Today, we'll dive into a developmental topic: expanding a simple pot-still distiller. Let's divide this into two parts: if you are planning to purchase one and if you already own a pot-still and are looking for more.

Before purchasing, many people ask themselves, "Will this new hobby captivate me?" Is it worth spending more initially for a versatile machine or spending less and investing later as I get more into the hobby and see how enjoyable it is?

Of course, it all depends on individual preferences... and the budget. Purchasing a more expensive, better-equipped machine offers more possibilities, but even a basic setup can provide incredible taste experiences. If you plan to start with a modest machine and explore distilling wines, old compotes, some grains, and unsuccessful liqueurs, a pot-still is an excellent choice. It's worth equipping it with expansion flanges to keep development paths open for the future.

Let's dispel the myth that using a pot-still is a learning stage for operating a column still. Firstly, operating a rectification column is as difficult as turning on a faucet. If you can handle a shower without burning or freezing yourself, you can manage a reflux still. Secondly, the distillation process on a pot-still is quite different from that on a refluxstill, except for heating the wash or mash in the boiler. Everything from the boiler upwards is different—not necessarily easier or harder, as both are straightforward once you read the instructions.

If you already own a pot-still (preferably with expansion flanges), you know that concerns about the process's difficulty were unfounded. You might want to expand your machine's capabilities, and you have several options:

  • Aromatic distillates: These are distillates flavored during the process by placing what you want to infuse into the vapor path. A prime example is gin, but you can flavor the distillate with citrus peels, herbs, or even spices. Use an aroma attachment for this expansion. It's available here. 
  • Time-saving: What is collected during the pot-still process below 50% ABV is usually saved for the next distillation as feints. A reflux attachment reduces losses during simple distillation. With this attachment, you can introduce partial reflux and increase the distillate's strength to around 80%. When the flavor no longer satisfies you or the distillate's strength drops below your expectations, you turn on the attachment and resume collecting the "heart."
  • Spirit: If you are tired of flavored distillates and want raw material for liqueurs or pure vodka, the LM head was created for you. It allows you to easily obtain a 96% product, transforming your pot-still into a rectification column for spirits.
  • Extension flange: More packing means better product quality. Upgrading is always a step in the right direction. Extensions can be combined with a reflux attachment. For those who didn't choose the expansion flange option, an extension with Tri-Clamp connectors allows you to extend your distiller from the bottom, improving product quality.
  • Parrot: This simple device allows for quick reading of the distillate's ABV without needing to catch the product in a test tube. It fits any pot-still regardless of whether it has flanges because it is placed under the condenser outlet.
  • Packing: This is the "heart" of the distiller, providing surface area for the vapors to condense and evaporate, separating unwanted, smelly compounds from the aromatic product. Better packing doesn't strip the distillate of flavor and aroma; on the contrary, it provides better control and results. If your distiller is filled with scrubbers, consider replacing them with a liter of prismatic springs.

Regardless of the distiller's "top," the copper part that contacts alcohol vapors and the cooled distillate in the condenser, don't forget about the boiler, the "bottom." It's worth investing more initially, as any modifications to the boiler require cutting and welding, so you can't add anything without sending the keg to our service. The exception is a boiler thermometer, which can be ordered to fit an additional ¾" port.

As you can see, the topic of equipment expansion is vast. These are not closed constructions but thoughtfully designed machines that grow with you as you advance in this wonderful hobby.