A Beginner’s Guide to Distilling Vodka at Home

Homebrewing is a pretty good idea, don’t you think? There are plenty of reasons why you should start homebrewing and truth be told, it’s quite a rewarding hobby. You have a constant supply of your favourite alcohol in the comfort of your home. No need to reluctantly drag your feet to the store every time you’ve run out of it. After all, that can be quite a hassle after a long day’s work. All that becomes history when you start to make your alcohol at home.

When thinking of homemade alcohol, people’s minds instantly jump to beer. But, here’s a wild thought, beer isn’t the only type of alcohol out there. There are so many other liquors you can start making at home that can be just as enjoyable and fruitful. Here’s a humble suggestion – vodka. It’s an unusual choice, isn’t it?

Think how impressed everyone will be when they hear you’re making it at home. A real pro. Master of the craft. Sure, people would want to know more about the process and you can stroke your ego by sharing your glorious secrets. Sounds great, right? Great. Here’s what you need to know about the art of distilling vodka at home so that you can get on it as soon as possible.

Is It Cheaper to Make Your Own Vodka?

As surprising as it may sound, it actually is. It might seem like a hefty investment when your first kick-off because you need to be equipped with the right tools. Eventually, though, it’s much cheaper to make your own vodka rather than making a trip to the store every time you want a drink. That is, assuming that you don’t buy the cheapest ones available.

Is It Illegal to Distill Vodka at Home?

It’s actually not, as long as you have a license. These days, you’re required to have a license for practically everything and distilling vodka at home is no exception to this rule. Ask around in your area what documentation you need to commence your brewing journey.

How Do You Make Vodka at Home?

Distillation

First off, you’ll need to start with the basic ingredients – fermented grains in the likes of rye, wheat or corn. You can even use potatoes or fruits as well. The point is to ferment the ingredients in order to extract the sugar or starch which will then be used to distill the concoction to increase its alcohol level. The initial distillation batch usually takes up about 4 to 7 hours. Make sure to keep the temperature stable throughout, at approximately 80°C so that you have the ideal circumstances for proper distillation.

When it comes to the type of still used in your vodka distilling kit, copper stills are the best option for many brewers. They’re quite sturdy and provide the necessary insulation to get the most out of the brewing experience.

Vodka Essence

Vodka essences give your alcohol a specific taste or special edge if you will. Generally speaking, these types of essences are added to moonshine or non-flavoured alcoholic beverages, such as, quite conveniently, vodka. So if you don’t want your homemade alcohol to have the same old, regular taste, spice it up a bit by adding an essence. Some exotic fruity essences add a flowery aroma and taste while other classic style blends will undoubtedly leave you wanting more.

When using these types of essences, it’s important to keep in mind the recommended amount. Usually, one bottle of essence is enough to produce around 3-4 litres of vodka. Check individual packaging for more specific information and always follow the instructions for the best outcome. Trust us, you won’t be disappointed.

Is Homemade Vodka Safe to Drink?

Shockingly, it is. Just because you make it at home doesn’t mean that it’s any less good than store-bought alcohol. As long as you follow all the safety guidelines and health precautions, your vodka will bring you no harm. On the bright side, making it at home gives you a lot of room for customisation and tailoring it specifically to your liking so that’s one good thing to look forward to. You can have your unique blend of flavours and aromas that can’t be found anywhere else in the world. Sounds really special, doesn’t it?

Health Benefits of Drinking Vodka

Normally, you wouldn’t associate vodka with a healthy lifestyle. Wouldn’t blame you either because it’s not conventionally viewed as such. But, you might be surprised to find out just how beneficial it actually is, when taken in moderation of course. First and foremost, it’s a great way to relax and reduce stress. It calms down both body and mind, just like any other alcoholic beverage.

Because of this, it can also help you fall asleep which is an added bonus if you’re struggling with insomnia. Another advantage is that it helps combat potential cardiovascular diseases and complications. This includes an irregular heartbeat, clogged arteries and even strokes. Those are definitely some serious conditions. And last but not least, it improves the overall health and appearance of your skin and hair. It nourishes, moisturizes and provides the necessary nutrients for a stunning look.

All things considered, we don’t see why you shouldn’t start making your own vodka today. Do you?