Alambic or moonshine - what's better? Characteristics, instructions and references

Traditionally, in our country alcoholic beverages are produced at home using a home-made device. However not so long ago on sale there were very interesting products, also perfectly suitable for this purpose. They are made of copper and are called alambic. In this regard, many fans distillation of home spirits arose the question: "Alambic or moonshine - what's better?"

Features of the design of the moonshine

The classic distillation equipment used in Russia is structurally composed of:

1. Distillation cube, in which raw materials are heated.

2. Hermetic cover with thermometer.

3. Steam outlet tube.

4. Tubes-coil.

5. A refrigerator in which water is poured. In this container, there is a coil.

6. Containers for collecting the final product.

Sometimes the apparatus is supplemented with a distillation column. With its use, you can get a very pure brew, devoid of any smell. As a filler in the distillation column, metal shavings are usually used. In this device, heavy fractions of steam are deposited.

Features of the design of Alumbika

So, alumbic or moonshine - what's better? To answer for yourself to this question, it is worthwhile to learn, in particular, about the design features of the copper version. In fact, an alembic is the same distillation cube. The design of the classical model includes:

• A still cube;

• Helmet in the form of a bulb;

• Steam pipe;

• Coil in the refrigerator.

As you can see, constructively from the moonshine the Alambic is practically no different. Often, in addition to it, a special column is installed between the helmet and the distillation cube. Unlike the rectification, it is used to give the moonshine a certain smell and taste. For this, various natural ingredients are poured into it. Alambic with a column can be used not only for making moonshine, but also for obtaining essential oils. This is exactly in ancient times used Alambic (or a moonshine machine for the alchemist). To receive with its application alcohol learned a little later.

Essential oils are prepared in Alambic for a fairly simple technology. In the distillation tank, not water, but water is poured. In the same column, for example, petals of flowers are filled. Passing inside it, the steam simply seizes the aromatic compounds. Very often, the alembics are also used for the preparation of cognacs and other expensive spirits.

Types of Alambics

The model described above is the classic, most popular self-made alumbic apparatus. The device is really simple. However, today on sale you can find and a few other varieties of this equipment. There are alambiki:

• Designed for the production of whiskey. A special feature of these devices is a helmet made in the form of a bulb. With their use, you can drive moonshine with a strength of up to 70 grams.

• Charente. Used for distilling cognac. A special container is also included in the design of this apparatus. With the use of such alembics, almost continuous distillation can be made.

There are also alambic tanks with rectification columns, hydraulic locks, a water bath, etc.

Alambic or moonshine - what is better in this or that case?

What is the best device to buy for cooking at home alcoholic beverages? In this case, everything depends on the purpose for which the device is intended to be used.

Since the alembics are made of copper, the price for them is much higher than for conventional brewing machines. The first variety of distillation devices costs about 12-25 thousand rubles. Self-made apparatus can be purchased for 3-10 thousand. Thus, to the minuses of Alambics, one can attribute first of all a high cost. The advantage of them is that:

1. Moonshine, driven out with their use, is more qualitative. Copper from which they are made, during the distillation absorbs many harmful substances. In addition, even in the absence of a column, some of them settle in the helmet.

2. With the use of alumbika, you can prepare not only moonshine, but also liqueurs, wine, etc.

Thus, in the event that the unit you need only for the preparation of moonshine, it is better to purchase an inexpensive ordinary model of stainless steel. However, it is necessary to pay attention to the quality of the material used for manufacturing. Stainless steel should be food, and even better, medical. With the use of such brewers can drive a drink, in quality, inferior, manufactured with Alambic, only slightly.

If it is supposed to do not only moonshine, but also other more complex drinks, of course, one should pay attention to alambic (or copper home-made apparatus).

The best models of moonshine machines and reviews about them

Most often in our country they buy equipment of this type of brand:

• "Magarych".

• "Gorilovich".

Judging by the feedback of customers, using the latter can drive a very good moonshine, almost devoid of any smell. Also, the advantages of "Gorilich" include simplicity in use and low cost.

Apparatus "Magarich" fans distillation of domestic spirits are also considered very reliable. The advantage of these models is also the excellent build quality and attractive appearance. Serving such a device can be very long, because it is made of thick steel. The simplicity of design and the lack of unnecessary details are also considered by many to be a plus of models of this brand.

Self-made device alumbic: consumer reviews

The best equipment of this type is manufactured in Portugal and Spain. It is about these models that there are very good reviews. The alembics produced in these countries are usually hand-made and are not cheap. They are assembled using technologies developed in ancient times. Copper for the manufacture of such alembics is used only the highest quality. The companies specializing in its production carefully follow this.

Too low-cost devices of this variety, many consumers do not recommend buying. The fact is that this is often an ordinary fake of stainless steel, only decorated with copper. Consequently, and the moonshine expelled in them is absolutely no different from the one prepared in the traditional apparatus.

Where can I buy?

Many users are interested in where you can buy such an interesting home-made device. Barrels and alembics, as well as conventional models made of stainless steel, are often sold in the specialized departments of the household appliances market. Also, this equipment can be purchased through the Internet. A barrel should be bought for storage, for example, made with the help of Alabika Cognac.

Is it possible to make an alembic with my own hands?

It's not too easy to make such a device yourself. However, with a strong desire, everything is possible. Sheet copper and a minimum of skills in its soldering - this is all you need to build such equipment as a moonshine machine alumbic, with your own hands. Reviews about the equipment made by Russian craftsmen of this type is often no worse than about Portuguese and Italian. But only if in its assembly was used quality material and expensive solder with the addition of silver. The very same technology of making alumbika looks like this:

1. Pre-cut. Of course, the ball-shaped distillation capacity will make it problematic. But it is quite possible to give it a cylindrical shape with a smoothed contour of the top and bottom.

2. Soldered.

3. The finished machine is polished to a shine.

Thus, asking the question: "Alambic or moonshine machine - what is better?", It is necessary first of all to be guided by what purpose the equipment is required for. The first variety should be bought by those who want to try their hand at making different types of alcoholic beverages. If you need an ordinary brew, it is better to buy a simple model from stainless steel.