The 10 gallon Advanced Model is a complete copper still for people ready to move past the basics. A larger pot means longer runs and more to observe. You'll get a clearer view of how heat control affects what comes off the still. For anyone who treats distilling as both chemistry and craft, it gives you room to experiment.
Walkthrough: setup and first water run
- Unpack it and look over every component before assembly.
- Assemble it along the vapor path and dry-fit all connections.
- Fill the pot partway with plain water and heat slowly.
- Check for leaks while it warms, and note how long it takes to start producing condensate.
That first water run is your calibration. It's also a straightforward way to make distilled water.
Understanding cuts
For permitted distillers, making cuts is where skill really shows. As a run goes on, the output changes. The early fraction (foreshots and heads) is set aside. The hearts are kept. The tails at the end are separated out. Collecting in small jars, labeling them in order, and judging each one is the core of the work. Keep careful notes on temperature, time, and observations, the same way you would in a lab.
Routine maintenance
After every run, rinse all the parts, flush the condenser with clean water, and dry everything completely. Use a mild acid like vinegar or citric acid to clear tarnish and buildup, then rinse well. Inspect the joints regularly.
Questions about the Advanced Model? Call our New Hampshire shop at 603-997-6786. Owning a still is legal in the US, but distilling alcohol requires a federal TTB permit. Follow federal, state, and local law.
