Home-Brew Spirits?

[GTO Scott]

I'm looking to make some home-brew spirits (dark rum, sambuca, etc) - has anyone tried to do so and what kit do I need?

The Still Spirits stuff appears well priced, but they don't list a distiller.

I'd also like to go on to try brewing beer, but thats going to be after I get the hang of making spirits......

[GTO Scott]

Tanguero said:

Not to be too "health and safety" but it can genuinely be fairly dangerous, a still leaking hot alcohol vapour into a confined space makes a splendid fuel-air bomb given a source of ignition. Methanol distilled in the first fractions condensed tends to damage the optic nerve and cause blindness - either temporary or permanent depending on concentration. Congeners (fusel oils) distilled in the last fractions condensed can hgave a wide variety of toxic effects varying form mildly unpleasant to terminal.

Oh and the govenrment really doesnt like losing the duty so they tend to come down like a ton of bricks if they catch you.

Nothing that insurmountable, but probably worth knowing the risks.

Ok thanks for the advice - If I go ahead with the plan i'll be doing so in a well-ventilated area - I really don't want to put myself at risk. I might just start by using vodka as the base - though it won't work out much cheaper than buying the proper spirit in the first place

Definitely needs consideration, as does the production of beer and cider

[GTO Scott]

Balmoral Green said:

I have bought this little lot today...



...and I can't wait to get started, but not until my distillers licence has come through

I went out and bought much of the same kit - I am ashamed to say since then it has remained in it's box unused

I really must dig it all out and crack on with production!