Understanding Types of Stills for Moonshine in the UK

At AK Distillery here in Stalybridge, one question I hear a lot, especially from curious folks at markets across Greater Manchester, is about how moonshine is actually made. People often have an image of illicit backyard setups, and while those stories are part of moonshine's colourful past, modern craft distilleries operate very differently. Today, I want to demystify one of the core pieces of equipment: the still itself. It’s not just a fancy bit of kit; the type of still used really influences the final flavour of the spirit, and that's something you can taste.

What are the main types of stills used for spirits?

When we talk about stills in the context of moonshine and other spirits, we generally refer to two main categories: pot stills and column stills. Each has its own way of separating alcohol from water and other compounds, which ultimately shapes the spirit's character. Imagine it like cooking; different pots and pans lead to different textures and concentrations of flavour, even with the same ingredients. The goal in distillation is to concentrate the alcohol and desired flavours, while leaving behind the less desirable ones. What's left or carried over determines a spirit's smoothness and flavour profile.

How do pot stills influence moonshine flavour?

Pot stills are the older, more traditional design. They typically consist of a large, often onion-shaped pot where the fermented liquid (known as 'wash') is heated. The alcohol vapours rise, condense, and are collected. This process is usually done in batches, often requiring multiple distillations to reach the desired strength and purity. What makes pot stills special is that they tend to carry over more of the original wash's flavour compounds, known as congeners. This means spirits made in a pot still often have a richer, more robust, and characterful flavour profile. They tend to be less 'clean' and more expressive, reflecting their base ingredients more directly. For our Polish-style moonshine, this is key; we want to capture and present the underlying character of the spirit, rather than strip it away.

What are column stills and how do they impact the spirit?

Column stills, also known as continuous stills or patent stills, are a more modern invention. They are made up of tall columns with internal plates or trays, allowing for continuous distillation rather than batch production. The wash is fed in continuously, and alcohol vapours rise through the plates, undergoing multiple mini-distillations. This design is incredibly efficient and can produce a much higher purity alcohol in a single run. Spirits made in column stills are typically lighter in body, cleaner, and often described as more neutral in flavour. Think of most commercial vodkas – their smoothness and lack of distinct flavour are often a result of column distillation, which removes a lot of the 'character' that a pot still might preserve. While they offer incredible efficiency and a neutral base, they don’t always offer the same depth of flavour that we look for in our craft spirits.

So, when you try our Traditional Moonshine or our Premium Line, you’re tasting a spirit designed to be approachable and flavour-led, far from the harsh burn stereotype. The choice of still, along with our approach to distillation, is all part of creating that smooth finish and enjoyable experience. It’s about celebrating the spirit's inherent character, not masking it. It’s why people are so surprised by the smoothness and depth of flavour in AK Distillery moonshine – it changes expectations entirely.

Why does the still type matter for AK Distillery's moonshine?

For us at AK Distillery, the type of still we use is a fundamental part of achieving the premium, flavour-led experience we offer. We want our moonshine to surprise you with its smoothness, not its harshness. The balance between capturing authentic character and ensuring a clean, enjoyable taste is paramount. Understanding these differences helps you appreciate why AK Distillery moonshine tastes the way it does – not just strong, but genuinely smooth and full of flavour, designed to be easy to sip and savour. This attention to detail means that whether you're enjoying our award-winning White Chocolate moonshine or our Raspberry, you're experiencing a spirit crafted for enjoyment, challenging those old assumptions about moonshine.

Every sip is a chance to reframe what you think moonshine is. And that’s a journey we love sharing with our customers, whether at our Stalybridge venue or at festivals like The Big Feastival later this August.