How to Choose the Right Still for Making Spirits at Home

March 10, 2025

How to Choose the Right Still for Making Spirits at Home

So, you’re ready to dip your toes into the world of home distilling? Whether you dream of crafting a smooth whisky, a bold rum, or a crisp gin, the key to getting it right starts with choosing the perfect still. With so many options out there, picking the right one can feel as overwhelming as walking into a hardware store without a shopping list. No worries—this guide will make the decision easier and help you find a still that suits your experience level, goals, and space.

Understanding the Basics: What Exactly Does a Still Do?

A still is the heart of your home distilling setup. It heats a fermented liquid to separate alcohol from water and other components, allowing you to collect the good stuff while leaving behind unwanted impurities. But not all stills are created equal, and choosing the right type makes a world of difference in the final flavour and quality of your spirits.

Choosing Between a Pot Still and a Reflux Still

Distilling isn’t a one-size-fits-all process. The type of still you need depends on what you plan to make:

Pot Still: If you want to craft deep, flavourful spirits like whisky, rum, or brandy, a pot still is your best mate. It keeps more of the original character from your ingredients, which is why it’s a go-to for rich, complex drinks.
Reflux Still: If a clean, high-purity spirit like vodka or neutral spirits is your goal, a reflux still is the way to go. It uses multiple distillation cycles within the still itself, removing unwanted flavours and leaving you with a smooth, refined result.

Size Matters: Picking the Right Capacity

Bigger isn’t always better, especially when it comes to distilling at home. The best still size for you depends on how much you plan to make and how much space you have. Here’s a quick breakdown:

Small Still (3–5 litres): Perfect for beginners or those wanting to experiment with small batches.
Medium Still (10–20 litres): A solid choice for home distillers looking for a good balance between quantity and control.
Large Still (25 litres and up): Best suited for serious hobbyists who want to produce bigger batches or who love to perfect their technique.

Material Choices: Copper vs. Stainless Steel

The material of your still affects everything from flavour to durability. The two main choices are:

Copper Stills: Favoured by traditionalists, copper naturally removes sulphur compounds that can create off-flavours. It’s excellent for whisky and brandy but requires a little more maintenance.
Stainless Steel Stills: Easy to clean, highly durable, and often more affordable, stainless steel is a great choice for neutral spirits and those who want a fuss-free option.

Legal Stuff: Know the Rules

Before you jump headfirst into home distilling, check the legal requirements in your area. While stills can be legally sold for purposes like distilling water or essential oils, making spirits at home requires the right licensing. Stay informed and make sure you're following the proper regulations.

Where to Buy Quality Stills

Now that you know what to look for, the next step is getting your hands on a great still. Choosing one from a trusted supplier ensures you get a high-quality product that meets safety standards. Whether you’re after a beginner-friendly pot still or a high-performance reflux still, having expert guidance makes all the difference.

Start Your Distilling Journey with Confidence

Selecting the right still is the foundation for making exceptional spirits at home. Whether you’re crafting whisky with rich character or a clean vodka for cocktails, the right equipment makes each step of the process enjoyable. So take your pick, set up your distillery space, and get ready to create something worth sharing.

Happy distilling! Candeece