Beginner's Guide #5 Moonshine Stills

#5 in our series to help those interested understand the basic concepts of stills.
This channel is designed to offer insight and background on the science, art and practice of making alcohol based products at home.

[@richardhoffman5403]

I don't know what is crazier, you asking the camera if we understand, or me answering. Great video, thanks for your time.

[@BarleyandHopsBrewing]

lol

[@freedomtorule]

LOVE THIS GUY.

[@mr.t4904]

@@BarleyandHopsBrewing What is the name of the intro song? It's great and thanks for everything

[@williebssnap3689]

He's for sure great but make it somehow sound confusing 🤔, probably just me..

[@jason9375]

@@williebssnap3689 I think he is on the shine!

[@damonrice6809]

George, thank you for all of the time you put aside to share with us. I enjoy most that you are more about getting out there and doing. One of the first things I've stumbled on is the science of the whole process. There is a wealth of information that is daunting at best for a person at any level of understanding. You however start at the basic and add in the technical. Making a more enjoyable learning experience and adding a springboard for anyone wanting to go deeper. Keep up the good work!

[@jonwells4970]

George, is a legend, been watching George for many years, he helped us gain our UK distilling licence. Wells spirits, leicester, UK. What a great guy. Jon wells.

[@STILLinCANADA]

Though we all seek Georges thoughts on products, it is heartfelt to know he shares his knowledge and his decisions. Keep up the Fantastic work George cant wait to hear that bell ring again.

[@stanleykyree9552]

instablaster...

[@ashokpashawan4513]

@@stanleykyree9552 ..

[@basuamuduli3017]

ēbbbvb vgģvh bnb5t6yyyýýuyy66yyyu7777

[@kristinamiladinovic8716]

@@ashokpashawan4513 zugghbjmmkv c 7

[@chuckdontknowdoya6100]

Another Great video George you really make my day when you ring my bell keep them coming I enjoy them all no matter what level they are intended for. THANK YOU

[@MrClintjasper]

Wow, I feel this video covered more information than I have managed to leisurely learn in a few years! Thank you sir, you are a very good teacher!

[@markross6818]

This is one of the best all-around description of hobby-level distillation around. Great vid ! 😊

[@jamesduffy202]

Thanks, George for all your good stuff! I'd be a lot more clueless without these videos.

[@joedeardo2855]

The most infinitive video on stills I have ever watched! Thank you, thank you,thank you!

[@BarleyandHopsBrewing]

Glad it was helpful!

[@keithaleo3712]

Thank you George! This is fantastic info and, as a beginner, very very helpful.

[@chocachips]

No doubt about it , you are a CHAMPION. You have answered all my questions for now.

[@lenbones7940]

Basically answered every question I've ever had about still purchasing thank you

[@John_Doe-007]

Ya know what I like most about this ain't the through break down of how stills work or having multiple physical stills on hand to give a well round explanation of what's happening where, nah it's how excited this man is about stills. Thank you for such an informative video!

[@marcusbennett6995]

George, You're the man, I'm a self trained distiller, started my first try with distilling something in my late teens, about 40 odd years ago (luckily i think no one has died through my attempts through the years ) and always wondered if i just knew how to do it exactly right instead of a bit right i would love that! Then i came across your postings and my old still will never be used again. I'm so excited about what i have learned about how exactly stills work, i can't wait to build my new one. Keep up the good work.

[@andrewsteele1346]

Hi George! Loving your work. Sat in the UK going a little dewy eyed on my memories spent in NC...... I learned a lot about moonshine but not as much as here! Take care and keep up the good work!!

[@blindguy63]

Nine out of 10 Blind Home Distillers approve of this video! Another great video George! Keep them coming.

[@lilymcalister1825]

😂😂

[@raimonstappat3541]

Again a big thank you to George..great Video, great Gye..keep on going..youre a very good teacher..👌🤞

[@smaring777]

Absolutely the best, most concise, information on how stills work, delivered in a great way. Many thanks for sharing your knowledge sir. You answered a bunch of questions I had.

[@mikezandt3395]

I don’t drink alcohol, and have not in almost 30 years, but I could watch this guy all day long. What an interesting person. I would love to make some for my friends and family.

[@williamarmstrong7199]

Brilliant. Wish this had been available 3 years ago. Would have saved me a deal of time and money.

[@sebastianpmgcoldwater8941]

thanks George! always learning even after we've started.

[@MegaStamandster]

Thanks for the info George! First time caller, long time lurker/homebrewer ;)

[@jan-olofharnvall8760]

You Sir, got a new subscriber today🇸🇪 No distracting music or other crap, and very informative.

[@joeponder9668]

Worst part of watching the playlists is forgetting to like the video haha 🤣 awesome info I wish this was out there 10yrs ago!! Thanks a million

[@richardanderson4916]

Phenomenally informative. Thank you so very much!

[@zfariborz]

This is one of the most important topics I have ever heard or seen, thank you :)

[@SirGolfalot-]

Your videos are always worth the watch time.

[@buttheady429]

Sir you are the BEST teacher i have EVER had the honor of observing as you ply your trade i was fixated on your detailed information and explanation of those....well.....Details. i have some prior knowledge of the condensation process but just basic questions remained in my head and you more than answered them....thank you Sir. God bless

[@tomasrivera1207]

Thank you for the simplification. Great and informative explanations.

[@abnervalbuena9774]

Good day George. Finally a chanel with realy practical information and didactic. I was willing to find it and I stepped into you. I am happy I did, because I´ve been "beggining for years" and builded my beer brewing machine and now a SS still, but the gross information of destilling was more about "them telling you how good they are" and no teaching. You are giveing the right information from a humble sight and that makes your chanel the best I have found until now. Good job! We will all apreciate. From the venezuelan andies, I´ll keep following you. Thanks again. Keep the excelent work.

[@davidjmorgan3890]

Pi ×diameter =circumference Pi ×radius ×radius=area I like your content.

[@deathmetalchili6902]

Hey pal. Always wanted to do this. and I am FINALLY gonna start soon. right now, I am collecting gear, and thanks to you...knowledge. AWESOME VIDEOS!!!! Cheers Good Sir! :)

[@mazdiff5477]

Aaaaah now it makes sense! Thankyou George

[@chris-ui2nt]

Love it as always George. Can't believe I somehow missed all your videos for the last year or two. How did this happen!

[@penelopeseymour3236]

Thanks for a great condensed lesson!

[@OSCARE38]

I think I spend more time with George then any one else thanks George l have learned so much👏

[@Christian-ve1wi]

Wow just love the information here, thank you from the UK 🇬🇧 I wanted to find some info and I found so so much more.

[@andyboys5669]

Love you man, awesome content, great personality.

[@danemmerich6775]

Thank you for your Knowledge. After watching this video, i am buying a Combo still.

[@bobritter7197]

I think you are my new favourite (secular) KZbin channel. Bless you, sir.

[@sprmom4174]

I so need to come learn from you....I watch and get overwhelmed at times

[@MarcinWojtczuk]

Finally understood reflux, thank you. I bought pot still because of size and wife acceptance factor. Now I know how to convert it to reflux!

[@kerrycasey1563]

George I'm a recent subscriber to your channel. I've purchased one of your 3in column stills w/gin trap and will be building on 15 gal keg as pot and have made 4 kegs into fermenters w/removable tops so they can be scrubbed out would like to progress to continuous run still. I have been in a amateur brew club for about 20 yrs (redwood coast brewers assn in santa cruz ca) so I understand the basics of brewing. Just getting started with distilling and have been trying to absorb as much of your knowledge as I can. thank you for bringing it to us with clarity and detail. I've built up over 100 gallons of apple cider over last few years and will be distilling the not so drinkable portions. Into calvados and will be experimenting with other combinations mainly corn liquor - Aqua vit the list goes on. But back to the continuous run stills do you have any videos on that subject any help would be appreciated thank you Kerry

[@jamesthomas8481]

dude you deserve a youtube grammy award. lol i enjoy all your content and have learned much.

[@jimallen1485]

"I heard a noise."... Revenuers RUN George. LOL

[@philiptruitt]

Thank you George!!

[@Zen0NoMind1]

Great video, very informative and thorough walk through. Thank you.🥴

[@davedonaid7346]

Hi George! Loving your work

[@jwdickinson643]

George, love your video channel but just one little correction....Pi X r squared is the AREA...what you described as the inner dimension when you ran your finger around the inside of the tube is the circumference, whose formula is Pi X 2 X r or Pi X D (2r being the Diameter). I’m really looking forward to my first try and putting your instruction and advice to use! Keep up the great series!

[@lacro5686]

For dummies: Circumference = 3 times the diameter - close enough

[@paulgrendall5138]

your a genius dude!! Thank you from England.

[@markschoenhals4816]

George. I’m missing your amazing guidance an teachings

[@derrickrice2010]

Hi George...first wanted to say thanks for the videos. You have mentioned several times you are not a fan of thumpers, I have used them a few times and have my own opinions of them. In a past video I believe you said a thumper is typically filled 2/3rds full and that seems hi and I see how that could cause some back pressure... but just enough to cover inlet tube by 1-1.5 inches is sufficient. It would be interesting for ( data ) to run 2 identical pot stills, 2 identical grain washes, but 1 with a thumper and compare the total volume collected from each, the alcohol percentage from each, and the flavor of each from a few people to taste them. I think for ones who never used a thumper this would provide actual data or information of pros and cons of a thumper.

[@hottellz]

Thanks Buddy! God Bless you for teaching Safety!!

[@hottellz]

Thanks for No Poison! Clean Product Tips and Tricks!! What about the gaskets on the outback? And heat?? What should I use? I guess I will try molasses and cardboard as a non toxic gasket. Lol The Hand Sanitizer one was Very Interesting! Thanks! I like the idea might be more natural for the skin?! Just as a fun suggestion, you could add inches of water column to the stills to monitor liquid level could be a game changer! Might help avoid scorching on low level?. Thanks again! Peace and God's Love be with you brother! Isaiah 43

[@aaronolson1378]

Hands down you are the king at teaching and explaining this. I have doing research on this for weeks and I feel like this video alone has made everything crystal clear. 99% of every other video I have found explains about 10% of what you have done here. Thank you!

[@securityoffers]

Really informative and clear. Thank you.

[@skeezdogg82]

Thanks again George

[@mjfirthau]

Wonderful segment, thank you very much sir !

[@BPRbuster]

This guy knows his different distillation techniques! Thanks for the knowledge George!

[@rafer2002]

I was waiting for your two cents on that traditional still column/head from mile high. I seen you guys where using a while back but no review. Had a sight glass underneath. Still waiting

[@kymuddy]

Thank you so much you are a excellent teacher. Many try to teach but leave to many holes and gaps in the info. Great job

[@georgeakin9312]

Great Content George, Thank you

[@Skampia]

You are amazing!!!!

[@gregorhzaczek2405]

You guys are great

[@johnnytoy5487]

Your videos are excellent 👍, I enjoy making liquor even though I do not consume. 🤔 Go figure. My friend love it. My favorite part is the fermentation process that's where the TLC comes in. Just my opinion. Thank you. 👍

[@glleon80517]

George, another great introductory video! You mentioned a couple of stills by name (Mike High, Brew Haus) but I am interested in the one based on the 5 gallon kettle and two inch column. Distilling in a kettle has lots of advantages since the kettle is multi-purpose. However, it needs a lid that seals. Can you tell me the brand and where you got it without endorsing it in any way? Thanks, Professor George!

[@logicchaser7146]

Very informative and well done.

[@timmayesjr7126]

Hey George thanks for all the content you put out i recently bought the 8 gallon reflux/ pot still from clawhammersupply can you review those stills its my first still and am struggling to tell the difference

[@kyawsoe4166]

Thanks and very useful information for beginners .

[@neilsheldon8355]

Hi ... Love your videos. I haven't read previous comments but Pi x R x R (commonly referred to as "Pi R Squared") is the total area of the opening. whereas, I believe that that 2 x Pi x R is the circumference, or distance around the outside of the circle. It's a technicality, to be sure, but can be confusing, and lead to improper results to those who don't realize the difference. I only bring it up, because when you talked about "Pi R Squared", you seemed to indicate with you hand movements, the circumference. ... BTW I although, pretty old timer stuff, I appreciated you reference to the old joke.

[@nicholasroach9204]

I like your videos I like learning the science of it

[@et_cetera_]

Excellent use of the green screen here! Also, great video

[@edlibey8177]

Using a cooling jacket on the top of the column is a pretty clever way to control the reflux ratio. As a synthesis Chemist I have worked with a variety of lab and industrial stills. I am surprised I have never seen a small still set up like this. I would run this a bit different though. You suggest controlling the reflux by controlling the cooling water flow. This will work but, it can be hard to reproducibly control the flow. If I was using this in my lab I would keep a constant cooling flow but, control the temperature of the cooling water in the reflux jacket. I had some temperature controlled recirculating baths in my lab that were thousands dollars each which would be too expensive for a home distiller. Still I think a simple recirculating bath could be made with a small pump and heated pot where the temp could be controlled. It would take some trial and error runs to determine the best temperature to run the reflux jacket but, once you figure it out it could be easily reproduced. Say start with a gentle boil in the pot and run you reflux jacket at say 5 degrees centigrade lower than your ethanol boiling point. See how well this knocks back the vapor. You could get a good idea from your overhead temperature as well. Too much cooling on your reflux jacket and your overhead temperature would be very low ( no vapor coming over). Too little cooling and your overhead temperature would be a bit higher than the boiling point of ethanol (meaning insufficient amounts of reflux and a high water low ethanol content).

[@devontaylorpt]

Hi George. Love your channel. Just FYI, the radius is the distance from the edge of a circle to its centre. Just thought I'd let you know. Keep up the good work.

[@yoguimasterof69]

Hi George....I'll call you some day!....just haven't studied enough yet...only one month since my first destillation :) Thanks for all the great information and the motivation! Salud....from Chile!!

[@BarleyandHopsBrewing]

Sounds great!

[@ericbilliter3354]

Great video! Very helpful! OK, what still do I buy? ;) Just kidding! You've helped me decide on a midsize reflux still! Happy shining & thanks!

[@capitaldd5840]

Great video. Q - if you run the gin basket between the kettle and the condenser, doesn't this remove some of the flavour...? As the reflux process removes most of the....flavours....etc. Almost seems counter productive - adding and removing.....no....? I'm building a 3" column and I'm having a hard time deciding(personal preference) on a design that will let me Do the infusions as well as just run straight reflux. (Kinda like the Nixon Stone design)

[@williamsmith1741]

Slip of the tongue around 16:40, "Just don't run water through the condenser, or the pre-condenser.." George meant that if you want to run it as a pot still, just don't run water through the "pre-condenser", and only the pre-condenser. You must always, always, always run water through the condenser, that is unless you want to die in an alcohol vapor fueled inferno.

[@mikeduffer6858]

Thanks George! I will be calling you when I save the money.

[@williamwhite5407]

Thank you . Interesting . How would you know when a stock pot covered with inverted lid of ice water , which you keep fresh and cold has finished collecting in inner pot container without temperature gauge or anything ? Thanks

[@kooscombrinck3753]

Hi George! Tanks for great info and knowledge sharing I understand a couple of things muthe better. I hear and see you are disrespecting the turbo 500 systems? I have been using mine now for last 5 years with great success produsing 96 to 91% final poduct and will not easily be convinced to any other system. The last one u discussed looks like great versatile system and not too difficult to reproduce, I will definitely make it project for my self with a couple of refinements to it. Thanks.

[@mrfixit011]

Thank you sir.

[@PaulMcLove]

‼Thank you for your education 👍😉😀

[@ullo-ragnartelliskivi4639]

whats the song in the beginning? also, thank you very much for this video, i really was looking for this information :)

[@genxdrones]

what water temp would you have at your reflux before your point of no return? and what temp at the gauge on vapor before condenser. love your vids. thank you

[@danielschineman5389]

Thanks for the knowledge

[@chriscopeland1455]

made some with 1 half gallon ball jar today lol had to try it just wanted to see it work. not bad id have to say would i use it daily probably not but can be done

[@terenceharper5612]

I have a copper 5 gallon one from the same manufacturer as your copper one.. I love it, partly because I made it myself, but I have to wonder where you learned solder.... LOL. However, can you call the column a reflux column if you have stuffed the interior with copper mesh to do what the column water jacket does, so long as you don't run it fast? Nevermind.. didn't wait long enough in the video before asking.

[@jamieteale3481]

Hi George, I just bought a still with a thumper, can I use the fore shots and heads from my first run in the thumper mixed with crushed fruit or juice to add volume to fill the thumper 2/3 full? Also will the temp of the thumper have to reach 143 before the fore shots and heads enter the worm? Then increase the temp to 173 and collect the hearts? I am new at this thanks for your info!

[@arimaaaaa5012]

Hey George, question: if running a distillate from a pot still will it result close to a reflux still result? (Flavors/abv content)

[@capitaldd3693]

Great episode. I'm in the process of building a 2" nixon-stone set up running off a fire heated keg. My buddy runs a boka still(goes from 2" off the keg and 3feet up widens up to 3") my Nixon will be 50" and Tees over to the condenser inside the sight glass (typical design I guess). My buddy thinks I'm over building and I'll have vapor pockets at the thermometer and even at the take off point....... any validity in his comments...? Thanks

[@BillMcGirr]

At 11:41 he says Steven Stills... I start humming CSNY songs.🤣👍🥃

[@robertfontaine3650]

3" still , column length max of about 54". Does this change with insulation / increased watts? or does the power curve just run out room around here? The calc I used seemed more around 60"

[@Grandpa_RLP]

So on the 3rd one that was a combo. Pot and or Reflux when running it as a reflux do you run water in your pre condenser and condenser? I suppose on the condenser you just run a steady flow of cool water. On the pre condenser do you adjust water flow or just run it like the condenser? Thank you for the information.

[@Mike-qd6lb]

Hi quick tip to cleaning copper components, use stars an at the normal rate, it will remove all the build up and leave it clean. By this I mean I place my coppee in my bath add stars an and hot water, leave until its shiny then rinse well.

[@robertholt4601]

The second still you showed the one right after the copper still where can you get one and about how much are those like that one

[@patrickodonnell6872]

For the pre-condenser in the reflux stills, shouldn’t the water flow into the top nozzle and one the bottom such that we have counter current flow? As it is in the secondary condenser or shotgun condenser.

[@naomi6212]

Hello George. I make fruit wine for home consumption. I like the idea of using all the product. The fruit waste is composed (earthworms love it). I would like to increase the alcohol content by using the freezer method first and then distill. The head I want to use as bbq fire starter, draw off some ethanol and the remainder as favoured wine (now sterilised). Is there anything wrong with my plan? And what still best suit this do you think? Thank you for your comment, or anyone else, in advance.

[@litaparayslechonireland3755]

hi George, i'd like to know where can i possible get exactly the same pot still you shown the one with long arm and gin basket. which company makes that one?

[@jimpatton8096]

In this video you made, induction cooker , you show a still which you said has a magnetic / induction bottom. What brand / model is it? Or what other still have magnetic induction bottoms?

[@GEAUXFRUGAL]

Thanks for the introduction. I saw a guy on KZbin make a run with a condenser packed in ice he was at home 5 gallon SSteel pot Cooper worm. He made his mash with cattle feed with molasses. So I'm getting to witness a lot more than just going in blind. Oh he produced 80 ml of head , ~ 2.5 pints of body and a hair more tail than head.

[@ya3590]

I used this equipment ( excatly the same. just different with the capacity) , to distill clove leaves...the result very good...I am from Indonesia