Is spirit production natural?
Yes, spirit production is natural. People have been making spirits for hundreds of years, and distilled spirits first appeared in Europe in the 12th century. The process involves controlled manufacturing of alcohol from a known mixture of natural nutrients (sugar and yeast). The distillate is then purified using activated charcoal to remove unwanted flavors, resulting in a smooth-tasting spirit.
Is it safe and legal to produce your own spirits?
Distilling alcohol to produce spirits is no different from fermenting wine or brewing beer at home. Following the instructions will yield pure cleaning alcohol, in most cases, with fewer by-products and impurities than alcohol produced commercially.
It’s not difficult to make good wine at home, but you have to follow the rules. Home distillation for personal use is completely legal in New Zealand, Austria, Italy, Russia, Romania, Bulgaria, and Ukraine.
In most countries, individuals are prohibited from using a still to produce their own pure alcohol. However, it is not illegal to own a water distillation unit or a simple air still (under 5 liters in Australia), and many people already use these devices to distill water or make essential oils.
If amateur distillation is not allowed in your country, you will need to purchase base alcohol from a store to make your own liqueur, spirit, or gin. Cheap vodka or gin works well for this purpose. It is important to note that the use of flavorings and yeast is legal in every country.
In most countries where home distillation is illegal, local authorities have historically been reluctant to take action against citizens who produce alcohol for personal consumption. However, authorities in all countries around the world will prosecute anyone who produces alcohol for sale without a license. It is strongly recommended that you check the legal status of amateur distillation in your country beforehand.
ACE distillery equipment
How long does it take to make each batch of spirits?
There are many variables, so a definitive answer is not possible. However, depending on the type of still you have and the type of yeast and nutrients you are using, you can enjoy your homemade spirits within 7 days.
If I add more sugar to my ‘wash’, will it increase the alcohol content?
The answer is maybe. However, it is important to note that you should not add more sugar than the recipe or the manufacturer recommends, as different yeast varieties are made and selected for different properties. For example, a yeast variety that ferments rapidly may not be very resistant to alcohol, so adding too much sugar may result in unfermented sugar remaining in the wash.
If too much sugar is added, it may cause the wash to froth during distilling, which should be avoided. Most spirit yeasts and nutrients come with a recipe printed on them, so you should select the yeast that best suits your needs.
