How to use the Alcohol Distiller - for alcohol distillation

We often get asked by customers how to use the Alcohol Distiller to make alcohol. To be frank, we don't actually use it to make alcohol ourselves, we only supply the equipment. However recently a customer contacted us who was happy to share their knowledge of how they use the Megahome Alcohol Distiller to distill alcohol.

Please note: This article is provided on an information-only basis. It is illegal in the UK to distill alcohol without a licence. This methodology is untested by ourselves and we take no responsibility for any actions arising from anyone reading this information.

How to distill alcohol?

Important: the following methodology needs to be followed exactly - some aspects of the process may be dangerous

Instructions

If you have wine or spirit of any type that is not palatable, by following the instructions you can extract the alcohol contained within it

You will need:

Alcohol distiller
An ABV Refractometer (from Amazon at £17.29) - essential piece of kit
A food grade one litre measuring jug
A carbon filter unit (approximately £50 from creative wines.co.uk)?
Ceramic boil enhancers
A bottle of distilling conditioner
Essences of choice

I buy everything from Creative Wines - good delivery and always available to discuss issues.

The process of home alcohol distillation

1. Carefully measure and mark the measuring jug at a 50ml level - be accurate and tend towards the 60ml.

2. If the wine (mash) is cloudy or dirty, then filter before use - if the mash is not clear it may block the cooling element of the distiller.

3. Add 4 litres of mash to the distiller- ie the full mark.

4. Add the ceramic boil enhancers and one capful of distilling conditioner - this reduces the boiling and frothing of the mash. NB. The mash and distiller must start at below 20 deg C - this is VERY IMPORTANT.

5. Place the measuring jug under the outlet of the distiller.

6. After approx 30 minutes the distiller will start to produce a clear liquid - leave to run until you have collected 50ml. This is termed "the Head". Caution - this liquid is highly flammable and poisonous. I keep it clearly marked in a sealed container and use it for cleaning purposes only - under NO circumstances drink or taste it.

7. Place the now empty and cleaned measuring jug under the outlet and allow to fill to the 750ml level - this is the "Heart" of the liquid - do not take more or you will draw down bad tastes - known as "the Tails".

8. Switch off and allow to cool.

9. Using the Refractometer measure the ABV. It will be around 50-60% alcohol by volume - do not drink at this strength.

10. Add 250ml of water to the Heart and check ABV it should now be reduced to approx 38-40%. This liquid can now be cleaned through a carbon filter which tends to reduce any taste and further cleans the liquid. The liquid can now be adjusted in strength as you wish. Essences may be added - brandy/whisky/vodka - there are many to choose from. And enjoy in moderation.

11. The waste mash from the process is discarded but keep the ceramic boil enhancers and clean in cola.

12. I bought a lined wooden barrel from Amazon and some oak chips - fill the barrel and leave - it will provide a more mature and mellow whisky in a few years. I cheated and added some expensive whisky essence too (from Prestige Essences).

And Finally

You can produce the Mash for the distillation process by using water and sugar and a turbo yeast.

I suggest beginners buy a kit as it is an art form to get 22% abv content and the slightest mistake causes the fermentation to stop (from experience even a 1deg C temperature change can cause it.)