Basics of Home Distilling: DIY Step by Step Distillation Guide for Pure Water, Whiskey, Moonshine, Rum & Vodka

by Richard Armstrong

Would you like to make your own distilled, clean, natural water? Have you wondered how to make moonshine? It’s easier than you might have thought! With just a few simple pieces of equipment, you can make distilled water, moonshine, whiskey, and more in the comfort of your own backyard. I’ve been distilling in my home for nearly 15 years. I started apprehensively and tentatively. But right from my first run, I knew that I loved it. Sure, my initial batches of alcohol were good – but not great – but as I became more knowledgeable and gained more experience, the quality improved. In fact, within the last several years, I’ve mentored individuals in home distilling. One of them, in particular, urged me to write this book. I was hesitant, but after careful deliberation, I took his advice. The result is this beginner’s handbook to home distillation. I’ve created this step-by-step guide for you – someone who has an interest in this hobby but doesn’t know where to start. In this book, I’ll introduce you to every aspect of home distilling, from making the mash to aging your final product. I’ve found that knowing the basic science behind the process helped me to become a better distiller, so first, I give you a quick explanation of how distillation works, as well as a history of the activity. Next, we take on some legal matters, as I talk about the federal, state and local laws governing the act of home distillation. I’ll be upfront with you; making your own liquor is illegal. I highly recommend you don’t skip this section, so you’re fully informed of the potential consequences. If, after reading this chapter, you’re still interested, then we talk about the one piece of equipment crucial to your success – the still. Once you’ve learned about the types of still, it’s time to think about your options for your own operation. Subsequently, next covers the aspects of purchased still or a do-it-yourself creation. Armed with your still, you may think you’re ready to begin your new hobby. Now we’re ready to get down to business. The basis of all alcohol distillation projects is the mash. A term for many that holds mystery, this simple mixture, when fermented, gives us that sweet, smooth whiskey. Some grains need to be malted before you can create your mash. You’ll learn everything there is to know about the malting process. You already know the importance of the mash in the distilling process; now, it’s time to learn how to make the perfect base to encourage fermentation. That’s why I’ve devoted a whole chapter to this process. Next, we take our newly created mash and make it work for us. In this next step, we add the all-important yeast, which kicks off the fermentation process. You’ve distilled and collected your first run. What happens next? The next step in home distilling is determining the strength of your liquor. We talk ABV or alcohol by volume and what it means to your spirit. Here is a breakdown of the contents, so you know exactly what you’re getting for your Along with a bonus section – a glossary of terms so that you are not lost in the process.

198 pages, Paperback

Published September 16, 2021

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Reviews

[Chad Gillihan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good read and very informative !!

Very simple yet definitive book, gives clear guidance with some details that are pertinent to safety, flavors, and preferences of the distiller.

[Cheryl A Hines · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very detailed

This book gave explicit details on every aspect of home distilling. The recipes give you simple ideas for different spirits. It gave me alot of info I didn't know