Why You Should Own A Moonshine Still

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

By harnessing Mother Nature’s different boiling points, you can separate pure alcohol from water. No divine powers needed—you’re not God, you’re a Home Moonshiner.

Distillation is an incredible hobby, and much like brewing beer, it’s simple enough for anyone to do safely. Save money and gain self-reliance by making your own consumables—liquor, distilled water, and essential oils—all from the comfort of your home with a distilling unit from The Distillery Network Inc.

A great survival tool to keep in your shed or garage in case of emergency. A distillation unit can protect you and your family during a natural disaster by giving you the ability to purify water and create essential supplies. While owning a still is legal in most places, remember—it’s illegal to sell homemade liquor. Use your still responsibly. Protecting your right to own a still is as important as protecting your right to bear arms. Join the Distillers Renaissance and take pride in being a Home Moonshiner.

What Types of Stills Are Available, and Which Should You Buy?

At The Distillery Network Inc., we’re on a mission to save the planet—one moonshine still at a time. Our handcrafted distilling equipment satisfies everyone from beginners to expert distillers. We offer several styles of copper stills, including Alembic, Pot, and Reflux designs.

Each type has unique advantages:
- Pot Still: The best choice for price and versatility. Built quickly and efficiently, saving you money while delivering 170+ proof results.
- Alembic Still: Beautiful, traditional, and historically rich—these are typically built overseas due to labor intensity.
- Reflux Still: Imported from China for stainless affordability and precision efficiency.

Since 2013, we’ve been building our copper moonshine stills in Manchester, New Hampshire. Each pot still is fully warranted, made in the USA, and built to last for generations.

Is Using a Still Safe?

Operating a still isn’t dangerous if done correctly—but it does require respect. Like driving a car, it’s only unsafe if you’re careless. Never run a still unattended. Always stay nearby and monitor temperatures. Remember: dispose of the first one-third of your first jar—it’s not safe to drink.

The Distillery Network is here to answer any safety questions before, during, and after your runs. If you’re making essential oils or extracting with alcohol, ask for a solid-bottom still for maximum safety. We’ve had no major accidents, but safety should always be your top priority.

Why Buy From The Distillery Network?

Since 2013, TDN has focused on perfecting our stills while keeping prices fair. Every unit includes proper folds, seams, and embossing for added structural integrity. Our oversized Thumpers and Worms handle up to 30 gallons, and every pot includes a correctly placed top-mounted temperature gauge.

We use only 20 oz / 22-gauge thick American copper—stronger than the thin 16 oz others use. All materials are lead-free and domestically sourced. Our craftsmen are experts, and our customer service is unmatched—you’ll speak directly with the owner, not a call center.

We offer a Lifetime Warranty on every copper product. If your unit breaks, we’ll repair or replace it—you only pay shipping. Shipping is free on all complete kits up to 10 gallons. We ship discreetly and fast. Tune in to our Facebook to see live shop builds and check out our reviews—we’re proud to be the best in the business.

We even have an app—Moonshine Still Buddy—and an interactive phone system packed with moonshine knowledge. All units are flame-tested before shipping, ensuring top performance right out of the box.

If I Bought One, How Do I Use It?

You’ll need a propane burner producing at least 8,000 BTUs and a batch of Mash (the fermented liquid containing alcohol). You can learn Mash recipes at www.Mash.Recipes.

Set up your still in a well-ventilated area. Always keep liquid in the pot while heating. Seal the cap with traditional flour paste—it’s easy to make and creates a rock-hard seal. Once distillation begins, note your temperature and add 20°F to find your ideal range. Maintain that temperature to ensure consistent results. Use a hydrometer to measure your finished shine and discard the first 1/3 of your first run.

These basics will get you started, and as you grow your skills, you can add accessories and upgrades to perfect your craft.

How Is the Product Made at The Distillery Network?

Every Moonshine Still we build begins with the purest copper available—sourced directly from Paul Revere. Our 3x10 ft copper sheets are cut, bent, and rolled by hand at our Manchester, NH facility.

Each edge is folded 180° for safety and strength. After rolling, the pieces are embossed, clamped, and soldered. Every still includes a cone, pot, lyne arm, thumper, and worm connected via spin unions for easy disassembly. The condenser coil is finished with dual hose hookups for continuous cooling water flow.

Our craftsmen take their time—each builds only two stills per day to maintain precision. Every unit undergoes both water and flame testing before shipping, ensuring it’s ready to perform right out of the box.

Why Copper?

Copper has been the distiller’s choice for centuries—for good reason. It improves flavor, removes sulfur compounds, and evenly conducts heat. At The Distillery Network, we use premium 20 oz / 22-gauge American copper for all pots, thumpers, worms, and caps—no thin imports here.

Copper reacts on a molecular level, stripping unwanted sulfur and impurities for a smoother, cleaner spirit. It’s also a superb thermal conductor, ensuring faster heating and better condensation.

Plus, copper is naturally antimicrobial—it kills bacteria and viruses—giving you cleaner results and peace of mind. Try both copper and stainless, and you’ll understand why nothing beats a traditional copper still.