The first run is what’s called a “stripping run” because its purpose is to strip the water, yeast, and sediment out of your mash before your “spirit run(s)” or primary distillation(s). Distilling this way will ultimately give you a smoother product.

What is the purpose of a thumper on a moonshine still?

The main purpose of a thumper keg is to speed up the distillation process. It lets you distill a high-proof spirit without running it through the still multiple times.

Is a thump keg necessary?

An ordinary pot still, without a thump keg, is capable of distilling a wash to only a “low wine”, which will be about 40-50% alcohol. Many shiners in fact prefer to use a wooden barrel for the thump keg, precisely because it loses less of this useful heat than would a metal one.

What ABV stops spirit run?

Most moonshiners keep running their stills long after they are finished with the spirit run, collecting down to about 20% ABV before stopping. Together, the heads and tails are reused as feints.

Do you need to heat a thump keg?

Many moonshiners do prefer to heat the thumper. The alcohol does need to stay in vapor form to be able to rise into the condenser. Wood barrels are often preferred as thump kegs because of wood’s natural isolative abilities.

Do you heat the thumper keg?

What is a spirit run?

Once you’ve completed several stripping runs it’s time to do a final product run aka a spirit run. During the spirit run you will be separating the heads, hearts and tails which will require you to pay close attention to your still, slow and steady is the key here.

What alcohol can you make with a pot still?

With a pot still you get 40 – 60% pure alcohol and the rest is water mixed with flavorful organic compounds from the mash that add flavor and texture to your spirit. For example you can make single-malt scotch, rum, bourbon and whiskey with a pot still. How does a Pot still Work?

Can you make moonshine with a pot still?

Just remember, making moonshine with a pot still is really an art that you’ll hone with practice. The temperatures here are great guidelines, but the more you distill, the more you’ll be able to decide when to make your cuts based on your own taste and aroma preferences.

What is a pot still used for?

A pot still is best to use for making spirits rich in flavor and texture. With a pot still you get 40 – 60% pure alcohol and the rest is water mixed with flavorful organic compounds from the mash that add flavor and texture to your spirit.