Brewing and distilling liquids are quite similar but also a bit different at the same time. While both of these processes start the same with the use of similar home brewing hardware, their process surely differs a bit later on. Both of these processes start the same way with the same equipment. They take the starches and convert them to sugars which later on should be added to a fermented vessel. While until this step the process of brewing and distilling is the same, after that in the distillation process the liquid is boiled to extract alcohol, and then the steam is condensed into a liquid that has a much higher content of alcohol.

Types of Distilling

Pot Distillation

Pot distillation may seem like easy and straightforward thing, the truth is that it can be quite tricky especially if you’re new to home brewing and distilling. This method of distillation requires more practice, but once you gain all the needed knowledge, you can easily distil your spirits. Practice shows that pot distillation is mainly used for flavoured drinks like schnapps, brandy and whiskey because it gives you the freedom to control what parts of the distillate to collect or discard based on smell, taste, temperature, etc.

Reflux Distillation

This is the most commonly used method of spirit distillation among new distillers. This is quite an easy way of distilling spirits since most of the guesswork is removed. With this process of distillation, you should only collect alcohol that can be diluted in water and used for vodka or some other spirit.

Why Use Home Distilling Equipment?

A large selection of distilling hardware in fact is needed for the production of alcohol liquids and spirits. Having the right supplies will help you experiment with different recipes and create your very own one. Who knows, you might be able to create a unique drink that you can patent and all thanks to your own brewing and distilling hardware.

Types of Brewing Fermentation

Well, generally, there are three types of beer fermentation, however, only two of them are the most commonly used by home brewers. And for both of them, you’ll need a wide range of brewing hardware that’ll help you create magic. The right brewing equipment is essential in order to help you create the beer of your dreams regardless of its style.

Top Fermentation

Also known as top-cropping and warm fermentation, during it the yeast cells float to the surface during the entire fermentation process and they settle at the top of the liquid. This type of fermentation should be done at relatively warm temperatures of around 15 – 22 degrees of Celsius and for it, you’ll need all the needed equipment like a fermentation tank, yeast expansion tank, cooler, control panel, conical and food fermenters and so on. This type of fermentation is mainly good for ales, stout, porter and wheat beer.

Bottom Fermentation

This fermentation is also known as bottom or cool fermentation which is done under temperatures of around 4 – 10 degrees of Celsius. The yeast cells during this fermentation process gather at the bottom and consequently the whole process last longer for about 2 – 3 months unlike the other that lasts up to 1 month. The used hardware for this fermentation is almost the same as the other, and it seems that the bottom fermentation is better for lagers, pilsners and bocks.

The Most Essential Brewing Equipment Pieces

Boiling Equipment

No beer can be made without the right type of boiling equipment. For that reason, you’ll need the right size of brew pot, burner, stand, copper and immersion wort chillers. You’ll also need a hop filter and infuser as well as a secondary fermentation, spoons, thermometers, paddles and some other smaller pieces of hardware.

Brewing, Measuring and Testing Supplies

Aside from stocking on the right fermenters (mentioned above), you’ll also need a digital scale for adding the exact measurements. While this can be done with cups, practice shows that it’s much faster and easier with digital scales. You’ll also need a classic triple-scale hydrometer or a digital tilt hydrometer to measure the gravity of the wort while also determining the alcohol by volume of the finished brew.

Bottling and Canning Supplies

Once you’re done with the brewing process, you’ll need something in which you can fill the beer, and ideally, you should invest in beer bottles. You’ll also need growlers, bottle fillers, caps, corkers, labels (optional), washers and some other beer-bottling equipment pieces. You can find this and many other beer brewing supplies in a specialised beer brewing store. Usually, these stores specialise in supplying you with the right beer brewing equipment, you just need to find the one that’ll stock you with a durable, long-lasting and quality beer brewing equipment without compromising the price.