Why Copper? The Heart of Every Quality Moonshine Still
Copper has been used in distillation for hundreds of years — and for good reason. When it comes to making the smoothest, cleanest, and best-tasting liquor, copper isn’t just a material — it’s the secret ingredient.
At The Distillery Network, we use only the highest-quality American copper available — 20-oz, 22-gauge sheets — never the thin 16-oz material used by mass-produced or imported stills. This thickness ensures durability, better heat control, and a lifetime of performance for your copper pots, thumpers, worms, and caps.
Copper Makes Your Liquor Taste Better
Copper reacts on a molecular level with alcohol vapor during distillation. This natural reaction removes sulfur compounds created by fermenting yeast. Sulfur causes that harsh, rotten-egg smell and bitter aftertaste you sometimes find in poorly distilled liquor — copper eliminates it entirely. The result? A cleaner, smoother, sweeter final spirit with a pure flavor that stainless steel simply can’t match.
That’s why even the biggest commercial whiskey, bourbon, and rum distilleries — from Kentucky to Scotland — still rely on massive copper stills. They know copper doesn’t just make shine taste better; it defines the taste.
Copper Is the Best Heat Conductor for Distillation
Copper’s superior heat conductivity means your still heats up faster and distributes heat evenly. No hot spots, no burned mash, and no wasted energy — just a steady, controlled boil that lets vapors rise smoothly and condense efficiently. Whether you’re heating five gallons or fifty, copper gives you consistent, predictable results every time.
This thermal advantage makes a huge difference in your final yield and quality. A copper still can reach distilling temperature quickly, use less propane or electricity, and produce a more refined spirit in less time.
Cleaner Liquor, Healthier Results
Amazingly, copper also has proven antimicrobial properties — it naturally kills bacteria and viruses on contact. That means every run through a copper still produces cleaner, purer liquor, without harmful microbial buildup that can occur in stainless steel equipment.
A steel still might be a little easier to clean on the surface, but copper does the cleaning for you inside — every time you fire it up. It’s self-purifying and self-polishing with each use. So while others may settle for steel, true distillers know copper gives you a better-tasting, safer, and more authentic shine.
Tradition That Still Shines
Nothing reflects the true spirit of Appalachian tradition like a handcrafted copper still. It’s the same style the old-timers used back in the hollers of the Blue Ridge — strong, beautiful, and made to last for generations. When you distill with copper, you’re not just making liquor — you’re continuing a centuries-old craft that built American heritage.
Try both, and you’ll see the difference instantly. Copper makes your liquor taste better, your still perform better, and your distilling experience unforgettable. That’s why at The Distillery Network, every still we sell — big or small — is made from pure copper, built by American craftsmen, and guaranteed to outshine the rest.