Thanks to numerous films, the moonshine still seems to many to be a “coil” mounted on a distillation cube. However, times are changing, technology does not stand still, and this equipment has changed significantly. Today you can find a moonshine shop for every taste with a wide range of products at various prices. It is rather difficult, but possible to choose the optimal unit that will fully meet all the requirements for it.
How to choose a moonshine?
Units offered on the markets can be divided into two main categories: distillation columns and distillers.
Moonshines, they are also distillers, have a long history. The principle of their operation is quite simple: the alcohol-containing liquid is heated to the boiling point of alcohol, after which the vapors are cooled. To obtain high-quality moonshine, it is desirable to maintain a certain temperature, because with its fluctuations, fusel oils can enter the drink, which can spoil its taste and shade.
A huge role is played by filtration and purification. A distiller is usually used in cases where it is necessary to convey the taste of the raw materials that were used to make the mash.
Distillation columns have become available to the public relatively recently. They are an analog of laboratory facilities used to produce alcohol. Basically, such devices are manufactured in Russia.
In the distillation column, several stages of the conversion of steam into liquid and vice versa occur, as a result of which the alcohol - the lightest fraction - is at the very top and enters the outlet. Its percentage in the finished drink is usually not less than 90%.
Having driven moonshine through the distiller several times, it will not be possible to achieve such a result. Many of the columns operate in two main modes - distillation and rectification. This is very convenient, since the technology for preparing various drinks is different.
Coming to the store of moonshine stills and choosing a specific unit, first of all, you need to start from what kind of drinks will be prepared: pure alcohol or classic alcohol while preserving the taste and smell of raw materials. In any case, the best option is to purchase a distillation column.
Selection of a distillation cube
For the distillation of small volumes of mash - up to 20 liters - compact containers are enough, for example, pressure cookers for 7-12 liters. They can be hermetically sealed, they are heated both on a gas and on an induction furnace, they differ in attractive appearance. The bottom of such devices is made of an alloy of various metals and has non-stick properties.
If the volume of mash for distillation exceeds 30 liters, it is advisable to purchase a distillation cube from 12 liters. The most popular are jars and cans made of aluminum or stainless steel. Tanks with a volume of 50 liters and above are stationary and have special hatches for cleaning.
Distillation cubes made of thin metal sin by burning mash, which can affect the taste of the finished drink. This can be dealt with if you purchase a device with a wide filling hole. In addition, you can increase productivity by installing a small-capacity apparatus on a large distillation cube.
A mandatory requirement is the presence of an emergency relief valve. Without this part, the moonshine turns into a very dangerous device.
What to use for heating?
If the capacity of the moonshine still is small, then it is better to use an induction furnace. It has high efficiency and can maintain a certain level of power.
A gas stove also has certain advantages - it quickly heats up the unit, supports the necessary mode, but when it is used, safety requirements increase.
Beverage volumes
When choosing where to buy a moonshine and which model, do not forget about the volume of alcohol produced. For example, if too much is not needed, then you can use small units of 13 liters, with which you can get about three liters of distillate at a time. If the required volumes are much larger, then it is worth taking larger devices of 35 or more liters.
Conditions in which distillation will be carried out
Here it is worth paying attention to the method of heating the distillation cube. If you use a conventional gas stove, then there are no problems.
If induction or electric is used, then one can encounter certain difficulties, since in this case the distillation cube should have a perfectly flat bottom. Especially for such stoves, you can buy a moonshine still, the design of which is fully suitable for them. Their bottom is in close contact with the heating elements, which accelerates and improves the distillation process.
Which moonshine still is better - with or without a steamer?
Sukhoparnik is intended to eliminate most of fusel oils, which can get into moonshine during distillation. The presence of this device significantly improves the physical and taste characteristics of the finished product.
With the help of a steamer, alcohol can give a certain aroma. For this purpose, for example, the zest of a lemon or an orange is placed in a special container. To date, the most popular units included in the rating of moonshine stills are produced with one or two dry steamers.
Do I need a thermometer?
Of course, this device must be mandatory. A mixture of water and alcohol boils at an average boiling point of both substances. Knowing this, many people make their own temperature tables, control of which allows you to create the perfect drink at the exit.
Rating of moonshine
The best and high-quality units for the manufacture of alcoholic beverages can be purchased only from trusted and good manufacturers. Where to buy a moonshine still? Today, such equipment is sold either in specialized stores or by the manufacturers themselves. To purchase it is enough to contact company representatives and order a favorite model. Do not forget that when buying you need to check the equipment - the units must have all the necessary details. The rating of moonshine still allows you to get information about which models and which manufacturers are the best.
The list of units most popular with consumers includes:
- Moonshine still "Finland".
- German device "Germany".
- The Japan moonshine made in Taiwan.
- Domestic production moonshine "Good heat".
- Mini-distillery "Luxstal".
Moonshine stills "Finland"
The rating of the best moonshines is opened by a Finnish-made unit of the same name. Despite the lack of an attractive appearance, it boasts a good design: the thick walls of the reliable apparatus are made of food-grade steel, there is a wide neck that facilitates the flushing process of the distillation cube, wide connecting pipes, a long coil and a collapsible suction cup. The Finland moonshine still does not require additional pipes or connecting elements.
The device has no special drawbacks. This moonshine still can hardly be bought cheaply - it belongs to the middle price category, but it fully justifies the funds invested in its purchase. Its minimum cost is 10 thousand rubles. Among its advantages, especially highlighted by those who have already used the moonshine of this brand and were satisfied, include:
- Thick steel - about 2 mm.
- High quality welds.
- A complete set, coupled with small gifts upon purchase.
- Wide connecting tubes.
- The device for fermentation.
- Collapsible steamer with drain.
- The wide neck of the distillation cube.
- Long warranty - 7 years of operation.
German moonshines
German units for the production of alcohol belong to the middle price segment - from 10 to 12 thousand rubles. One of the most popular is the "Germany" moonshine still, which has a very rich configuration. It includes not only standard hoses, a recipe book and an alcohol meter, but also a divertor, spirit yeast and a water trap to create mash. From the point of view of practice, it is a very smart move by the manufacturer, which allows you to get a complete moonshine still capable of performing the functions of two devices at once: a fermentation apparatus and a distiller.
The equipment case is made of food steel, with a very acceptable bottom thickness, which does not allow the drink to burn. Despite this, temperature control is still necessary. The tank below has a small faucet for draining, which allows you to get rid of the grounds. The moonshine still "Germany" is almost completely disassembled. The unit can be rinsed from the inside thanks to its wide mouth.
Japan moonshine stills
At the beginning of last year, a new model of units for the manufacture of alcohol appeared on domestic markets - the Japan moonshine still, belonging to the upper price category.
The zealous workers at the Taiwanese plant did a great job creating a 3-in-1 device: a fermentation tank, moonshine and a device to create a foamy drink. The equipment, which includes not only taps, hoses and a recipe book, but also a water lock along with a set of measuring utensils, can please.
The Japan moonshine made of high-quality food steel is made and has an unusual appearance. The device deserves the highest ratings: both for its outstanding appearance, and for its high quality and level of purification of moonshine.
Judging by the numerous reviews of satisfied consumers, they worked hard at the Taiwanese factory by creating a truly high-quality and multifunctional moonshine. Unfortunately, it will not work to buy it inexpensively: it belongs to the high price category, the minimum cost ranges from 15-20 thousand rubles.
“Good heat”: domestic moonshine still
The Russian manufacturer - the company "Good heat" - produces high-quality equipment designed for the production of alcoholic beverages at home. Its products have gained immense popularity due to its simplicity, high quality of drinks and reliability.
The Kind Heat moonshine still is distinguished by its ease of use, quality and the absence of breakdowns over a long period of operation, and ease of washing. The frame is made of food steel that meets European standards, not only characterized by increased strength, but also resistant to alkalis and acids, which ensures the preservation of the natural aroma and taste of the raw materials used.
The device in the role of a refrigerator uses a standard five-speed coil, due to which the high quality of the resulting drinks is ensured. Unlike most models from other manufacturers, the Kind Heat moonshine is delivered immediately with metal temperature sensors. They are distinguished by safety in operation, high accuracy and a long service life, they are not susceptible to high temperatures. In addition, in such units gaskets made of food-grade silicone are used. Such material is able to withstand heating up to 300 ° C, while 100 ° C is sufficient for brewing moonshine.
Kind heat moonshine stills have a built-in dry steamer of a special design that allows you to quickly and easily remove fusel oils from the product, resulting in drinks of the highest taste and quality.
To summarize
Each of the units manufactured and listed above has its own advantages and disadvantages, making it one of the best. Today, there are a huge number of brands and models of devices, each of which has the right to bear the title of "Best Moonshine Still" (rectification column or distiller). But each of the buyers chooses what suits him best in terms of characteristics and price.
A wide range of units includes various devices that are used for the same thing - creating high-quality alcoholic beverages. The rating of moonshine still allows you to choose the perfect equipment with which the process of creating moonshine will turn into art. You can create really tasty and aromatic alcohol only if you have a reliable, safe and high-quality device.
Drinks prepared at home are superior to similar, but purchased in stores, in their taste characteristics many times over.