This keg will make an excellent moonshine still

A special circular border is welded onto the bottom of the keg, allowing it to be installed horizontally. In the same border, two oval holes are cut out in the upper part for grasping by hand. Carrying and loading kegs is very convenient. They are produced in standard volumes of 20, 25, 30 and 50 liters. If you are lucky enough to buy American beer in kegs, their capacity will be 58.7 liters (15.5 gallons). You can also find old Soviet aluminum kegs of 50 liters or modern ones of 10 liters (Czech, Finnish or German production).

In Russia you can buy kegs of DIN or Euro standards; occasionally you can find FINN KEG, Schlank-Keg, PLUS KEG. New containers are quite expensive even in Europe. But there is a standard for their operation - 5 years. After this, used kegs, as a rule, are moved to the CIS, where they are used indefinitely. If you find such used kegs, then purchasing them will not greatly affect the family budget.

Depending on the performance of the home-made device you need, you will need to select a keg of a certain volume. The most practical and easy to use containers are 20, 25 and 30 liters. They are quite roomy, compact and heat up quickly.

What modifications does the keg require?

You can make a moonshine still from a keg with your own hands of almost any design - with a coil, a distillation column, a steamer, a steam generator, and electric heating. The simplest version of the classic distiller will require minimal modification of the container. The standard neck, although quite narrow, is at the same time convenient both for pouring mash and for installing various add-ons.

If you bought a keg with a factory fitting, then removing it is very difficult. From type A kegs, they are removed by the simultaneous action of levers on both sides, and the force should be quite significant and synchronous. With type G kegs you will have to unscrew the cap. For this, a special wrench is used (a rather rare tool), but the desired effect can be achieved with a regular gas wrench. But there is a little secret here - you need to unscrew the cap from the keg installed “upside down”. There is a secret lock that cannot be removed in a vertical position.

There are kegs, especially large ones, that have a screw cap with a ½ or ¾ inch hole in the center. They are quite convenient, but the carvings on the beer containers are quite peculiar and do not match the plumbing ones. You'll still have to redo it. When purchasing, it is best to look for a keg with the cap and fittings removed - there may be other secrets there.

We don’t touch the neck anymore; it’s very convenient to attach a distillation column pipe or a threaded adapter for the distiller’s steam line to it using a clamp clamp. Such a mount can be selected according to diameter and ordered either in online stores or found on the market.

Installing a thermometer

Installing a socket for a thermometer on a beer keg is as easy as shelling pears - just drill a hole with a diameter of 5.5 mm in the lid and cut a thread in it using a tap. Then, on a piece of stainless tube with a diameter of 6 mm, we cut an external thread using a die (die) and screw it into the lid. The length of the pipe is 4-5 cm. A pin electronic thermometer is inserted into it and sealed with silicone or heat-resistant putty. When installing a bimetallic thermometer, a thread is cut on the top of the pipe and it is simply screwed on. Sealing is done with a silicone gasket or FUM tape.

The keg must have a seat for a thermometer.

You can install a superstructure (column or distiller) on the keg, either made by yourself or factory-made, for example, produced by Spirtmash. Standard clamps and adapters are suitable for this.

Installation of the superstructure using a clamp

Installation of heating elements

To make the moonshine still from a beer keg more modern in a technical sense, a faucet for draining stillage and a heating element are embedded in it. It is easy to screw the tap into the threaded hole in the same way as the thermometer socket. The thickness of the keg wall allows you to make the connection quite strong and seal it without any problems.

We install a heating element in a distillation cube. A heating element of this type is suitable for 2-3 kW

It’s more difficult with heating elements. To install them, you will have to use a grinder to cut a hole 5 cm above the bottom. Hole diameter - 6-8 mm. An adapter with an internal thread is welded into it using argon welding or soldered using silver solder, into which a 3.5-5 kW heating element is screwed. This is a rather complex procedure that requires skills in working with welding and a soldering iron and accurate calculations.

Complete redesign of a beer keg

There are options for moonshine stills made from kegs with more complex modifications. It concerns, first of all, the lid of the vessel. A hole with a diameter of 20-30 mm is cut out in it and a flange with a pipe on bolts or studs is installed. This keg is easier to clean, and the attachment of the superstructure is more reliable than using a clamp.

You can also find a do-it-yourself design, where the upper part of the pressure cooker with an adapter, valve and a standard lock is welded into the keg. But in the practical opinion, such complex processing of the keg is not necessary - this way you can use a regular pressure cooker or weld fasteners to a stainless steel pan without buying expensive beer containers.

If you intend to make a moonshine still from a beer keg, then you need to choose the option with minimal alteration of the vessel. It only needs to be supplemented with a thermometer and a faucet for draining the mash.

Drawing of a keg apparatus with an inclined column

When making moonshine, it is better to choose a large distillation cube. A moonshine still made from a keg is suitable for mash. Such containers are modernized - heating elements, taps and other devices are installed.

Industrial installations are more complex. To improve the quality of moonshine, various devices are used. Distillers make and test in practice devices made with their own hands.

Moonshine still from a keg

The installation should consist of the following elements:

• distillation cube;
• coil;
• steamer.

A do-it-yourself moonshine still from a keg must meet certain parameters:

1. Tightness and rigidity of the lid.
2. The thickness of the cube walls is 1.5 millimeters. Pressure builds up in the installation, which deforms the thin material.
3. The presence of a steam outlet. To do this, cut in and screw in the fitting.

Distillation cube with heating element

Distillers say that the electrical system is more mobile. Large containers for beer (30, 50 liters) with a recessed bottom - heating elements are inserted into such kegs.

First, flaring is done and a hole is cut out. Moonshine still details:

1. Keg still. There are 2 designs of beer containers - American and European.
2. Distiller.
3. Heating element control unit.

An adapter is inserted into the neck, which is pre-turned. It is screwed into the thread and sealed.

A 3 kW heating element is installed in 30-liter barrels, and a 1 kW spiral is installed in a 10-liter container. It is advisable to use Ariston. The control unit must have 2 times more power than the heating element.

To install the heating element, first cut a hole in the barrel. Then they clean it with a special tool and sandpaper. After this, the area is degreased, the adapter is inserted and the spiral is screwed into it.

Electricity is supplied through a distribution box. Markings are made on the barrel first. To ensure that the bolt fits tightly to the container, the head is removed with a file.

The fasteners are degreased, treated with flux and soldered. You can use Stay-Brite LEAD-FREE #8 solder for this. It contains 8% silver. Stay-clean flux is designed for stainless steel.

The surface is pre-degreased with 91% Isopropyl Alcohol. Work with rubber gloves, as the solder contains acid. A little flux is required. It is applied to the hole of the barrel and adapter. Then welding is performed.

The top area is sealed with a Teflon gasket. Then pour water into the barrel. Attach the junction box and connect the power wires.

A thermometer sleeve is welded into the cube, and a tube and ball valve are welded to the bottom. After distillation, unscrew the metal stopper from the tap. A fitting or hose is installed in this place, through which the wort is drained.

To build a still, you will need to purchase a beer keg. We have new and used equipment for sale. Use container volumes from 20 to 50 liters. The price for a new beer keg (30 liters) is from 4,200 rubles. Used containers (30 and 50 liters) can be purchased for 2.9-4 thousand rubles.

For the moonshine still you need to buy the following components:

• fitting;
• gaskets;
• valves;
• taps.

A moonshine still made from a beer keg is equipped with a reflux condenser and cooling. Some distillers first use PET beer containers with water seals.

A hole is cut out in a 50-liter barrel according to preliminary markings. To do this, use a grinder. The flange is cut out of metal using patterns. Then drill holes and screw in 6 bolts. The wall thickness of the container is 1.5 millimeters.

A distillation cube is made not only with a spiral. The distillers created a device from a 20-liter keg that can be heated on stoves. Large containers have a concave bottom. 15 liters of drink are poured into a converted keg. The installation contains:

• refrigerator from the Magarych system;
• steamer;
• pens.

Coil and steamer

The coil is made of copper or stainless steel. For manufacturing you will need a 1.5–2 meter tube. The coil, which is built into the body, is called a refrigerator.

Using a special device, you can make a coil yourself or choose a ready-made device. The laboratory version is used for distilled water. Distillers use a glass refrigerator for moonshine brewing.

To make a steamer you need:

• food grade silicone;
• washers;
• nuts;
• fitting with internal and external thread;
• silicone tube.

To make a steamer you will also need a 2-liter jar, an awl, and glue.

To make a moonshine still with your own hands you need knowledge and experience. A cube, whether made by a master or independently, always compares favorably with other products. Everything about them is thought out in advance - wall thickness, fastening points, etc.

Of all the household containers suitable for making moonshine stills, beer kegs are the most durable and high-quality. The only “minus” of such a basis is the need for large-scale rework. You will have to work hard: you will need skills in working with an angle grinder, a welding machine, a screwdriver, as well as a lot of time and effort. But the result will justify itself: the distiller will turn out no worse than the factory one.

Advantages of a moonshine still made from a keg

High quality material. Modern beer containers are made of durable food grade stainless steel. Wall thickness – at least 1.5 mm. The material tolerates high temperatures well and is inert to alcohol. You can also find old Soviet aluminum vessels, but it is better not to use them.

Optimal size. For compact distillers, 20 and 25-liter containers are suitable: they are convenient to heat on the stove. If you need a larger cube, you can take a 30 or 50 liter keg. It is better to equip such containers with electric heaters.

Convenient grab holes for carrying. Thanks to the handles, the distiller is easy to move.

Availability. New beer containers are quite expensive, but you can find used options that won't cost you much.

Variability. A keg distiller can be easily equipped with any elements: a steam generator, a column, a steamer, a heating element, etc.

Cut off the protruding metal edges at the top of the container, leaving convenient handles for transporting the cube, and clean the edges. To ensure that the cut is symmetrical on both sides, it is better to mark the pattern in advance.

Using a grinder, make a round hole in the keg lid for a flange connection. Weld the flange by cutting it out of a piece of stainless steel and drilling 6 holes for the bolts. To seal, you will need a silicone gasket.

Secure the cover using wing joints.

Install an adapter in the neck, connect to it a wide steam line made of a sealed stainless pipe for connection with the steam tank/column and other elements of the apparatus.

Make a hole in the top of the keg for a fitting, secure a thermometer in it, and seal the connection with silicone or fum tape. If desired, equip the container with a pressure relief valve.

At the bottom of the keg, install a tap to drain the stillage and seal the joint.

If the container is large (from 30 l), it is recommended to equip it with heating elements (one adjustable or two unregulated). To do this, you need to drill the corresponding holes for the clamps on the side of the keg, retreating 5 cm from the bottom. If desired, equip the cube with legs.

If there is a factory fitting left in the purchased keg, you need to remove it using levers or a special wrench. This is quite difficult to do, so it is better to select a container with a screw cap or with the fitting already removed.

When converting a keg into a distiller, you can do without a flange connection, and use the existing hole to drain the stillage and wash it. But this will greatly complicate the operation of the device.

It is most convenient to connect the adapter to the steam line or distillation column pipe using a clamp clamp. The required diameter can be selected in specialized stores. An alternative option is to install a fitting in the lid to which the steam tank and other devices are attached.

Kegs are containers for drinks that can most often be found in a draft beer store. They are used to transport the drink. Containers come to Russia from European countries. There it is used for several years, after which it is resold. Made from high quality stainless steel. The thickness is about 1.5 – 1.8 mm.

To make the kegs easy to carry, they are equipped with handles. The volume is varied - from 20 to 50 or more liters. Before making a moonshine still from a keg with your own hands, it is important to think about heating it. Large capacity will make it difficult to lift a filled container onto the stove. You will have to use another heating method - heating element. Such devices are good for mash made from berries and fruits.

Few improvements

Once the appropriate volume has been determined and the kegs have been purchased, you need to open them. It is better to purchase a container with the fitting removed, but you can do this yourself. There is no point in abruptly tearing off the fitting or unscrewing it. Otherwise, the accumulated gas will knock out the fitting.

You will need an adjustable wrench and a pair of pry bars. Using gentle movements of the wrench left and right, unscrew the fitting. A hissing sound will be heard. This is fine. The accumulated gas comes out of the container. Mounts are installed opposite each other. By pressing both simultaneously, the fitting is pulled out.

To make a moonshine still from a beer keg, install:

1. Thermometer.
2. Coil.
3. Fridge.

Thermometer

A hole is drilled in which the internal thread must be cut. The external thread is cut on the tube. The structure is twisted. A pin thermometer is inserted into the tube. Heat-resistant putty or silicone is suitable for sealing. If a bimetallic thermometer is installed, the seal will be ensured by a silicone gasket or fum tape (fluoroplastic sealing material).

Coil

It must be copper. There are 2 options for installing it: directly to the fitting or through a connecting hose. In the first case, it is important to seal the fitting. To connect parts of the structure, it is preferable to use silicone connecting tubes and hoses. The choice of material is due to its inertness (resistance to hot alcohol vapors). This improves the taste of the drink.

The coil can be passed through a steamer or a regular jar with a metal lid. The distillate will be of higher quality. For taste, add any natural flavoring (for example, lemon zest) to the steamer.

Fridge

It comes in 2 types:

Non-flowing: a large container into which water is collected independently.

Flow-through. The design involves connection to a tap. You can make it yourself. 2 holes are made in the bucket at different heights. They ensure water circulation.

heating element

A tubular electric heater is installed at the bottom of the keg. Their number depends on the volume of the distillation cube. Several heating elements are needed to regulate the temperature of the mash by turning them on or off.

You need to cut out a piece of the keg, make holes in it and seal them. For reinstallation, use a welding machine. The process requires skill and effort. Such heaters are of the water type, but air heaters can also be used. They are attached to the surfaces of the keg or under its bottom. It is important to remember about the thermal insulation of the walls.

To make a moonshine still at home from a keg, you need to choose the materials wisely, decide in advance on the volume of the mash container and treat the work with full responsibility. To obtain a cleaner mash, it is recommended to use repeated distillation.

Making a moonshine still from a keg with your own hands

If you are thinking about starting to prepare strong drinks at home, then you need to decide whether to buy a ready-made moonshine still or assemble a distiller yourself. For a beginner in distilling, it is better to first try to make a moonshine still yourself. In the process of its manufacture, an understanding of the principles of operation of the distiller, the purpose and properties of each device will gradually come. Later you will be able to buy an industrial device.

The very first step in making a moonshine still is finding the necessary materials. Perhaps the main part of any distiller, which you cannot do without, is the distillation cube. In this article we will look at how to make a moonshine still from a keg with your own hands.

Moonshine still from a beer keg

For a moonshine still, a keg is perfect for transporting draft beer. There is one caveat - it is better not to use old Soviet kegs to make a distiller, since they were made of aluminum. Aluminum reacts with raw materials when boiling and additional impurities that are not needed there can get into the product. In addition, it is for this reason that an aluminum distillation cube will very quickly leak and fail.

Modern beer kegs are made from stainless steel. This material is excellent for home brewing - by definition, it does not come into chemical contact with alcohol-containing liquids. In addition, the keg is made in such a way that it remains solid, which will not allow it to rupture even under excess pressure. The optimal keg volume is 20 liters. This volume is ideal for a home moonshine still. There are kegs of large volumes, but they will be inconvenient to handle in a city kitchen, and not every stove can accommodate such a keg.

What changes need to be made to the design?

To make a classic still, the keg will require minimal modification. The neck of the barrel is wide enough for pouring mash; after removing the cap, you no longer need to touch it. Tubes for the steam outlet or distillation column are easily and hermetically secured to this neck using a clamp clamp.

The nest for the thermometer is also easy to make. It is necessary to drill holes in the upper part of the barrel and cut threads into them, into which the thermometer mounts are then installed. All holes must be carefully sealed after installation.

To make it more convenient to work with the moonshine still, you can additionally embed a tap into the bottom of the keg to drain the stillage. Even with the optimal keg size (that is, 20 liters), without such a tap it will not be very easy to handle the distiller. Before each distillation, you will have to wait until the barrel has cooled down and drain the remaining raw materials through the neck.

The keg has very comfortable handles, thanks to which you can move it, but only when it is cold. To make it more comfortable for you to handle the device when you need to move it when it’s hot, and for your own safety, you need to make the handles heat-resistant. You can buy special pads, or you can simply wrap the handles with fabric tape in several layers. Then you don’t have to worry about getting burned even if you accidentally grab the handles.

More complex keg machines

You can improve your moonshine still by integrating a heating element into it. This is mainly done when the volume of the distillation cube is large and it is difficult to place it on the stove or it does not fit there at all.

To install a heating element in a keg, you need to cut a hole with a diameter of 8-10 centimeters in the wall of the barrel using a grinder. The hole is cut about five centimeters above the bottom. A special adapter needs to be welded or soldered into this hole with silver solder, into which a heating element with a power of three and a half to five kilowatts is subsequently screwed.

The second method of installing a heating element involves making a cutout in the keg, placing a heater inside, securing it and welding the cut out piece in place. When installing an internal heater, it is better to cover the walls and bottom of the barrel with a heat insulator for lower heat losses.

In any case, installing an internal heater in such a distillation cube is a complex procedure and requires special skills and tools. If you are not confident in your abilities, then it is better to purchase a smaller keg and use an external heater.

If you are going to produce whiskey, Calvados, raku and other drinks from thick raw materials at home, then it is better to make a steam generator, thanks to which the mash will not burn on the walls and bottom of the container. To connect the steam generator in the lower part of the cube, you need to drill an additional hole and install a special fitting there.

The rest of the structure of a moonshine still made from a keg is the same as any other distiller. Connecting tubes will go from the neck, through which the alcohol vapor will enter the distillation column or steam chamber, and from there into the refrigerator. Whether the distiller is equipped with other additional accessories depends on your desire and the nature of the drinks produced.