Can you use brass on a moonshine still?

Most brass fittings are not even safe for water use, which makes them even less safe for distilling use.

Does brass react with alcohol?

As mentioned Page 2 Recycled Paper 2 Please Recycle above, ethanol is not compatible with soft metals such as zinc, brass, copper, lead, and aluminum. These metals will degrade or corrode in contact with ethanol and possibly contaminate a vehicle's fuel system.

Is brass safe for drinking?

The standard lead-free brass fittings are made with marine-grade DZR brass and are currently acceptable under the Safe Drinking Water Act, but will be restricted to non-potable water applications as of 2014.

Do you have to use copper for a moonshine still?

As I mentioned above, copper is a vital component when you're distilling spirits. However, your entire still doesn't have to be made out of copper in order to get the sulfur-eliminating benefits. You can go with a stainless steel still and also use copper in your column packing.

What metals can be used in a still?

Copper is the preferred material in the construction of a still to impart flavor into the distilled spirits. According to Broadslab Distillery, both stainless steel and copper are excellent conductors of heat: dispersing the heat evenly across the entire surface of the metal and creating a more even distillation.

Copper VS Stainless steel in distilling

Why do moonshiners use copper stills?

Copper Distillers

The reasons that copper is often used for distilling are as follows: it is a great conductor of heat, it will remove sulfur compounds, and is an easy metal to work with.

Can you use sheet metal for a moonshine still?

Avoid stills assembled with sheet metal, plastic barrels, old radiators and other such questionable materials. Moonshine stills are only made from one of two materials: copper or stainless steel. Stills assembled with lead solder or other contaminated metal can cause lead poisoning. - Avoid Using Open Flames Indoors.

What is the best material of construction for alcohol stills?

Although there are a variety of other metals used to make stills, copper and stainless steel are the two most common options. Copper is an easy metal to work with if you'll be constructing the still yourself. Also, it is an excellent conductor of heat and removes sulfides during processing.

Can you store moonshine in stainless steel?

Use Proper Distillation Equipment

Stills made from old radiators, sheetmetal, plastic barrels and other such materials are questionable at best and extremely dangerous at worst. Always insist on using stills that are made from pure copper or 304 stainless steel.

Why is my moonshine blue?

While it may not happen all the time, moonshiners with copper stills may experience a blue batch every once in a while. Basically, this is caused by the alcohol vapor corroding the copper metal. As the copper is literally eaten away, fragments transfer into the moonshine batch, which ultimately gives it a bluish tint.

Can you get lead poisoning from brass?

State conducted studies found the average exposure level for the lead residue on the hands of consumers handling brass keys was 19 times the Proposition 65 “No Significant Risk Level” of 0.5 μg per day limit [11].

Is brass toxic to humans?

While those metals are more affordable, their dicey health standing make them completely out of the question. Unlike all of those previously mentioned dangerous metals, pure brass is non-toxic and has no links to health complications.

Are all brass valves lead free?

As of 2014, brass fittings must now contain less than 0.25% lead, rather than 8%. The purpose of this change is to protect consumers from harmful contamination. Anything below that 0.25% threshold can legally be labeled as lead free brass fittings under the new standards.

Does methanol corrode brass?

In general, the addition of methanol to petrol increases the corrosion rate. There was no significant change in the corrosion rates of brass on long-term exposure to studied fuel blends. The highest corrosion rate has been observed in M30 for 4 days (d) of immersion at 40 °C.

Does solid brass contain lead?

While our brass does in fact contain approximately 2.5% lead to aid machinability, it is in a solid matrix with the copper and zinc that make up the brass and is entirely encapsulated by a clear coating comprised of acrylics and urethane solids (plastics).

Is alcohol corrosive to copper?

There is no problem with using isopropyl alcohol to clean off copper or aluminum.

What can I store moonshine in?

What's the Best Way to Store Moonshine? Store it in sealed glass bottles in a dark location away from direct sunlight. Glass keeps the flavor authentic while preventing spoilage. If you want to store the moonshine for a long time, refrigerate it.

Why is moonshine in Mason jars?

Moonshine just looks cooler when you drink it from a mason jar. Not only does it ensure the moonshine stays fresh but the jar also gives it the “authentic” moonshine feel that you would get during the prohibition period.

Is moonshine better cold or room temp?

Either way—it depends on your preference and the type of drink. For example, you might drink straight moonshine at room temperature. Or, warm up some apple pie moonshine for a toasty, comforting drink on a cold fall or winter night. You can also drink it as a chilled cocktail with ginger ale or iced tea.

What type of copper is used for moonshine still?

2" copper pipe, type M, for Moonshine Still Reflux or Pot Column.

How long does a copper still last?

These unwanted and flavor-changing sulfur compounds are chemically removed from the final product resulting in a smoother, better-tasting drink. All copper stills will require repairs about every eight years due to the precipitation of copper-sulfur compounds.

How thick is the copper on a moonshine still?

Rivets – stainless steel or copper. 1/4 ” copper tubing – 8 ft should do.

How do you stop methanol when making moonshine?

Fortunately, you can reduce the amount of methanol produced by avoiding fermenting fruits that are high in pectin and doing so with healthy yeast at controlled temperatures. Then, when distilling, make careful cuts to remove the 'fores' and 'heads' which contain the methanol at the start of distillation.

How much head do you throw away when distilling?

Additionally, commercial distillers have determined that simply discarding a standard amount per batch, based on batch size, is enough to keep things safe. The rule of thumb is to discard 1/3 of a pint jar for every 5 gallons of wash being distilled.