The use of stills made of copper for home or small-batch production has become quite rampant nowadays. In Australia, if you’re seeking a copper still for sale, there are many that are perfect for newbies, hobbyists, and even professional distillers. This article will help prospective copper still buyers navigate through the integral features of copper stills including their various merits, factors to consider while purchasing, and care and maintenance recommendations so that you are equipped well to source the best copper stills suitable for your purpose.
Why Select A Copper Still?
Copper is well known for its unique and important attributes, which include but are not limited to the following: A good and efficient copper still can drastically alter the end result of distilling by improving the spirit’s taste and removing any unwanted impurities. Some of the most important ones are:
Removal of Unwanted Elements
Copper reacts chemically with sulfur compounds generated during the process of fermentation and innocuously cleanses the final product from all the unwanted elements.
Taste Enhancement
Smoother and refined taste is achieved through the process of impurity removal, resulting in superior, more complex finishes.
Temperature Control
Evenly diffused heat ensures that every batch produced results in consistent outcomes.
These properties make copper much more preferable while manufacturing alcohol on a domestic or smaller scale, as the end result would be far superior.
Types of Still Available In Australia and Some Things About Them
Pot Still
Pot Still is the simplest type of still, which is also the oldest type of still, and pots are ideal for beginners because of their simple structure. Pot stills can be used to manufacture whiskey, rum, and brandy.
Column Still
Stills of this type are taller than pot stills and consist of several areas, which makes the production of high-proof spirits such as vodka, gin possible in a single run.
Alembic Still
Alembic still is a well-known still with pot and column type stills with an old-style, neat design, making it a perfect choice for artisans looking to create various aromatic spirits. Alembic stills are very popular for their vintage look among craft distillers.
How To Choose The Size And Style That Is Right For You
A detailed consideration of your spirit production targets, intended spirits to be produced, and how much space you have for the unit is a must when deciding to purchase a copper still. For your reference, below is a short size guide that you may find useful.
Small Still (10–100 liters)
These are best suited for hobbies and small scale experimentation.
Medium Still (100–200 liters)
Perfect for the home distillers who create more often.
Large Still (300+ liters)
Great for larger-scale distillers or hobbyists who focus on larger-scale production.
Other Considerations in Style
If you would like to focus on traditional spirits, using a pot or alembic still is a good approach. However, for making vodka or gin, a column still is the best option.
Legal Aspects of Purchasing Copper Stills in Australia
It is important to understand what’s legal and illegal when considering operating copper stills in Australia. While owning a still may be permissible and requires registration, there’s the possibility of regulations surrounding the production of spirits. It is advisable to speak to relevant authorities and reach out to the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) to obtain proper licensing requirements.
Where to Purchase Copper Stills in Australia
Various Online Websites
A number of legal pure online stores operating in Australia’s retail stills distribution that you might come across are:
- copper custom still components: Specializing in hand-crafted copper stills.
- copper alembic stills: Designed various copper and stainless steel stills.
Local Distilling Outlets
Although not common, some copper stills shops in several major cities in Australia have such items. Alternatively, the copper stills shops can request them on your behalf.
How to Keep Copper Still Clean
Cleaning a still after every session is a good way to preserve it for years. For instance, after the session:
- To eliminate any leftover substances after a distilling session, a still should be rinsed out.
- Just like with oxygen, iron, and copper are also metals which tend to rust if they are not dried out completely. So to be sure that copper does not corrode, it is essential to dry it out completely.
Copper Still Setup Safety Tips
When setting up a copper still, there are a few other safety issues that need to be taken into consideration, especially when working indoors. Make sure first that there is enough air flowing through the area, and also keep a close watch on the temperature in the still and the distillation process. Also don’t forget to keep the still in reach so you can check on it regularly, in case of a fire accident make sure a fire extinguisher is present. Finally, depending on the type of still you own, you may need to follow specific setup requirements or precautions.
Home Distilling Pros
Home distilling can be an enjoyable activity for those who want to create interesting homemade recipes because they can craft one-of-a-kind tastes. Getting into the home distilling business also allows one to better understand the core science behind the spirits and even the making of the spirits themselves.
Copper or Stainless Steel Still – Which One To Go For
Opting for copper or stainless steel stills, each has its merits:
Copper Stills
They are great at making the spirit cleaner and amplifies flavor by a mile.
Stainless Steel Stills
It is cheaper and easy on the maintenance but lacks in flavor when compared to copper.
However, if preserving quality and upholding traditional methods are most important to you, then it is copper which almost all home distillers prefer.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Is it legal to own a copper still in Australia?
Yes, it is lawful to possess a copper still in Australia. Leaving aside some licensing peculiarities for the production of alcohol for individual consumption, there aren’t any significant restrictions, but you should still report to local tobacco laws regarding the specifics. - How much does a copper still cost in Australia?
The purchasing price of a copper distiller depends on its design and size. Smoker hobby distiller’s range starts from $300AUD while bigger commercial distiller’s price could go as high as average $2000AUD and above. - What size still should a beginner start with?
As such, small pot stills around 5 to 10 liter capacities are what beginners often use to fathom the complexities of distilling and aim for an outflow without a big refund outlay. - Can I distill whiskey in a copper still?
Copper stills are perfect for whiskey distillation, as the still’s characteristic of removing impurities assists in producing a smooth and rich whiskey. - How do I clean a copper still?
Every time you finish using the still, make it a point to rinse it off with warm water and do it every time. If you wish to clean more purely, for building residues, apply a citric acid mixture and be sure to dry it off to prevent it from getting oxidised.
Conclusion: Hunt for Your Ideal Copper Stills Now!
It is now simpler than before to locate reliable copper stills for sale in Australia, with choices for every kind of distiller. Regardless of whether you are an amateur or an experienced distiller, adding a copper still to your home system is useful as it makes sure the healthiness, thickness, and taste in every batch of distillation.
