The “Sharp Model” Copper Moonshine Still — Affordable, Authentic, and Built by American Copper Works
Our “Sharp Model” is built differently from the classic American Copper Works stills that our loyal customers have come to love and admire. True to its name, this model is sharp — literally and figuratively — so be careful handling it! While it produces the same high-quality moonshine as our premium models, it’s designed to give new distillers a more affordable entry point into authentic copper craftsmanship.
Why Offer a “Sharp” Model?
Since 2012, we’ve received hundreds of calls from curious customers asking, “Why should we buy your $500 still when Vengeance Stills sells theirs for $300?” We’ve always stood proudly behind our superior craftsmanship — folded edges, reinforced seams, embossed joints — but after years of customer requests, we decided to offer a comparable option for those who simply want to get started without the higher price tag.
Our forefathers didn’t care about folded edges or extra polish — they cared about getting good moonshine. That’s the spirit behind the Sharp Model. It’s inspired by the rough-and-ready stills of old Appalachia, built for practicality and price, not perfection. It’s faster to make, easier to ship, and more affordable — all without sacrificing the ability to produce great liquor.
What Makes the Sharp Model Different?
We call it the Sharp Model because it’s a completely separate design from our standard copper stills. Our traditional stills include bent edges, folded seams, and embossed reinforcements that eliminate sharpness and add long-term durability. By contrast, the Sharp Models are smooth-edged, non-embossed, and built straight from sheet copper — just like what you’ll find from our competitors.
When we started making these, we were shocked at how much faster they could be built compared to our standard models. It became clear why some companies — like Vengeance Stills and North Georgia Stills — can sell units for $300. It’s not because they’re using magic; it’s because they’ve cut out the craftsmanship. All the bends, folds, and skill that define traditional copper work are gone.
Why Are Competitor Stills Cheaper?
Let’s break down how our competitors offer such low prices — and what corners they cut in the process:
- Sharp Edges and Incomplete Kits: Most low-cost units are slapped together quickly to meet demand. When you receive your still, you’ll likely find missing fittings and unsoldered joints. That’s because you’re not buying a complete distillation unit — you’re buying what we call a kit. Read the fine print and you’ll see it’s incomplete — and time is money.
- Thinner Copper: Many competitors use 16 oz. copper instead of 20 oz. — that’s 25% thinner metal. They’ll upsell you for the thicker version, charging $99 more for what amounts to $10 in material cost. Thinner copper means a weaker still that won’t last.
- Cheap Electrical Elements: Some offer electric heating options that simply plug into the wall, with no control or regulation. You have to manually plug and unplug it to manage temperature — a frustrating, imprecise process. Sure, it’s “only” $80, but compare that to our complete electric element and controller setup at $250 — precise, safe, and built to last.
The Sharp Model: Affordable Quality from American Copper Works
By simplifying the build, we save on labor and materials — and pass those savings on to you. Our Sharp Model gives newcomers to distilling a way to own a true copper still without breaking the bank. It’s faster to build, easier to ship, and more affordable — yet still made right here in the USA with the same copper quality and integrity you expect from American Copper Works.
Whether you’re just entering the world of distilling or looking for a reliable backup still, the Sharp Model offers the perfect balance between craftsmanship and cost. It’s sharp, it’s simple, and it’s built with honesty — because even an entry-level still should still be American-made.
👉 Explore all models and see the difference at MoonshineStills.com — handcrafted by American Copper Works.