Best Home Distilling Kit Australia: 2024 Product Analysis
Best Home Distilling Kit Australia: 2024 Product Analysis for Aussie Brewmakers
As home distillation continues to gain popularity in Australia, selecting the right equipment is crucial for both beginners and experienced distillers. This comprehensive analysis will explore the best home distilling kits available from the esteemed Still Spirits brand and Pure Distilling, providing detailed insights and comparisons to guide your decision-making process. We will focus on four key products: the Still Spirits Air Still Pro, Still Spirits Air Still Essential Kit, T500 Boiler with Alembic Dome or Reflux, and the Pure Distilling Complete All In One System.
The Rise of Home Distillation in Australia
Home distillation has become increasingly popular in Australia due to several factors, including the growing interest in craft spirits, the desire for self-sufficiency, and the appeal of a rewarding hobby. That is the reason why we created Best Home Distilling Kit Australia guide – to assist craft spirit makers in navigating this amazing hobby. The ability to create personalized, high-quality spirits at home has captivated many enthusiasts. This surge in interest has led to a burgeoning market for home distillation equipment, with various brands and products vying for attention.
Understanding Home Distillation
Home distillation involves heating a liquid to create vapor and then condensing that vapor back into a liquid. This process separates and purifies components based on their boiling points, typically fermenting a base ingredient (such as grains, fruits, or sugar) to produce alcohol, which is then distilled to create spirits. Choosing the right equipment depends on several factors, including the type of distilling equipment, capacity, cooling method, ease of use, and versatility.
Key Considerations for Choosing Best Home Distilling Kit Australia
- Type of Still: There are two primary types of stills used in home distillation: pot stills and reflux stills. Pot stills are ideal for producing flavorful spirits, while reflux stills create neutral spirits with a higher level of purity.
- Capacity: The capacity determines how much wash (fermented liquid) can be processed in a single batch. Larger capacities are suitable for producing greater quantities of spirits, while smaller capacities are ideal for beginners or those with limited space.
- Cooling Method: Stills can be water-cooled or air-cooled. Water-cooled stills offer more efficient cooling but require a continuous water supply. Air-cooled stills do not require water, making them more convenient for those with water usage concerns.
- Ease of Use: The complexity of the distillation process varies depending on the still’s design. Beginners may prefer simpler, user-friendly kits, while experienced distillers might opt for more advanced systems with greater control.
- Versatility: Some distillation kits are versatile and capable of producing a wide range of spirits, while others are specialized for specific types of alcohol. Consider your preferred spirits and choose a kit that aligns with your goals.
Best Home Distilling Kit Australia to Consider Buying
Still Spirits Air Still Pro
The Air Still Pro is a versatile and compact distillation unit, ideal for beginners and those with limited space. It features dual-mode functionality, allowing users to switch between pot still and reflux modes at the touch of a button. This still can produce a wide range of spirits, from rich and flavorful whiskies and rums to clean neutral spirits up to 90% ABV. Key features include automatic foreshots collection and a built-in botanical basket for infusions.
Read Jesse review: here
Still Spirits Air Still Essential Kit
This kit includes the original Air Still, a four-litre air-cooled pot still that requires no water during distillation. It’s perfect for those looking to distill flavorful spirits like whisky, rum, and brandy. The Air Still is simple to use and ideal for beginners or those with limited time and space.
T500 Boiler with Alembic Dome or Reflux Condenser
The T500 range includes a 25-litre boiler with options for an alembic dome pot still or a reflux condenser. The alembic dome pot still is designed to retain the flavors from the wash, making it suitable for producing rich spirits such as whisky, rum, and brandy. The reflux condenser, on the other hand, is perfect for creating clean, neutral spirits ideal for infusions and gin bases. This system is more hands-on and suitable for those looking for greater control over their distillation process.
Pure Distilling Complete All In One System
The Pure Distilling Complete All In One System offers a comprehensive solution for home distillers. This system is designed to produce high-quality spirits efficiently and comes with all necessary components to start distilling right away. Its ease of use and reliable performance make it a popular choice among home distillers in Australia.
Detailed Product Analysis
Still Spirits Air Still Pro
The Still Spirits Air Still Pro is a versatile and compact distillation unit suitable for both beginners and experienced distillers. Its dual-mode functionality allows users to switch between pot still and reflux modes, making it suitable for producing a wide range of spirits.
Key Features and Benefits
- Dual-Mode Functionality: Operates as both a pot still and a reflux still, providing flexibility in producing rich and flavorful spirits or clean, neutral spirits up to 90% ABV.
- Automatic Foreshots Collection: Helps remove impurities from the initial distillate, ensuring a higher quality final product.
- Built-In Botanical Basket: Allows for the infusion of botanicals during distillation, useful for creating flavored spirits like gin.
- Air-Cooled Operation: Does not require water during distillation, making it convenient for those with water usage concerns.
- User-Friendly Design: Accessible for beginners while offering advanced features for experienced distillers. Its compact size allows it to be used in small spaces, such as kitchen countertops or caravans.
Specifications
- Type: Reflux & Pot Still
- Ease of Use: Reflux: Easy, Pot Still: Easy to Intermediate
- Capacity: 4 L (1 US Gal)
- Approx. Time: 7-10 day fermentation and 5 hours distilling per 1L (1 US qt) of 40% ABV
- Approx. Yield: Up to 2.25 L (2.4 US qt) of 40% ABV alcohol per 8L (2.1 US Gal) Air Still Fermentation Kit wash
- Purity: Pot still: Distills at up to 80% ABV (160 US proof), Reflux still: Distills at up to 90% ABV (180 US proof)
- Average Water Use: None
- Dimensions: 42 cm (h) x 23 cm (w) x 36 cm (d)
- Weight: 5.6 kg (12.3 lbs)
- Warranty: 3 years
- Power: 220 V (110 V – US/CA units)
Still Spirits Air Still Essential Kit
The Still Spirits Air Still Essential Kit includes the original Air Still, a four-litre air-cooled pot still perfect for beginners and those with limited space.
Key Features and Benefits
- Simple to Use: Designed for ease of use, making it an excellent choice for beginners. Its straightforward operation allows users to produce high-quality spirits with minimal effort.
- Air-Cooled Operation: Does not require water during distillation, adding to its convenience.
- Compact Size: Ideal for small batches of spirits and can be used in limited spaces, such as kitchen countertops.
- Flavorful Spirits: Retains flavors from the wash, making it suitable for producing rich and flavorful spirits like whisky, rum, and brandy.
Specifications
- Type: Pot Still
- Ease of Use: Easy to Intermediate
- Capacity: 4 L (1 US Gal)
- Approx. Time: 7-10 day fermentation and 2 hours distilling per 1 L (1 US qt) of 40% ABV
- Approx. Yield: 2 L (2 US qt) of 40% ABV per 8L (2.1 US Gal) Air Still Fermentation Kit wash
- Purity: Distills at up to 60% ABV (120 US proof) before diluting to 40% ABV (80 US proof)
- Average Water Use: None
- Dimensions: 40.5 cm (h) x 28 cm (w) x 29 cm (d)
- Weight: 4.34 kg (9.55 lbs)
- Warranty: 3 years
- Power: 220 V (110 V – US/CA units)
T500 Boiler with Alembic Dome or Reflux Condenser
The T500 range from Still Spirits includes a 25-litre boiler with options for an alembic dome pot still or a reflux condenser. This system is designed for those who seek greater control over the distillation process and wish to produce larger volumes of spirits.
Key Features and Benefits
- Large Capacity: Suitable for larger batches, making it ideal for those who wish to distill greater quantities.
- Alembic Dome Pot Still: Retains the flavors from the wash, perfect for producing rich and flavorful spirits like whisky, rum, and brandy.
- Reflux Condenser: Creates clean, neutral spirits by stripping flavors from the wash, ideal for producing spirits for infusions or gin.
- Water-Cooled Operation: Requires a continuous water supply during distillation, offering efficient cooling.
- Advanced Control: Provides greater control over the distillation process, suitable for experienced distillers.
Specifications for Reflux Condenser
- Type: Reflux Still
- Ease of Use: Intermediate
- Capacity: 25 L (6.6 US Gal)
- Approx. Time: 3-10 day fermentation and 4.5 hours distilling per 8 L (2.1 US Gal) of 40% ABV
- Approx. Yield: 8L (2.1 US Gal) of 40% ABV per 25 L (6.6 US Gal) wash
- Purity: Distills at up to 93% ABV (186 US proof) before diluting to 40% ABV (80 US proof)
- Average Water Use: Approx. 200 L (53 US Gal) per 25 L distillation
- Dimensions: 133 cm (h) x 35 cm (w) x 37 cm (d)
- Weight: 7.41 kg (16.3 lbs)
- Warranty: 3 years
- Power: 2300 W (1600 W – US/CA units)
Specifications for Alembic Dome Pot Still
- Type: Pot Still
- Ease of Use: Intermediate to Advanced
- Capacity: 25 L (6.6 US Gal)
- Approx. Time: 7-10 day fermentation and 5 hours distilling per 25 L (6.6 US Gal) wash
- Approx. Yield: 3.5-7 L (0.9-1.8 US Gal) of 40% ABV per 25 L (6.6 US Gal) wash
- Purity: Distills at up to 70% ABV (140 US proof) before diluting to 40% ABV (80 US proof)
- Average Water Use: Approx. 600-750 L (158-198 US Gal) per 25 L distillation
- Dimensions: 114 cm (h) x 36 cm (w) x 37 cm (d)
Pure Distilling Complete All In One System
The Pure Distilling Complete All In One System is a comprehensive distillation kit designed to produce high-quality spirits efficiently. It is known for its ease of use and reliable performance, making it a popular choice among home distillers in Australia. Here are the key features and benefits of the Pure Distilling Complete All In One System:
Comprehensive Kit: The system includes all necessary components to start distilling right away, making it a convenient option for beginners and those looking for an all-in-one solution.
Versatile Production: The Pure Distilling system is capable of producing a wide range of spirits, from flavorful whiskies and rums to clean, neutral spirits. This versatility makes it suitable for various distillation goals.
Ease of Use: The system is designed to be user-friendly, allowing even beginners to produce high-quality spirits with minimal effort. Its straightforward operation simplifies the distillation process.
Reliable Performance: The Pure Distilling system is known for its consistent and reliable performance, ensuring that users can produce high-quality spirits with each batch.
Water-Cooled Operation: The system is water-cooled, requiring a continuous water supply during distillation. This cooling method is efficient and helps maintain the quality of the final product.
-
Sale!
Air Still Pro Complete Kit & Spirit Production Pack
Original price was: $1,017.05.$966.90Current price is: $966.90. Add to cart -
Pure Distilling Distillery Reflux Kit – the best kit ever!
$545.00 Add to cart -
Pure Distilling Reflux All In One System – amazing Aussie quality!
$749.00 Add to cart -
Spirit Wash – Fermenter Kit – FREE FREIGHT Australia Wide
$98.50 Add to cart -
Still Spirits Copper Parrot Head Large
$99.25 Add to cart -
Still Spirits Pot Still Alembic Dome
$262.90 Add to cart -
Still Spirits Pot Still Copper Condenser
$288.50 Add to cart -
Still Spirits T500 25L Boiler
$299.95 Add to cart
Comparative Table of Distillation Equipment
| Equipment | Type | Capacity | Cooling Method | Suitable Spirits | Key Features |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Still Spirits Air Still Pro | Pot/Reflux | 4 litres | Air-cooled | Whisky, Rum, Brandy, Neutral Spirits (up to 90% ABV) | Dual-mode, Automatic foreshots collection, Built-in botanical basket |
| Still Spirits Air Still Essential Kit | Pot | 4 litres | Air-cooled | Whisky, Rum, Brandy | Simple to use, No water required |
| T500 Boiler with Alembic Dome | Pot | 25 litres | Water-cooled | Whisky, Rum, Brandy | Retains flavors, Suitable for rich spirits |
| T500 Boiler with Reflux Condenser | Reflux | 25 litres | Water-cooled | Neutral Spirits | Strips flavors, Ideal for clean spirits |
| Pure Distilling Complete All In One System | Pot/Reflux | Varies | Water-cooled | Various spirits | Comprehensive kit, Easy to use |
Distillation Specifics for Bourbon, Rum, Gin, and Whisky
When it comes to distilling spirits at home, each type of spirit requires specific ingredients, processes, and equipment to achieve the desired flavor profile and quality. Here, we will explore the distillation specifics for bourbon, rum, gin, and whisky, including the best practices and tips for each.
Bourbon Distillation
Ingredients:
- Corn (at least 51%)
- Rye, wheat, or barley
- Water
- Yeast
Process:
- Mashing: Begin by mixing ground corn with water and heating the mixture. Add rye, wheat, or barley and continue to cook. This process converts the starches in the grains into fermentable sugars.
- Fermentation: Transfer the mash into a fermentation vessel and add yeast. The yeast will convert the sugars into alcohol over several days.
- Distillation: Distill the fermented mash using a pot still or an alembic dome still. Bourbon typically undergoes two distillations to refine the spirit.
- Aging: The distilled spirit is aged in new charred oak barrels for at least two years. This aging process imparts the characteristic flavors of bourbon.
Equipment Recommendations:
- Still Spirits Alembic Dome Pot Still: Ideal for retaining the rich flavors of the grains.
- T500 Boiler: Suitable for larger batches and greater control over the distillation process.
- Still Spirits Air Still Pro: Versatile for both pot and reflux distillation, suitable for bourbon.
Rum Distillation
Ingredients:
- Molasses or sugarcane juice
- Water
- Yeast
Process:
- Fermentation: Mix molasses or sugarcane juice with water and add yeast. Allow the mixture to ferment for several days, during which the yeast will convert the sugars into alcohol.
- Distillation: Distill the fermented wash using a pot still. A single distillation can be sufficient, but some distillers may opt for a second distillation for a smoother spirit.
- Aging (optional): While some rums are enjoyed unaged, aging in oak barrels can add depth and complexity to the flavor. The aging period can vary from a few months to several years.
Equipment Recommendations:
- Still Spirits Air Still Essential Kit: Perfect for small batches and retaining the flavorful notes of molasses.
- Still Spirits Air Still Pro: Provides flexibility with dual-mode operation for both pot and reflux distillation.
- T500 Boiler: Suitable for larger batches and greater control over the distillation process.
Gin Distillation
Ingredients:
- Neutral spirit
- Juniper berries
- Botanicals (e.g., coriander, citrus peel, angelica root)
Process:
- Base Spirit Preparation: Start with a clean, neutral spirit distilled at a high proof. This can be done using a reflux still for maximum purity.
- Infusion: Add juniper berries and other botanicals to the base spirit. There are two methods for infusing the botanicals: maceration (soaking the botanicals in the spirit before distillation) or vapor infusion (placing the botanicals in a basket through which the alcohol vapor passes during distillation).
- Distillation: Distill the infused spirit using a pot still or a reflux still with a botanical basket. This process extracts the flavors from the botanicals into the final gin.
- Dilution: Dilute the distilled gin to the desired drinking strength with purified water.
A Comprehensive Guide to Make Gin
Equipment Recommendations:
- Still Spirits Air Still Pro: Features a built-in botanical basket for convenient gin production.
- T500 Reflux Still: Ideal for creating a pure neutral spirit as the base for gin.
Whisky Distillation
Ingredients:
- Barley (or other grains)
- Water
- Yeast
Process:
- Mashing: Mix ground barley with hot water to create a mash. The heat activates enzymes in the barley, converting the starches into fermentable sugars.
- Fermentation: Transfer the mash to a fermentation vessel and add yeast. Allow the mixture to ferment for several days.
- Distillation: Distill the fermented wash using a pot still or an alembic dome still. Whisky typically undergoes two distillations to enhance the flavor and purity.
- Aging: Age the distilled spirit in oak barrels for a minimum of three years. The aging process imparts the characteristic flavors and smoothness to the whisky.
Equipment Recommendations:
- Still Spirits Alembic Dome Pot Still: Excellent for capturing the complex flavors of malted barley.
- T500 Boiler: Provides greater control over the distillation process and is suitable for larger batches.
- Still Spirits Air Still Pro: Versatile for both pot and reflux distillation, suitable for whisky.
Comparative Table of Distillation Specifics
| Spirit | Base Ingredients | Equipment Recommendations | Key Processes | Aging Requirements |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bourbon | Corn (51%), Rye/Wheat/Barley, Water, Yeast | Alembic Dome Pot Still, T500 Boiler, Air Still Pro | Mashing, Fermentation, Double Distillation | Minimum 2 weeks with wood chips or chunks, ideally 2 years in new charred oak barrels |
| Rum | Molasses/Sugarcane Juice, Water, Yeast | Air Still Essential Kit, Air Still Pro, T500 Boiler | Fermentation, Single/Double Distillation | Optional, varies from months to years |
| Gin | Neutral Spirit, Juniper Berries, Botanicals | Air Still Pro, T500 Reflux Still | Base Spirit Preparation, Infusion, Distillation, Dilution | None required |
| Whisky | Barley, Water, Yeast | Alembic Dome Pot Still, T500 Boiler, Air Still Pro | Mashing, Fermentation, Double Distillation | Minimum 3 years in oak barrels |
| All Spirits | Various | Air Still Pro | Flexible for all spirits with dual-mode operation for both pot and reflux distillation | Dependent on specific spirit |
Understanding these specific processes and equipment recommendations for distilling bourbon, rum, gin, and whisky will help you achieve the best results in your home distillation endeavors. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced distiller, selecting the right equipment and following the proper techniques are essential for producing high-quality spirits with distinct and desirable flavors.
Crafting Pure Spirits with Reflux Distillation
Reflux distillation is an excellent method for producing highly pure, neutral spirits, which serve as a versatile base for creating various flavored spirits. By stripping away impurities and unwanted flavors, reflux distillation yields a clean, high-proof alcohol that can be customized to your preferences. Once you have distilled your neutral spirit, you can add specially formulated spirit essences to transform it into your favorite beverages. Whether you aim to craft a classic gin with juniper and botanicals, a smooth whisky with rich malt notes, a tropical rum with hints of molasses, or any other flavor variation, our range of premium spirit essences makes it easy. Shop our collection of spirit essences at Aussie Brewmakers
We’re thrilled to introduce the latest addition to our lineup—the exclusive Sarah O’Hara Spirit Making Kits! This collection is designed for those who are passionate about the craft of distilling and eager to create their own premium spirits right at home.
The Sarah O’Hara collection offers a range of meticulously crafted kits that allow you to replicate the flavors of iconic spirits such as Canadian Club Whisky, Johnny Walker Blue Label, Jack Daniel’s, Maker’s Mark Kentucky Bourbon, and more. Each kit is carefully curated with top-quality ingredients, including premium essences, wood chips, and detailed instructions, ensuring an authentic and rewarding distilling experience.
Acknowledgment Regarding Legislation for Distilling
It is important to note that the distillation of alcohol at home is subject to regulations and legal requirements in Australia. The production of spirits for personal use is regulated by the Australian Taxation Office (ATO)
We strongly advise all individuals interested in home distillation to familiarize themselves with the relevant laws and regulations before engaging in any distillation activities. For detailed information on the legal requirements for distilling alcohol in Australia, please refer to the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) website. The information provided in this article is intended for educational purposes only and should not be interpreted as legal advice. Always seek professional guidance and consult with the appropriate authorities to ensure compliance with all applicable laws and regulations
