To distill alcohol, you will need a still, a heat source, and a collection vessel. The still is used to separate compounds by heating and cooling the liquid mixture. A heat source like a stove or burner is necessary to boil the liquid. Finally, a collection vessel is required to contain the distilled alcohol.
The Process
First, create a fermented mash by combining ingredients like grain, yeast, and sugar. Allow this to ferment. Then, set up the still, properly connecting it to the heat source, condenser, and collection vessel. When ready, turn on the heat to slowly boil the mash, allowing steam through the condenser to cool and condense back into liquid alcohol that drips into the collection vessel.
If using an air still, this distiller has an underfloor heating coil not touching the liquid. It also has a condenser coil cooled by blowing air to condense the steam. An automatic lock out switch stops operation if the still runs dry.
Considerations
Most agree mead is the easiest alcohol to produce at home as it needs little equipment. However, distilling any spirit requires key equipment like a still, heat source, cooling system, and vessels. Copper or stainless steel stills impart flavor. While home distilling may be illegal, this equipment allows small-batch production.