Exploring My Copper Still – A Look at Home Distillation
Welcome back to another Mezcal Buzz post! Today, I’m diving into a new experiment: my copper still. While I’m not distilling anything just yet, I wanted to show off this beautiful setup and explore its potential for small-batch distillation.
My 1-Liter Copper Still
I picked up this stunning copper still from Michoacán, a region known for its skilled artisans who work with copper. Though it looks great on the shelf, it’s 100% functional. Many people use stills like this for distilling essential oils, perfumes, and, of course, spirits.
Since I’m currently in Mexico City, where pulque is abundant, I’m considering making destilado de pulque. Here’s the math:
- A 1-liter batch of pulque yields about 250 milliliters of distillate per run.
- To create a small 250-milliliter final product with double distillation, I’d need to start with about 4 liters of pulque.
How This Still Works
This copper still consists of three main sections:
- Main Chamber: This is where the pulque (or any other liquid) is placed for distillation.
- Infusion Chamber: This optional chamber allows you to add ingredients, like cacao or herbs, to infuse flavors into the distillate.
- Condensation Section: Vapors pass through a coil system, cooled by water circulation, and condense into liquid form.
The setup includes a thermometer to monitor temperature, an important factor in separating alcohol from water. Controlling the heat is crucial to achieving a clean distillation.
Should I Go for It?
I’m debating whether to fire up the still and give it a go. If I do, I’ll need to decide between using a stovetop or an electric burner for better temperature control. I also plan to research ideal distillation temperatures and methods.
What do you think? Should I try distilling pulque and document the process? Let me know in the comments! If you have experience using a still, I’d love to hear your tips.
Want a Copper Still?
If you’re interested in getting a similar copper still, let me know! I can help connect you with quality still makers from Michoacán.
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