
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Q: How much alcohol can I expect to get out of a single run?
A: It depends on how you decide to run it, and what ingredients you use in your mash. However, a typical result is about 10-20%. For example a 5 gallon still could potentially make 1 gallon of whiskey or moonshine.
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Q: How do I measure the proof? How do I cut?
A: You need a tool called a hydrometer. It's a little float that sinks or floats according to the density of the liquid it's floating in. The further it sinks means the higher proof alcohol you have. They're available online or at a brewers supply for about $20.
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Q: In the pictures I didn't see a thermometer on the stills. Do they come with one attached?
A: Yes. A thermometer comes affixed to the onion top to measure vapor temperature. *NOTE* the gauge is in °C so no conversion is required for most recipes.
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Q: Do your stills contain lead?
A: No. Our stills are made using solder-less construction and are 100% copper. There fittings used to join the condenser and still are made of brass and are lead-free as well.
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Q: Do you make a thumper keg for any of your stills?
A: No. Thumpers are only used in large scale production of moonshine to increase proof and remove sediments. This strips the flavor from your product and is undesirable unless using poor ingredients. The removal of sediments is not needed as well due to the bulb on the top of our stills. Among other benefits, this prevents the carry-over of liquid into the condenser when properly operated. Adding a thumper is expensive and unnecessary.
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Q: Is distilling legal?
A: We're assuming you've familiarized yourself with the laws, and if you haven't, you should. In summary, to legally distill alcohol you will need proper government approval. For an alternative fuel permit go here: http://www.ttb.gov/forms/f511074.pdf and for a micro-distillery check out the BATF permit information here: http://www.ttb.gov/spirits/
Additionally, most states have their own set of requirements for distilling fuel alcohol; be sure to google your state as well.
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Q: Do you supply a tracking number with an order?
A: Yes, once we ship the still an email with a tracking number is automatically sent to you.
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Q: Does the government track stills?
A: Short answer, no. However, the government does require us to keep records of all stills sold, and we must present these records if requested. That being said, we have never been issued any such request to date, nor have any of the other still manufacturers we have spoken to. If a request were ever made, we would notify all owners via email, phone, and standard post immediately.
