Making Spirits

Is spirit making natural?

Yes. People have been making spirits for hundreds of years, and distilled spirits first appeared in Europe in the 12th century. The DEGONG process involves the controlled manufacture of alcohol from a known mixture of natural nutrients (sugar and yeast). The distillate is then cleaned with activated charcoal to remove unwanted flavors, resulting in a smooth-tasting spirit.

Is it safe and legal to make your own spirits?

Distilling alcohol to make spirits is no different than fermenting wine or home-brewed beer. Following the directions will result in pure cleaning alcohol, in most cases, with fewer by-products and impurities than alcohol produced from commercial sources.

It's not hard to make good wine at home, but you have to play by the rules. First, home distillation for personal use is completely legal in New Zealand, Austria, Italy, Russia, Romania, Bulgaria and Ukraine.

In most countries, it is illegal for individuals to use a still to make their own pure alcohol. However, it is not illegal to own a water distillation unit or simple air still (under 5 liters in Australia), and many people already use these devices to distill water or make essential oils.

If amateur distillation is not allowed in your country, you will need to purchase base alcohol from the store to make your own liqueur, spirit or gin. Cheap vodka or gin are great for this purpose. Note that the use of flavorings and yeast is legal in every country.

In most countries where home distillation is illegal, local authorities have historically been reluctant to take action against citizens who produce alcohol for personal consumption. However, authorities in all countries around the world will prosecute anyone who produces alcohol for sale without a license. DEGONG strongly recommends that you check the legal status of amateur distillation in your country beforehand.

DEGONG distillery equipment

How long will it take me to make each batch of spirits?

There are a lot of variables so a definitive answer is not possible. However, depending on the kind of still you have and the type of yeast and nutrients you are using, you can be drinking your own home made spirits within 7 days.

If I add more sugar to my 'wash' will I get more alcohol?

The answer is possibly. However, it's important to know that you shouldn't add more sugar than the recipe or the manufacturer recommends, as yeast varieties are made and selected for different properties. For example, a yeast variety which can ferment rapidly may not be very resistant to alcohol and so adding too much sugar may result in unfermented sugar remaining in the wash.

If too much is added this may cause the wash to froth during distilling, which is to be avoided. Most spirit yeasts and nutrients have a recipe printed on them so you should select the yeast which best suits your needs.