Moonshine made of copper began to be made a long time ago. Moreover, all parts without exception were made of this metal. According to connoisseurs of the true taste of alcohol, it is the copper surface that makes it possible to achieve a special aftertaste of the drink, saturating it with unusual shades. This is confirmed by French experts. The unit itself has a high level of strength.
Modern copper apparatus
Modification of such a device as a moonshine made of copper has undergone some changes these days. The design is divided into separate components. She received the name "alambik". Such units are inherent in the original performance. Often they are made by hand.
There are models that include a number of materials. For example, stainless steel and glass are used along with copper. Quite often there is a device where only the tube and dome are made of metal.
Moonshine still made of copper, reviews of which are mostly positive, has the highest cost. Especially comparedwith economical options made from scrap materials with your own hands.
What drinks are made from copper moonshine?
The moonshine made of copper is designed for the production of wine, whiskey, Calvados and many other drinks of high category and quality. Often alcohol has a non-standard taste. Alcohol can be of different strengths.
Features of copper fixture
What are the distinguishing features of such a unit? Equipment for the production of alcohol differs not only in appearance, but also in its technological and chemical processes that occur during the manufacture of the drink.
Moonshine made of copper has the following characteristics:
- High level of thermal conductivity. It affects the performance of the unit and the quality characteristics of the resulting product at the output. As the steam cools better, the rate of distillation also increases. The consumption of water volume and the content of related compounds are reduced.
- The apparatus is characterized by reliable operation and strength. Copper practically does not wear out. Manufacturers themselves guarantee a long service life of the unit. If the device is assembled by hand, then its durability may be different. It all depends on the skill level of the manufacturer, the thickness of the metal used and some other indicators.
- Rust resistance.
- Flavor conversion and purification from some compounds. The taste in the copper fixture is more intense. Many people talk about itspecialists. This is explained by the fact that copper is able to absorb sulfur oxide, which gives off a very unpleasant odor when making a drink such as mash. It may be noted that the metal dissolves some fatty acids.
- Infusion speed in copper is much faster.
- Copper aggregates have a high level of safety.
- No other compounds are mixed into the drink itself, which violate its chemical composition and strength.
- There are no side effects during indoor operation.
What does a copper machine look like?
It is not at all similar to similar devices made of a different material. They are usually made of stainless steel and tanks. The equipment has decorative elements. The device can be built by hand, have grace and compactness.
Some foreign manufacturers produce similar units. They got the name "alambik". Devices have a high level of performance. They are distinguished by different designs. The surface of such devices is carefully polished. Finished products can be purchased through online stores.
The price of exclusive devices is quite high. For example, in Portugal there are craftsmen who make devices using the old method. The metal is carefully selected and soldered with silver.
As a rule, mixed configuration units are used more often, They use a copper tube, and the main parts are made of stainless steel and special plastic.
There is an opinion that copper is notsuitable for food purposes and, despite the reliability of this metal, it can be harmful to the human body. Nevertheless, many companies produce devices made entirely of it, and statistics do not confirm the damage to he alth from it.
Self-made
Many are wondering how to make moonshine from copper with your own hands. It is worth noting that it is better to purchase such a device ready-made. A person who is not endowed with special knowledge and experience is not able to assemble such a structure on his own. For those who still want to try making moonshine from copper with their own hands, there are a number of important recommendations.
Design
In the manufacture of the unit, a project is required, which will indicate how much the device will have, and therefore, what approximate level of performance. It is important to take into account all the monetary costs associated with production. This is the purchase of copper sheets and auxiliary material with the presence of silver for soldering. You will need special tools for working with metal.
Drawing
It is not recommended to draw up a drawing of the apparatus on your own, as special skills will be required here. The device diagram exists in the finished version.
Pattern details
The thickness of copper sheet is 1mm. The outlines of future details are applied to it. A cooling element for the distillation of alcohol should also be assembled. All details are cut. This can be done using scissors for metal oror a circular saw. It is also necessary to carry out the preparation of the pipe into which the cooler coil will be placed.
Machining parts and giving them a rounded shape
It is believed that working with copper requires experience, since the metal is difficult to give the desired shape. This step requires working with tools such as a hammer, scissors and mallet.
Soldering
This requires perseverance and accuracy. All parts should be assembled not only in a certain sequence, but also to carry out the correct soldering. The manufacturer does not always have silver-based soldering material. Lead is an analogue, but it does not have the proper strength. This is due to the characteristics of the metal, which hardly tolerates temperature changes and mechanical stress. For attractiveness, the device can be polished.
Making a copper coil
What should the coil of such a device as moonshine be made of? Is copper or stainless steel more functional? The copper coil is superior in performance to similar devices. In addition, the fact is taken into account that at a high temperature, such a part will not react with alcohol.
Making a coil with your own hands
The serpentine is considered a very important part. To make it, you will need a copper pipe, as well as a large pipe on which it will be wound. So it will be given shape. So that the shape of the pipe is broken, it is filled with sandor other sealant. After that, you can start winding in compliance with the desired distance. At the end of the process, secure the other end of the tube. After that, the pipe is freed from sand or other material.
It should be noted that the serpentine pipe will be located in the cooling pipe. Therefore, its diameter should be taken into account in advance. After completion of work, the coil is placed in the refrigerator. Holes are made in it and plugs are placed. The surface is sealed to prevent liquid leakage.
Making a dry steamer
Moonshine stills made of copper with a steamer have a more complete design.
Sukhoparnik (reflux condenser or prybnik) is not a mandatory component. The part is connected by tubes to the distillation cube and the coil. It serves to physically clean alcohol from harmful impurities.
The configuration of a homemade dephlegmator can be unified.
You will need:
- 3 liter jar with a metal lid that should close tightly;
- two male fittings;
- two nuts;
- marker;
- heat resistant adhesive;
- awl.
Step-by-step instructions for making a steamer
- Hole diameters are drawn at the joints. Fittings are applied to the cover and outlined with a marker.
- Holes are being made. The drawn lines are driven with an awl until the jarcover will not be wiped through.
- Fittings are fastened with nuts. In order to create a high level of tightness, the holes are treated with glue.
- The dry steamer is hermetically connected to the coil and the cube.
Conclusion
Make moonshine from copper with your own hands or purchase a ready-made copy - each person decides for himself. A few decades ago, such a unit was really better to assemble. Pots, juice cookers, aluminum flasks and even glass cubes were used for this purpose.
Today, for admirers of exclusive products, there are home-made moonshine stills made of copper, which are inherent in the original design.
At present, the production of alcohol is undergoing significant changes. If earlier ready-made devices made of copper were presented by foreign companies, today on the market you can find units of domestic production.
The buyer has the opportunity to choose from a wide range of models. They vary in price, volume and performance level. A warranty card is provided for the finished product. You can also get useful tips on how to use and care for your appliance.
