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What is a Distillation Unit, and Why Should You Buy One?

Posted by Jonathan Zajac on

What Is a Distillation Unit, and Why Should You Own One?

By harnessing Mother Nature’s varying boiling points, a distillation unit lets you separate pure alcohol from water. No, you’re not playing God—you’re becoming a Home Moonshiner.

Distilling is a rewarding hobby, similar to brewing beer, and easy enough for anyone to learn safely. With the right equipment, you can make your own consumables—liquor, distilled water, essential oils, and more—all from home. A copper distillation unit is also a powerful survival tool to keep on hand in case of emergencies or natural disasters.

Owning a still protects more than your resources—it protects your freedom. It’s as important to defend our right to bear a moonshine still as it is our right to bear arms. While selling homemade alcohol is illegal, owning a still for personal use, essential oils, or purification is entirely your right.

Join the modern “Distillers’ Renaissance” and become a Home Moonshiner today—take control of your craft, your supply, and your independence.

FAQ FAQ FAQ FAQ FAQ FAQ FAQ FAQ FAQ FAQ FAQ FAQ FAQ FAQ FAQ FAQ ▾
Lead Time: 3–6 Weeks
📧 Owner@TheDistilleryNetwork.com
☎️ Owner: 1-603-997-6786
☎️ Sales & Support: 1-502-337-3944
🎥 Watch builds & tutorials on YouTube @HomeMoonshiners
🧾 Read our Lifetime Warranty
💬 Connect with the Owner Facebook
1) Why copper instead of stainless steel?▾
Because copper **DESTROYS sulfur.** When vapor hits copper, it reacts — grabs the stink (H₂S, DMS, mercaptans), forms copper sulfides/sulfates, and **keeps it stuck** to the walls. Result: clean aroma, smooth finish. Stainless is inert — it lets sulfur cruise through unless you stuff it with copper. Copper also moves heat like lightning (no hot spots) and it’s naturally antimicrobial. The old ways are the best ways.
2) Are your stills 100% lead-free?▾
**Yes.** Heavy-gauge, food-grade copper with **lead-free** solder/brazing on every seam. We water-test before shipping. No shortcuts, no junk.
3) Is it legal to own or use a still?▾
Owning a still: legal in most places for **water, essential oils, and fuel**. Distilling beverage alcohol: check federal (TTB) + state permits. The tool is legal — the use decides the paperwork. Shine smart.
4) What size still should I buy?▾
• **2–5 gal** — testing & learning • **8–13 gal** — serious home use (most popular) • **20–30 gal** — small-batch production / side hustle • **50+ gal** — commercial workhorse Bigger pot = fewer runs, more yield per session.
5) What’s the typical alcohol yield? (Quick Calculator)▾
Punch in wash gallons and ABV. We assume ~85% recovery and show drinkable @ 40% ABV.
American Copper Works
Yield Quick Calculator
6) Thumper vs Worm — what’s the deal?▾
**Thumper:** re-distills vapor mid-run → higher proof, smoother flavor. **Worm:** the condenser coil where vapor turns back into liquid. Want cleaner, stronger shine? Run both.
7) Best heat source?▾
**Propane** for muscle and control. **Electric** for quiet/indoor. Copper isn’t magnetic — induction needs an interface plate. Either way, bring steady heat and let the pot sing.
8) How do I clean my still the right way?▾
Follow this ACW shop cycle — fast, hot, effective:
  1. Distill citric acid: Fill with water + about 10 handfuls citric acid. Run it HOT all the way through. Don’t cool the worm — high temp steam scrubs the system.
  2. Empty it.
  3. Splash baking soda + water: Slosh it around to neutralize the acid. Flush as best you can.
  4. Empty it again.
  5. Distill tap water: Run hot, don’t cool the worm. It’ll go from cloudy to clear — that’s your green light.
9) What’s a “sacrificial run”?▾
Your first alcohol run gets dumped. It burns out flux, oils, and residue. Like seasoning cast iron — do it once, enjoy clean runs after.
10) How do I proof and blend?▾
Use a proof & tralle hydrometer. Collect in small jars, label, test, taste. Blend your **hearts** to target ABV. Trust your nose, tongue, and meter — in that order.
11) Can I distill water or essential oils?▾
Absolutely — distilled water, essential oils, hydrosols. Just clean between different uses so flavors don’t hitch a ride.
12) How long will this still last?▾
With care, decades. Copper ages like a good barrel. We back it with a **Lifetime Warranty** because we build them to outlive trends.
13) What’s covered by the Lifetime Warranty?▾
Lifetime coverage for the original owner on manufacturing defects. • **0–30 days:** ACW covers round-trip shipping. • **After 30 days:** you cover shipping, we fix it. • **After 3 years:** swap eligible for a same-size fresh build. No fine print — just craftsmanship and support.
14) My order got beat up in shipping!▾
It happens. Snap pics within 48 hours and email us. We’ll file with the carrier and get parts or replacements out fast.
15) Pressure rating?▾
**None — on purpose.** A still should never build pressure. Vapor must flow free or you’re asking for trouble. Never block or cap any outlet. Ever.
16) How should I store my still?▾
Empty, dry, lid off. Don’t leave wash inside. Want show-shine? Light oil wipe. Don’t care? Let that patina tell its story.
17) Do you sell parts & upgrades?▾
Yes — caps, EZ seals, thumpers, worms, liebig condensers, unions, custom ports and more. If it’s copper, we can build it or make it fit.
18) How do I reach American Copper Works?▾
📧 Owner@TheDistilleryNetwork.com
☎️ Owner: 1-603-997-6786
☎️ Sales & Support: 1-502-337-3944
🏭 50 Bridge St Unit C, Nashua NH 03060 (by appointment)
🎥 YouTube: @HomeMoonshiners
🧾 Lifetime Warranty: moonshinestills.com
💬 Facebook: Connect With The Owner On Facebook

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