Home Distillation of Alcohol (Homemade Alcohol to Drink)

Books

Some books are sold on Distilling.

John Stone has just put out a new book "The Carriage Still" Hard copy US$18 or soft copy US$8. Details off the web site (http://www.gin-vodka.com) are ... The book is very easily read, with heaps of clear explanations and diagrams. The still design is that of his "top of the line" model - a further development of the inline one in the Gin-Vodka book.

Jacks review of "Making pure corn whiskey - a professional guide for amateur and micro distillers" from http://www.magma.ca/~smiley/main.htm ... I would likewise put "Making Pure Corn Whisky" up at the top of the list to buy. Ian has a great knowledge and understanding of the distilling process, and has explained it very clearly and in a straightforward style. Instructions for building the still are well explained, with many photos to help. He has only suggested a heat input of 750W with the particular design, however I reckon it could easily handle 1500W (and hence half the distilling time) if the column were increased up to a 2" diameter. The method of preparing corn mash is also well covered. The best bit though is a well laid out method for determining how to make the various "cuts" between the foreshots, heads, middle run, and tails, with tables and examples to help guide you. He clearly explains how by changing when you make these cuts, you are able to alter the taste/profile of the whisky too.

(Feb 01) "Moonshine made simple and still makers manual", by Byron Ford, published by Fermetech Wholesalers (Nov 2000) - 19 Petone St, Wellington, NZ, ISBN 0-473-07404-4, for approx NZ$15. If you want to buy a copy, I'm sure Pete : brubarn@xtra.co.nz would oblige. It covers discussion on making essential oils, fermentation & distillation, still making, purification & flavouring, and gasohol for the car. There are several recipes for "HokiNooki" moonshine. Its written around New Zealand & Australian distilling. Its an OK introductory book, but nothing flash, and some bits are dodgy/misinforming

The new version (Feb '00) of The Distillation of Alcohol - A Professional Guide to Amateur Distillers by John Stone and Michael Nixon is EXCELLENT. Available from their web site (Making Gin & Vodka) either electronically for US$8 or printed for US$18. ISBN 0473-06608-4. Detailed still design (reflux and essential oil designs) and operating instructions, as well as a heap of the "why's" and "how's" answered.

Don's review of ...
The Home distillation handbook. I've just bought this myself (download a pdf file from the site, then pay US$5 for the password). ISBN 91-970694-5-0. Its OK - not great, and is very heavy on promoting their range of flavouring & yeasts. I don't believe it has enough detail, however it does give good instructions on how to build the "Labmaster" reflux still (see my photos page).

Spirits Unlimited by Peter J. Wheeler & R. Malcolm Willmott, for NZ$20 (approx US$10). ISBN 0473-03752-1. The special anniversary edition (Jan 2000) now covers equipment, fermentation, distillation, treating & flavouring the spirit, making whisky, essential oils, and still design. Particularly good is the trouble shooting guide. This book was the first one I got, and still find it an excellent resource. Order it from their web page, or write to PO Box 111, Waimauku, Auckland 1250, New Zealand.

The Lore of Still Building by Kathleen Howard & Norman Gibat. Gives a good range of cheap and easy stills that can be made from pressure cookers and other kitchen items. Also has a fair amount on using ethanol as a fuel. No ISBN number, try 741 North Countryline St, Fostoria, Ohio 44830-1004, ph (419) 435-0404 fax (419) 435-1844

Bob Lennon's Stillmaker site can be downloaded as a PDF file, like a book (and its FREE !). Informative & very good, with explicit instructions on how to build a reflux still (see my photos page). Heaps of details, illustrations, & explanations. Its recently been updated & expanded to include a valved condensor design, using a beer keg as the boiler.

Secrets of Building an Alcohol Producing Still, US$13. Haven't seen it myself, so no comment

Bob Sebert's MoonWater Distillation, US$15. Two German books reviewed by Christian : Peter writes ...
Other books include
Build your own Moonshine distillery
Moonshine Bible
Secrets of Building an Alcohol Producing Still.
Alcohol as an auto fuel

Also try your public library (remember the place ?). It may surprise you.

Technical Books

Technical books that I've found useful for Still design ...
http://homedistiller.org     This page last modified     email: ackland@thenet.net.nz