Some people ask me is it easy to make vodka. Because. Wilco has all the brewing equipment. Me no idea. Dont drink vodka. I get evil from that stuff
I believe distillation is illegal in the US…
But… they do start just like brewing… make a sweet liquid and then ferment…
I haven’t touched any spirits since early 80’s….
Sneezles61
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I looked into distillation as its right up my alley as I am a chemical engineer. Its true you have the mash equipment and fermentation equipment. You would need to purchase a still. Just briefly looked at this and if you want to only make vodka, from what I see the best equipment for this is a plate distillation column. For bourbon you would want a batch still. They are made from stainless steel and expensive.
I will warn you that the reason its illegal in UA is that improperly distilled spirits can easily kill you. A poisonous compound called methanol or wood alcohol is a byproduct of all fermentation especially with fruits. It is present in wine but in low concentration not a concern. The problem is that distillation concentrates both the methanol and ethanol. Methanol boils at a lower temperature than ethanol (the good alcohol). Because of this, the first stuff coming off a still has more methanol and can kill you. You need to throw out the first stuff coming off the still. They call it first runnings. If you don’t do this, and drink it you will go blind first then die. A famous Australian soccer player died this way. If you do not know what you are doing, stay away from distillation.
Is the methanol what hand sanitizer is made from?
Sneezles61
[quote=“mikem, post:3, topic:30525, full:true”]
I will warn you that the reason its illegal in UA is that improperly distilled spirits can easily kill you. A poisonous compound called methanol or wood alcohol is a byproduct of all fermentation especially with fruits.[/quote]
In addition, alcohol vapors are VERY flammable and even a small leak can explode a house/garage. And easily burn you severely or, kill you.
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Sneezles61
Beter become a walter white
Methanol is not intentionally used in hand sanitizer. Isopropanol is what is used in hand sanitizers. Some contaminated hand sanitizers had methanol in it last year and it was a health concern.
Agree with the other concern raised about fire/explosion. I am trained in distillation column design, started up equipment in refineries including distillation columns and even I won’t run a plate distillation column in my garage.
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