5 Gallon Still with Thumper: A Beginner's Guide to Making Moonshine

Introduction

If you're looking to make your own moonshine, a 5 gallon still with a thumper is a great place to start. This compact yet efficient setup is perfect for beginners and hobbyists who want to produce high-quality spirits from the comfort of their own home.

What is a 5 Gallon Still with Thumper?

A 5 gallon still with thumper is a type of distillation apparatus used to produce moonshine. It consists of a 5 gallon boiler, a thumper, a condenser, and a collection jar. The thumper acts as a secondary distillation chamber, which helps to refine the alcohol and improve its flavor and purity.

How Does a 5 Gallon Still with Thumper Work?

The 5 gallon still with thumper works by heating a mixture of water, sugar, and yeast in the boiler. As the mixture boils, the alcohol vaporizes and rises up into the thumper, where it condenses and drips back down into the boiler. This process helps to remove impurities and improve the quality of the alcohol. The alcohol vapor then travels through the condenser, where it condenses back into a liquid and collects in the collection jar.

Why Use a 5 Gallon Still with Thumper?

There are several reasons why a 5 gallon still with thumper is a great choice for making moonshine:

It's compact and easy to store
It's affordable and beginner-friendly
It produces high-quality spirits with improved flavor and purity

What Materials Do You Need to Build a 5 Gallon Still with Thumper?

To build a 5 gallon still with thumper, you will need the following materials:

5 gallon stainless steel stock pot with lid
5 gallon stainless steel milk can with lid
Copper tubing
Copper fittings
Copper thumper
Copper condenser
Collection jar

5 Gallon Stainless Steel Stock Pot With Lid

How to Build a 5 Gallon Still with Thumper

Building a 5 gallon still with thumper requires some basic welding and plumbing skills. Here are the general steps:

Cut a hole in the lid of the stock pot and insert the copper tubing
Attach the thumper to the end of the copper tubing inside the pot
Cut a hole in the lid of the milk can and insert the other end of the copper tubing
Attach the condenser to the end of the copper tubing inside the milk can
Attach the collection jar to the end of the condenser

How to Use a 5 Gallon Still with Thumper

Using a 5 gallon still with thumper is relatively simple:

Fill the boiler with a mixture of water, sugar, and yeast
Heat the boiler until the mixture begins to boil
Adjust the heat to maintain a steady boil
Monitor the temperature and collect the alcohol as it condenses in the collection jar

Important Safety Tips

When using a 5 gallon still with thumper, it's important to follow these safety tips:

Never leave the still unattended while it's in operation
Make sure the still is set up in a well-ventilated area
Don't drink the alcohol until it has been properly tested and verified safe for consumption

Conclusion

A 5 gallon still with thumper is a great way to make your own moonshine and experiment with different flavors and recipes. By following these tips and guidelines, you can safely and successfully produce high-quality spirits that you can enjoy with friends and family.