Searching for the best moonshine still can be a challenge. However, creating homemade whiskey or gin is a rewarding endeavor. When the right skills, knowledge, and equipment are combined, the result can go toe-to-toe with some world-renowned spirits. The first step is finding the right tools needed for the job. After all, the perfect moonshine can only come from the best moonshine still.
The essential thing to bear in mind when choosing the perfect still is the material. Stainless steel is inexpensive and great for starter kits. However, copper is the best moonshine still material according to most experienced users. There's also the matter of convenience since you can opt for either assembled or unassembled kits. The overall quality, capacity, and ease of maintenance are important factors too.
What To Consider When Buying The Best Moonshine Still
The right balance between quality and price might be more challenging to strike, especially if you're unsure what you're looking for. You might be tempted to either save some money by deciding on a cheaper, less functional still or go straight to the most expensive to make sure you've got the best quality. However, the best choices often lie in the middle, and you'll need to have the most realistic viewpoint to recognize them.
A pricier still might save you money in the long run. It may be more dependable and functional than a cheap one. If you are focused on the quality of your moonshine, saving funds in the purchase stage is a bad choice. On the other hand, your skills and interests may not fit with a professional setup. You don't want to overspend on a premium product but discover the investment was wasted.
Taking all of this into consideration, we've compiled a list of the seven best moonshine stills to put you on the right track. Note that some of our recommendations are aimed at beginners, while others would best suit the experienced home distiller. Bear your goals and skill level in mind and choose the right tool accordingly.
1. WMN Trulystep Home Distiller
This is a great, inexpensive starter kit for beginners. The build of this still is relatively simple, so there isn't an abundance of parts that would confuse first-time users. With a capacity of three gallons, the WMN Trulystep Home Distiller will fit into any space in your home. The still comes with a built-in metal thermometer, so you can easily monitor the temperature. Even if the heat manages to get out of hand, there's a gauze bag that will prevent the distillate from burning out. Another detail to help with heat management is the stickers that will show you when the pots are heated.
While most of the still is made from stainless steel, the pipes are made from copper. Although a still entirely made of copper would be a better option, in this case, the material goes along with the overall purpose of the distiller, which is to be a handy tool for those just embarking on their moonshine-making journey. That why we think this is the best moonshine still for beginners.
You can check current prices here.
2. OLizee 3 Pots 8 Gallon Distiller
This quality-made still is entirely made of stainless steel. It features a thumper keg, used for adding flavors or infusions, which makes the final product really unique. This feature is a must for anyone who wants to add that personal touch to their homemade liquor. Besides that, the OLizee 3 Pots 8 Gallon Distiller can keep the batch pure and fresh with its independent airway. This distiller comes with all necessary parts included, so it'll be ready to go when you open the box.
Disregarding what was said about the materials, this stainless steel distiller is a tool for professionals. Both the material and the welding can ensure the kit will remain functioning for years. The distiller is expertly constructed and offers everything a skilled moonshine master could need to make the perfect spirit batch.
3. 5-Gallon Pure Copper Alembic Still
This still is made by an experienced manufacturer that always aims for the best quality. It's made entirely of copper, and the design is quite impressive. This is a fully equipped still that doesn't require you to add any additional components to get started.
The still includes a built-in thermometer to help you gauge the temperature in the still. The still weighs 10 lbs and has a capacity of 5 gallons. The still is handcrafted in copper and brass.
You can learn more by clicking here.
4. Seeutek 5 Gallon Distiller Kit
An excellent choice for beginners, the Seeutek 5 Gallon Distiller Kit has everything you'll ever need to start making the best moonshine. In fact, this kit could serve you quite well, even after you've gathered some experience in the field. The distiller is designed for ease of installation and use while being compact and easy to store. The kit is made of stainless steel with copper piping, and the non-rust-resistant steel is its main downside.
It might be obvious, to an experienced eye, that one shouldn't garner great expectations for the kit, judging by the overall make and the price. However, this doesn't mean it won't do the job right - it just means you'll need to step-up the equipment once your needs outgrow this wonderful starter kit.
5. Still Spirits T-500 Boiler and Condenser
While this still is made from stainless steel, the material is top-quality and resistant to rust. The Still Spirits T-500 Boiler and Condenser look amazing and work perfectly. This is a premium product and is therefore priced accordingly. It can collect up to 95% of alcohol, creating an excellent, pure liquor. Besides its functionality, this still is quite simple to set up and use.
The system is also faster than many others, so you'll be able to taste the crafted moonshine much sooner. Overall, there's nothing but praise for this still. The only thing that could keep you away from it is its considerably higher price.
6. Still Spirits Turbo Air Still
Still Spirits Turbo Air Still is a great counterbalance to the T-500. It's much more reasonably priced and comes in a shape that is similar to an electric kettle. It's the easiest still to use - the only thing you need to do is plug it into the outlet, add the required materials, and leave it to do its magic. The Air Cooling System cools the moonshine down without using any water, and it takes a couple of hours to produce the liquor.
The capacity of this still is very low, as it can only produce a one-quart bottle of liquor in one go. Surprisingly for an appliance that has Turbo in the name, this still will take more time to finish the process than its bigger T-500 cousin. The material involved, though, is precisely the same. The still is made of rust-resistant stainless steel.
7. Clawhammer 5 Gallon Moonshine DIY Still Kit
This still has a high output of fine and pure distillates. It's made entirely from copper, expertly designed, and highly functional. The one downside to the Clawhammer 5 Gallon Moonshine DIY Still is in the name. It's DIY, which means it doesn't come pre-assembled. Unfortunately, the kit doesn't include some necessary hoses and pipes, which must be bought separately.
The unit is quite tall at 3.5 feet, so storing it will require a dedicated space. While it can produce top-quality liquor, casual or inexperienced users might be deterred by its challenging construction. This still is obviously designed for home distillers who know what they want and don't mind putting in the extra effort to get premium stilling equipment.
You can purchase this still here.
It's Time for Your Moonshine to Shine
When considering the best moonshine still, the right choice for you should be evident if you know what you're looking for. The options vary, containing everything from stills that are more akin to kitchen appliances to the heavy-duty, professional-grade setups. It's essential to realistically assess what quantity of liquor you would like to produce, your skill level, and the budget available.
With all this in mind, you should easily find your favorite among the seven best moonshine still options we've presented. Once you have the perfect tool, all that's left is to use your skills and the right raw materials. Whether you're aiming for a quick batch or a daily production of a larger quantity, chances are that your needs will be met by one of the kits above.
You don't even need to wonder where to buy a still. All of the items are available online, so after you make a choice and place your order, you'll be distilling spirits of your own in no time. When the pure homemade moonshine starts to flow, you'll have every reason to feel proud and satisfied.