Instructions

How to Assemble & Operate Your Copper Moonshine Pot Still

Assembly Instructions

1. Unbox all components.

2. Place the copper pot on a stable surface with the thermometer gauge on the left side.

3. Position the thumper (smallest tank, drain plug facing you) to the right of the pot.

4. Position the worm condenser (coil unit) to the right of the thumper.

5. Attach the cap to the top of the pot. Spin-fit the bottom of the cap to the left side of the thumper. Align seams for a perfect seal.

6. Connect the adapter tube from the thumper’s top-right port to the worm’s spin-fitting. Use thread tape or wheat paste if needed.

Moonshine Still Diagram
Layout: Pot → Thumper → Worm (coil condenser)

Operation & Setup

7. Use a propane burner or submerged electric element as your heat source.

8. Prepare your mash (1–35% ABV). Higher ABV = more yield.

9. Check mash alcohol with a hydrometer/alcoholmeter before and after fermentation.

10. Strain out solids before filling the pot. Seal the cap firmly using wheat paste or electrical tape.

11. Run the thumper dry until experienced (no liquid inside).

12. Maintain cool condenser water—replace or recirculate ice water for constant cooling.

13. Once drip begins, note the temp, add 20°F → that’s your operating range.

14. When thumper fills and output slows, shut off heat and discard or save liquid for re-run.

Pro Tips & Troubleshooting (30 Expert Fixes)

Before each run: Leak-test with water, log temps, drip rates, and ABV. Always use food-safe gaskets and proper clamps.
1) No flow from worm

Increase heat slowly, check leaks, ensure thumper not overfilled.

2) Output too fast

Lower heat; aim for steady drip.

3) Foam overflow

Leave 25% headspace.

4) Hot condenser

Add ice or increase water flow.

5) Over-cooled worm

Reduce water flow; balance drip.

6) Loose fittings

Use thread tape or retighten.

7) Scorched mash

Filter solids; heat evenly.

8) Wrong ABV reading

Use correct meter; temp correct.

9) Thumper flooding

Reduce power or run dry.

10) Water in distillate

Stay in operating range.

11) Weak flavor

Slower run = richer flavor.

12) Solventy smell

Improve cuts; air product.

13) Unstable drip

Stabilize flame, insulate boiler.

14) Pressure issue

Never block vents.

15) Rubber taste

Use food-grade silicone gaskets.

16) Low yield

Check fermentation & leaks.

17) Slow heating

Insulate or upgrade burner.

18) Copper cleaning

Rinse hot, citric wash often.

19) Proof drifting

Control condenser temp.

20) Temp confusion

Vapor ≠ boiler temp.

21) Heads/Hearts/Tails

Collect small jars, blend later.

22) Mash CO₂

Degas before stilling.

23) Stinky water

Replace cooling water.

24) Clamp tension

Even tightening; spares handy.

25) Burnt tails

Stop sooner; ease heat.

26) Surging output

Stabilize heat source.

27) Proof errors

Calibrate, correct for temp.

28) Post-run cleaning

Flush hot, air dry.

29) Keep notes

Track times, temps, yields.

30) Safety reminder

No flames near vapor.

Moonshine Pot Still FAQs

Why use copper instead of stainless?

Copper removes sulfur and gives smoother flavor.

Do I need a thumper?

No, but it doubles purification and enhances taste.

What still size should I buy?

5–10 gallons for beginners; larger for volume runs.

Best heat source?

Propane or electric with consistent control.

How much headspace?

Leave 25% of your boiler unfilled to prevent foaming.

How do I cool the worm?

Continuous cold water or ice bath circulation.

What tools do I need?

Hydrometer Set, thermometer, thread tape, clamps.

How to make proper cuts?

Collect in jars, discard foreshots, keep hearts.

My spirit tastes harsh?

Run slower, make cleaner cuts, air hearts overnight.

Expected proof?

Typical hearts run 120–160 proof, depending on mash recipe and still size.

Need accurate readings? Get our Hydrometer & Alcoholmeter Kit.

Can I flavor using the thumper?

Yes, use fruits or botanicals in small amounts.

How to prevent scorching?

Strain mash; avoid direct flame on solids.

How to clean copper?

Rinse hot, citric acid bath, then dry fully.

My gauge varies?

Normal—vapor ABV and ambient conditions affect readings.

Is home distilling legal?

Check local/state/federal laws; for educational use only.

What’s warranty coverage?

Every unit includes a Lifetime Warranty and 3–6 week shipping.

Safety & Legal

Distill responsibly. Follow all laws, ventilate, keep fire extinguisher nearby, and never leave the still unattended.