In basic terms, creating a distilled spirit is a two stage process: 1) Fermentation & 2) Distillation. Fermentation happens when microorganisms, usually yeasts, convert sugars into alcohol and carbon dioxide. When sugars from grain are converted by yeast into alcohol and carbon dioxide, we get beer. When the sugars from fruit are converted to alcohol and carbon dioxide, we get wine. So if you know how to make beer or wine, you're only a step away from distilling spirits.

Distillation is the process of attempting to separate the alcohol in an alcoholic drink from everything else. The form of alcohol that we enjoy in drinks is ethanol, and it boils and begins to turn to vapor at 173.1 degrees. Water, on the other hand, boils at 212 degrees. So by slowly heating a mixture that contains alcohol and water (such as beer or wine), it is possible to vaporize the ethanol while leaving most of the water in the liquid state. When ethanol is vaporized, it floats up and away from the liquid mixture. A distillation apparatus or still then cools this vapor, causing it to re-condense (turn back into liquid) and lets it run out into a container.

This simple understanding is all you need to get started. Making great liquor takes some practice. To help get you going, we offer a free moonshine guide & recipe. Feel free to browse our FAQ or email with questions. Happy distilling!