Still Spirits gear fans, this hobby’s calling—make spirits so personal they taste like pride

May 19, 2025

From Grain to Glass: Why Home Distilling Brings Out the Craftsperson in You

Spirits that tell a story — better when you pour your own.

“Turbo 500” stills aren't just for pros. They're trusted by serious spirit makers—and if you've ever thought, I could do this better, you're already halfway there.

Before it was a ritual, it was a curiosity. One weekend, a mate built a simple reflux still out of scrap copper and a few parts from his tool trolley. What came out? Not just a half-decent bourbon—but a new addiction. That first hit of clean, fiery spirit changed how he saw the craft. Since then, he’s swapped cheap gear for solid rigs like the tried-and-true Still Spirits T500, started flavouring with Edwards Essences, and now turns out batches that rival top-shelf bottles.

"Good gear matters—but knowing what to do with it? That’s when the magic hits your glass."

The creative hobby with taste, process, and pride built-in

Brewing beer is great. But distilling? That takes it a step further. You’re not just fermenting—you’re refining, flavouring, tuning textures and tones like a musical instrument. Whether you’re chasing the sweet, buttery notes of a vanilla rum or the sharp bite of a clean-cut vodka, this hobby lets you build your own signature from scratch.

It hits the sweet spot for anyone who:

Wants full control over flavour, finish, and clarity
Enjoys tweaking, testing, and isolating variables
Values process as much as outcome
Takes pride in giving a mate something they've bottled themselves

And no—this isn’t a backyard science experiment anymore.

Traditional craft meets modern gear

Distilling might be rooted in ancient methods, but today’s tools make the journey smarter and cleaner. Systems like the Still Spirits Air Still offer compact setups for beginners, while advanced systems such as the Turbo 500 Stainless Steel Condenser Kit hit the sweet spot for experienced distillers who want both control and consistency. Paired with flavour boosters like Edwards Essences Butterscotch Schnapps or Classic American Bourbon essence, you're not guessing—you're tailoring.

“It’s not just a spirit. It’s what your Sunday arvo tastes like.”

From routine to ritual

It starts as a project and becomes something more. Turning grain into spirit isn’t a task—it’s a rhythm. Ferment, distil, flavour, rest. There’s satisfaction in each step, and confidence that grows with every batch. You start tweaking the temperature. Swapping sugar for molasses. Ageing in oak chips. It pulls you in.

Unlike hobbies that depend on screen time or costly gear upgrades, this one rewards patience and focus. It’s hands-on, grounded, and deeply personal. You’re shaping a spirit that fits your taste—no artificial nonsense, no generic finish.

And is it legal?

Short answer—it’s legal to own and use a still under 5L without registration in Australia, as long as you're not selling alcohol. For personal use? You're all good. Our in-store staff can walk you through the compliance side so there's no guesswork. Peace of mind matters, especially when you're investing time and care into your batch.

How to get started without getting overwhelmed

Many first-timers trip up on equipment choices. Here's the shortcut:

Starter Still Kit: Begin with the Still Spirits Air Still for small batches and lower setup fuss.
Essences & Flavourings: Pick crowd-pleasers like Edwards Essences Top Shelf Bourbon or seasonal picks like Irish Cream.
Know-How: Some of the best tips come from in-person staff who’ve brewed and ruined their fair share. They're around most weekends, just ask.

Once you're set up, your first batch isn’t about perfection—it’s about process. Each refill gets easier. More flavour. Less waste. Better finish. Next thing you know, you’ve got a row of bottles with handwritten labels lined up in your shed and a list of mates requesting refills.

It’s more than spirits. It’s identity, bottled.

Anyone can buy a whisky off the shelf. But when the bottle was born in your shed, from a recipe you modified and a flavour you dialled in—there’s pride in that. You’re saying: this came from me.

And for those who value precision, independence, and legacy—that’s worth more than any name-brand label.

Want better drink stories? Start making them.

Distilling isn’t a shortcut—it’s a calling. A quiet craft rooted in patience, pride, and refined curiosity. And while mates might nod politely the first time you bring out a sample, just wait until they sip your third or fourth batch. That subtle smile—the raised eyebrows—that's the moment it clicks. That's yours.

Let your shed become the place stories begin.

Happy distilling,
Candeece