Alcohol Distillation: Safe In Water Distillers?

There are conflicting opinions on whether it is safe to distill alcohol in a water distiller. Some sources say that it is possible to distill alcohol using a water distiller, while others claim that it is illegal to use an electric distiller with alcohol and that water distillers are not designed for distilling alcohol. Additionally, there are concerns about the toxicity of the distilled alcohol if the heads, hearts, and tails are not properly removed. It is recommended to use a still specifically designed for alcohol distillation to ensure safety and quality.

Is it safe to distill alcohol in a water distiller?

Water distillers are not designed for distilling alcohol

Water distillers typically have plastic components that are not suitable for alcohol vapour. The plastic may melt or leach chemicals into the alcohol, affecting the taste and potentially making it unsafe for consumption. Additionally, water distillers often lack the necessary temperature control for distilling alcohol. Distilling alcohol requires precise temperature regulation to separate the desired ethanol from other compounds, such as water. Without accurate temperature control, the process may not yield the desired results and could even be dangerous.

Furthermore, water distillers may not be able to achieve the high alcohol concentrations typically sought in distilled spirits. Achieving a high alcohol content requires specialised equipment, such as a packed column with reflux, which water distillers do not have. While it may be possible to produce low-proof alcohol with a water distiller, it is not designed for this purpose and may not yield desirable results.

It is also important to consider the legal implications of distilling alcohol at home. In many places, it is illegal to use an electric distiller for alcohol production, even for personal use. Distilling alcohol without proper licensing or permits can result in legal consequences. Therefore, it is essential to understand the local laws and regulations before attempting to distill alcohol at home.

Lastly, there are safety concerns associated with distilling alcohol. The process can be dangerous if not done correctly, and improper handling of alcohol can lead to severe health risks. It is crucial to have the necessary knowledge, equipment, and safety measures in place to distill alcohol safely. Attempting to use a water distiller for this purpose may not provide the required safety features, increasing the risk of accidents or adverse health effects.

Electric distillers and alcohol: legal considerations

In the United States, it is illegal to use an electric distiller with alcohol. Federal law prohibits individuals from producing distilled spirits at home, regardless of state laws permitting such activities. However, there are a few exceptions where some states allow citizens over 21 to distill alcohol for personal use without a permit. These states include Alaska, Arizona, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Missouri, Ohio, and Rhode Island. Iowa also does not have specific laws prohibiting the distillation of homemade alcohol.

Federal law allows citizens to own a still or distilling equipment for "legal purposes," such as decoration, collection, or distilling non-alcoholic products like water or essential oils. Distilling non-consumable alcoholic products, such as perfume and fuel, is also permitted with the correct license.

Individuals intending to distill spirits for personal consumption or distribution must first apply for a Federal Distilled Spirits Permit, which requires a fee and inspections of equipment and facilities. Federal law also imposes strict penalties for illegal distilling, including fines, imprisonment, and forfeiture of property.

It is important to note that the distillation process can be dangerous, and attempting to distill alcohol without proper knowledge and equipment can lead to safety hazards. Additionally, the heads and tails produced during distillation may contain toxic substances, and consuming them can be harmful to one's health.

In conclusion, while it may be tempting to experiment with electric distillers and alcohol, it is crucial to understand and comply with the legal considerations outlined above to avoid any potential legal or health risks.

Yeast type and safety concerns

Yeast is a vital microorganism in the fungi family that plays a crucial role in the production of alcohol. It is essential to the fermentation process, which precedes distillation, by converting sugars into alcohol. The type of yeast used can significantly impact the flavour, aroma, and quality of the final product.

There are various types of yeast available for distillation, each with unique properties:

• Distiller’s yeast, specifically saccharomyces cerevisiae, is effective at converting sugar into alcohol. It also has a significant impact on the flavour of the spirit.
• Brewer’s yeast
• Baker’s yeast, which has an alcohol tolerance of 10 to 12% and produces alcohol from 8 to 13% ABV. It works best at temperatures between 28 to 32 degrees Celsius and a pH range of 4.8 to 5.5.
• Turbo yeast, which can tolerate alcohol levels up to 20%. However, it may be challenging to troubleshoot during fermentation due to its complex composition.
• Champagne yeast, which is more expensive but known for its ability to turn base wine into champagne.
• Distilamax yeast, an active dry yeast that requires added nutrients and allows for experimentation with flavour and aroma.

When choosing a yeast for distillation, it is essential to consider factors such as fermentation rate, flavour, aroma, and alcohol tolerance. Serious distillers often prefer professional-grade yeasts like Fermentis/Lesaffre or Lallemand strains. Additionally, it is important to note that distilling alcohol without the proper permits may be illegal in some places.

Safety concerns have been raised regarding the consumption of distilled alcohol, specifically regarding the potential toxicity of certain compounds. Some sources suggest that the first 20mls of the distillate, known as the "heads", may contain toxic compounds that could be harmful or even fatal if consumed. Therefore, it is generally recommended to discard the heads and only consume the "hearts" and "tails" of the distillation.

Temperature control and ethanol distillation

Distilling ethanol at home requires skill and diligence. It is a process that uses high temperatures and produces high amounts of heat, and thus requires careful temperature control to ensure safety and a high-quality product.

Temperature control is key to producing a fine alcohol. The boiling point of pure ethanol is 174 degrees Fahrenheit, but other trace elements boil at slightly lower or higher temperatures. The ideal temperature range for producing the purest ethanol is 175-195 degrees Fahrenheit. This temperature range will typically be the "hearts" cut of your alcohol run.

It is important to monitor both the boiling temperature inside the still's pot and the temperature at the top of the still's column. Multiple thermometers can be used for this purpose, but laser-powered or infrared thermometers should be avoided as they can give false readings.

The temperature of the boiling wash is controlled by the ABV of the wash, not the heat source. As the ethanol gets boiled off, the temperature needed to cause the wash to boil will rise. Therefore, it is important to have a temperature controller that can maintain the desired temperature.

In the case of ethanol extraction, the ethanol must be evaporated to separate it from other components. This process requires closely controlled temperatures, pressures, and source material feed rates to ensure a high-quality finished product.

When using a water distiller to distill alcohol, it is important to note that distilling water and distilling alcohol are two different processes. A water distiller may not be suitable for distilling alcohol, as it may not have the necessary temperature control features and may not be designed for alcohol vapour.

Some people have reported successfully distilling alcohol using a water distiller, but it is important to exercise caution and ensure that the distiller has the necessary features, such as temperature control, to safely distill alcohol.

Distilling equipment and its impact on quality

Distilling equipment plays a crucial role in the quality of the final distilled product. The choice of equipment significantly influences the spirit's taste, aroma, and overall character. Here are some key points to consider:

Material Selection

The material of the distilling equipment can impact the spirit's quality. Copper and stainless steel are the most commonly used materials due to their durability and ability to interact with the distillate. Copper, for example, helps remove undesirable compounds and impurities, resulting in a smoother spirit. Other materials like glass, wood, and ceramic are also used, especially for aging, as they allow the spirit to develop unique flavours and a softer finish.

Type of Still

The type of still used, such as pot stills, column stills, or hybrid stills, also affects the quality. Pot stills are ideal for retaining rich flavours in traditional spirits but require more human intervention and multiple distillations. Column stills offer maximum efficiency and purity but may strip away some desirable congeners. Hybrid stills combine the benefits of both, providing flexibility, higher quality, and efficiency, although they are more expensive and time-consuming to adjust.

Reflux Process

Reflux, the process of vapor condensation and re-evaporation, is crucial in shaping spirit quality. It allows distillers to control the balance between purity and flavour. More reflux results in higher purity, while less reflux preserves congeners that contribute to a more unique taste profile. Finding the right reflux ratio is an art mastered by skilled distillers to create spirits with exceptional depth.

Temperature Control

Temperature control is essential when distilling alcohol. The ability to regulate temperatures ensures that the desired distillation range is achieved. For example, ethanol distillation requires temperatures below 100°C, as higher temperatures may negatively impact the process.

Safety Considerations

It is important to note that distilling alcohol at home may be illegal in certain regions. Additionally, some equipment designed for water distillation may not be suitable for alcohol distillation due to the presence of plastic components that can affect the quality and safety of the final product. Always ensure that your equipment is specifically designed for alcohol distillation and that you follow local regulations.

Frequently asked questions