Still CLASSIC, 5 Liters, complete with steam thermometer, gas burner and large aroma kettle

CLASSIC still (2 or 5 liters)

• The still is made of solid, high-quality copper. The still was designed by us and is optimally designed from a process technology perspective. The distillation device is manufactured exclusively for us.
• The still can be ordered in both the 2 liter and 5 liter version. Each can be converted to the other kettle size. Hence you then have a still with two different pot sizes (original Malle-Schmickl still system).
  

  

  
• The heat source is a gas burner with continuously variable adjustment (maximum output: 3 kW, gas consumption: 120 g/h) with piezo-electric ignition for valve gas cartridges with a gas lock system (GLS) compliant with European standard EN 417 (old designation 7/16 NS).
• A distillation process takes approximately 30-45 minutes for the 2 liter kettle size. Depending on the alcohol content of the material to be distilled, you can produce 1½ to 4 liters of high-proof schnapps per process with a 5 liter still, which you then dilute to drinking strength with distilled water. The measuring kit is recommended for dilution.
• Because of the supplied burn protector – this principle was developed by us in 1998 – it is not necessary to filter the mash before distilling. Nevertheless, when the heating power is changed there is no annoying time delay as there is with a jacketed kettle. Unfiltered mashes produce a higher yield and more flavor in the distillate, because the softened fruit pulp contains a lot of alcohol and flavorings.
• The flavor basket that we also developed in 1998 is used for making spirits: Add spices, herbs or fruits to the basket such as raspberries (for raspberry brandy), aniseed (for ouzo, raki), juniper berries (for Dutch jenever) or spice mixtures based on juniper (for gin) or alternatively wormwood (for absinthe) etc.. When distilling wine or schnapps with less flavor such as vodka and grain schnapps, the alcohol vapor picks up the flavorings from the basket and you will get excellent spirits.
• The heads and tails are separated using a thermometer. We have worked with this separation method since the mid-90s, because it enables more accurate and reliable separation than other methods, especially with small stills. Since the middle of the 2000s, experts have regarded this method as standard for the separation of heads and tails, and not just for small stills. The thermometer has a range from 0 to 110 °C and can be read accurately down to 0.5 of a degree. The measuring point is located at the highest point of the vapor that has not yet cooled, because it is only here that the vapor temperature is independent of the respective still construction, and hence correlates to the actual alcohol content of the distillate. The correct position of the measuring point is particularly important, because incorrect positions can lead to differences of up to 10 °C or more!
• The cooling system consists of an approximately 1 m long copper tube in a spiral shape, and a copper container that is open on top so that the water content can be exchanged manually if there is no running water available. The container has inlet and outlet nozzles for connection to a water tap (plugs are included). It is also possible to operate the cooling system by means of a small recirculation pump (not included in delivery), similar to indoor fountains.
• The kettle is sealed by means of a screw-on lever, and a sealing ring ensures that there are no leaks.
• The still can also be used for the distillation of beer, wine, herbs or for making essential oils (e.g. lavender oil, lemon oil, mint oil etc.) by means of steam distillation.
• The kettle size of 2 liters is ideal for trying out your own spirits recipes and for mash quantities of up to 10 liters per type. The 5 liter variant is optimally suited for mash quantities of 10 to 20 liters per type of fruit. A distilling kettle should be at least half filled for each distilling process, otherwise there will be a loss of yield and flavor.
• For double distilling, the 5 liter kettle is used for the raw distillate, and the 2 liter kettle for the fine distillate.
• The still is delivered with detailed operating instructions, so that you can start distilling immediately.
• Dimensions: width 27 cm, length 54 cm, height 47 cm (without thermometer)
• In our book "The Artisan’s Guide to Crafting Distilled Spirits" you will find many tips and instructions as well as around 100 recipes for tasty brandies and spirits.

Making spirits with the Classic distillation unit