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How do I Legally Distill at Home in South Africa? - Part 1: Stills
Published : 29-01-2020 08:45:09 | Categories : Home Distilling , Legislation , MiscellaneousIn Part 1 of 3 Articles dealing with the Legality of Home Distilling, we look at Stills. What type of Still are we allowed to use, what are the requirements, and where can I get a Legal Still.
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Gin Recipes for Home and Hobby Distillers
Published : 03-07-2020 10:56:27 | Categories : Home Distilling , Recipes , Spirit EnhancementMany of our clients and page visitors have requested Gin Recipes from us, something that our Trainees know we are loath to give out. But in the interest of Customer Service we have compiled some.
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How do I get a License for a Craft Distillery in South Africa?
Published : 23-01-2020 11:11:26 | Categories : Commercial Distilling , Craft Spirits , LegislationThe most challenging part of starting a Commercial Distiller or Craft Distillery is not the Product Development or Financing, but the Licensing and Registration Process.
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High Strength Ginger Beer Recipe (using Lennon Jamaika Ginger)
Published : 20-04-2020 15:18:00 | Categories : RecipesGinger beer is probably one of the easiest ways to make alcohol with limited resources. This will be the first of our ginger beer recipes - using Lennon Jamaika Ginger and wine yeast.
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How do I Dilute my Spirits?
Published : 31-01-2020 16:28:58 | Categories : Commercial Distilling , Craft Spirits , Home Distilling , Spirit EnhancementA question asked by both Home Distillers and Craft Distillers - How do I Dilute my Distillate down to Drinking Level? But interestingly enough, depending on who asks, the answer is different.
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High Strength Ginger Beer with Ginger Syrup Recipe
Published : 23-04-2020 07:39:47 | Categories : RecipesThis Recipe is a combination of the previous two Ginger Beer recipes. This allows you to make a High Strength Ginger Beer using a home made Ginger Syrup.
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How to make your own Yeast Nutrients
Published : 15-01-2020 08:29:42 | Categories : Fermentation , RecipesAlthough it is always advisable to use Yeast Nutrients in order to ensure a successful fermentation, it is possible to make your own nutrients that can come quite close.
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Whisky, Bourbon or Moonshine Recipe (using Malted Barley)
Published : 24-08-2020 11:23:31 | Categories : RecipesA quick and easy recipe (very basic) for the Home or Hobby Distiller to make Whisky or Bourbon or the unwooded version, Moonshine (as it is commonly called) or Grain Spirit, using Malted Barley only
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Basic Apple Cider Recipe
Published : 03-04-2020 13:25:33 | Categories : RecipesThis basic apple cider recipe is pretty straight forward and do not need any fancy equipment , which means everyone can try it!
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How do I Legally Distill at Home in South Africa? - Part 2: Registration
Published : 29-01-2020 10:16:59 | Categories : Home Distilling , Legislation , MiscellaneousIn Part 1 of the series of Articles, we looked at the Still Requirements for Home Distillation. Here in Part 2 we talk about the actual registration process.
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How do I make Rum?
Published : 28-07-2020 19:04:37 | Categories : Fermentation , Home Distilling , RecipesExploring the choices and decisions you need to make when making Rum as a Home or Hobby Distiller - specifically Rum from Molasses.
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Dilution before Re-Distillation
Published : 08-04-2020 07:11:44 | Categories : Commercial Distilling , Distillation , Home DistillingInspired by a common question for new distillers, this article looks at the reason why we dilute Distillate prior to redistilling. Time to put on the science hat and explore Water - Ethanol Affinities
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Cleaning a New Still for First Use
Published : 07-02-2020 11:07:16 | Categories : Distillation , Home Distilling , MiscellaneousSo you have bought yourself a still for the first time, and you want to use it. What do you need to do first to ensure your first batch comes out great?
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10 Steps to a Successful Fermentation
Published : 15-01-2020 08:06:05 | Categories : Commercial Distilling , Fermentation , Home DistillingThe most basic skill that any distiller - be it a Home Distiller or Commercial Distiller - requires, is how to make a successful fermentation. These are the most basic steps you need to follow.
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How to re-start a Stuck Fermentation
Published : 09-04-2020 09:41:44 | Categories : FermentationThis article follows "Failed Fermentations and Fixing Them". Even though you might have taken all the necessary steps to ensure a healthy fermentation, you might end up having to restart again.
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How do I get rid of Fusel Oils in my Spirits?
Published : 07-02-2020 09:24:36 | Categories : Distillation , Fermentation , Spirit EnhancementFusel Oils are a term banded about quite often in the Spirit World, but what are they exactly? Do I want them in my Spirit or not, and if not, how do I get rid of them?
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Can I use Smoking Wood Chips in Home Made Spirits?
Published : 10-07-2020 09:35:50 | Categories : Home Distilling , Spirit EnhancementDistillique receives questions regularly from Home (and Commercial) Distillers, looking for advice. Some of the more interesting questions (or answers) we turn into articles to share.
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Whisky, Bourbon or Moonshine Recipe (using Enzymes)
Published : 24-08-2020 10:58:49 | Categories : RecipesA quick and easy recipe (very basic) for the Home or Hobby Distiller to make Whisky or Bourbon or the unwooded version, Moonshine (as it is commonly called) or Grain Spirit, using Enzymes and not Malt
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Pineapple Beer Recipe
Published : 23-07-2020 13:52:08 | Categories : Fermentation , RecipesDISCLAIMER: Distillique does not believe in providing and selling recipes, as this goes against the Craft of producing your own products. The recipes we share have been sourced from clients and [...]
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Handy Sugar Calculations
Published : 15-01-2020 08:19:17 | Categories : Fermentation , Home DistillingSugar is the begin all and end all of Fermentation. Too little, and we are wasting our time. Too much, and we either kill our yeast, or waste money. When is the sugar enough?
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Low Strength - Sweet Style Ginger Beer Recipe
Published : 21-04-2020 10:41:18 | Categories : RecipesIn this recipe we are going to use Bakers Yeast to produce a low- strength Ginger Beer.
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The Components of a True Rum
Published : 26-06-2020 12:11:46 | Categories : Commercial Distilling , Distillation , Fermentation , Spirit EnhancementExploring the sources and processes that leads to the creation of the unique and highly prized Flavor Compounds in a true Caribbean Style Rum
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Orange Brandy or Mampoer Recipe
Published : 24-08-2020 07:41:49 | Categories : RecipesA quick and easy recipe (very basic) for the Home or Hobby Distiller to make his or her own Orange Brandy, or the unwooded version, Mampoer (Eau de Vie or Obstler) as we call it in South Africa.
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Naartjie Brandy or Mampoer Recipe
Published : 24-08-2020 08:25:25 | Categories : RecipesA quick and easy recipe (very basic) for the Home or Hobby Distiller to make his or her own Naartjie Brandy, or the unwooded version, Mampoer (Eau de Vie or Obstler) as we call it in South Africa.
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How do I Legally Distill at Home in South Africa? - Part 3: Record Keeping
Published : 29-01-2020 11:34:48 | Categories : Home Distilling , Legislation , MiscellaneousPart 3 of three Articles dealing with Legal Home Distilling in SA, deals with the keeping of Distilling Records by the Home Distiller. Distillique has done its utmost to make this as easy as possible.
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The importance of yeast nutrients
Published : 08-04-2020 09:20:25 | Categories : FermentationThis article is written to inform our readers about the importance of yeast nutrients.
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Different ways in which Still Shape Impacts Spirit Quality
Published : 07-04-2020 07:54:51 | Categories : Commercial Distilling , Distillation , Home DistillingAre all stills created equal? Previous articles have already explored the different still types, but even within the one category of stills - Alembic Stills - not all stills are considered the same.
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Homemade Absinthe Recipe
Published : 28-01-2020 11:43:23 | Categories : Home Distilling , Recipes , Spirit EnhancementInterested in making Absinthe for the first time, but you don't know where to start? This simple Direct Infusion Recipe will allow you to start playing around with Absinthe.
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Choosing Suitable Fermentation Vessels
Published : 07-04-2020 06:40:30 | Categories : Commercial Distilling , Fermentation , Home DistillingWhether you are a Commercial Distiller or a Home Distiller, you need to make a fermentation, and although it might seem obvious, you need a suitable container to ferment in. What is important or not?
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Selecting the right yeast strain
Published : 01-04-2020 08:46:34 | Categories : FermentationThis article focuses on the most important factors to consider when choosing a yeast strain.
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The Effect of Boiling Rate on Fractions during Distillation
Published : 27-03-2020 12:45:56 | Categories : Distillation , Home DistillingCommon questions among new Distillers is "How fast should I run my Still?" or "How soon will this be done?", not realising that the Rate of Boil and Flow Rate impacts the quality of the product.
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Wine from grapes
Published : 04-12-2020 12:42:48 | Categories : Fermentation , RecipesThis article is a simplified recipe for table wine. Touching on important factors that will influence the quality of your wine.
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Lemon Brandy or Mampoer Recipe
Published : 24-08-2020 08:19:35 | Categories : RecipesA quick and easy recipe (very basic) for the Home or Hobby Distiller to make his or her own Lemon Brandy, or the unwooded version, Mampoer (Eau de Vie or Obstler) as we call it in South Africa.
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Apple Brandy (Calvados) or Mampoer Recipe
Published : 21-08-2020 17:29:52 | Categories : RecipesA quick and easy recipe (very basic) for the Home or Hobby Distiller to make his/her own Apple Brandy (Calvados), or the unwooded version, Mampoer (Eau de Vie or Obstler) as we call it in South Africa
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Essential Oil Extraction through Distillation
Published : 15-01-2020 07:40:22 | Categories : ExtractionsAlthough not always ideal, the extraction of Essential Oils through Distillation is still the most common methodology. There are however several ways in which this can be accomplished.
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Is Glitter and Colorants Legal in Gin?
Published : 10-07-2020 08:22:26 | Categories : Commercial Distilling , Legislation , Spirit EnhancementWe regularly get queries from new or existing Crafters about what is and is not allowed in Gin. This article seeks to answer one of the common questions - Can I add Colorants or Glitter to Gin?
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What Size and Type of Equipment do I need for a Craft Distillery?
Published : 23-01-2020 07:20:14 | Categories : Commercial Distilling , Craft SpiritsOn a weekly basis we get Emails, Phone Calls and Visits from individuals that want to enter into the Craft Spirit Industry, but many times they are not really aware of what it entails.
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Grape Brandy or Witblits Recipe
Published : 21-08-2020 16:38:50 | Categories : RecipesA quick and easy recipe (very basic) for the Home or Hobby Distiller to make his or her own Grape Brandy, or the unwooded version, Witblits (White Lightning) as we call it in South Africa.
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Can I use bakers yeast to produce wine?
Published : 30-03-2020 14:50:19 | Categories : FermentationThis article answers the common question : " can I use baker's yeast for fruit fermentation's?"
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What do I need to Register for with SARS as a Craft Distillery?
Published : 23-01-2020 12:25:49 | Categories : Commercial Distilling , Craft Spirits , LegislationGetting a License to Manufacture, Distribute and Sell Alcohol is only the first step on your Road to becoming a Craft Distillery. Step two deals with the South African Revenue Service.
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Banana Brandy or Mampoer Recipe
Published : 24-08-2020 07:24:56 | Categories : RecipesA quick and easy recipe (very basic) for the Home or Hobby Distiller to make his or her own Banana Brandy, or the unwooded version, Mampoer (Eau de Vie or Obstler) as we call it in South Africa.
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Active dried yeast: re-hydration or direct addition?
Published : 26-02-2020 09:51:23 | Categories : FermentationThis article explains the importance of yeast re-hydration before inoculation compared to adding active dry yeast directly into your must
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Mango Brandy or Mampoer Recipe
Published : 24-08-2020 06:59:34 | Categories : RecipesA quick and easy recipe (very basic) for the Home or Hobby Distiller to make his/her own Mango Brandy, or the unwooded version, Mampoer (Eau de Vie or Obstler) as we call it in South Africa
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Incorrect Readings - Comparing Refractometer and SG Hydrometer Readings
Published : 30-03-2020 09:11:43 | Categories : Fermentation , Miscellaneous , ProductsBoth Refractometers and Hydrometers are used to measure Sugar and Alcohol concentrations in liquids. But sometimes, if you use both, the readings are different. Why?
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I Bought a Small Barrel - Now What?
Published : 07-02-2020 10:37:50 | Categories : Home Distilling , Miscellaneous , Spirit EnhancementSmall (1.6lt and 9lt) barrels are quite popular among Home Distillers and Craft Distillers doing product development, but if not treated right, you could lose the product, and the barrel.
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Bourbon Grain Bills - What Grain(s) should I use?
Published : 31-01-2020 09:05:58 | Categories : Home Distilling , RecipesAs explored in a previous article, American Whisky, especially Bourbon, is becoming more common and popular in South Africa. If I want to make my own as a Home Distiller, where do I start?
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The Challenge of Craft Whisky in South Africa
Published : 22-01-2020 08:02:34 | Categories : Commercial Distilling , Craft Spirits , LegislationIn the United States, Craft Whisky abounds. But not in South Africa. Why is this the case? Don't South Africans LIKE Whisky? Let's explore the reasoning behind this situation.
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Chasing the Green Fairy - Absinthe Facts and Fiction
Published : 28-01-2020 09:47:01 | Categories : Commercial Distilling , Craft Spirits , Home Distilling , Recipes , Spirit EnhancementGin is the biggest Craft Spirit Category, with Rum set to take over - or at least grow extensively - in the near future. But what is next? Several indications seems to point to the return of Absinthe.
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Failed Fermentations and Fixing Them
Published : 16-01-2020 09:15:45 | Categories : FermentationSo, you made a fermentation, using all your accumulated knowledge, but then it just stops bubbling. Is it done? How do I know if it is? And if it is not done, why did it stop fermenting?
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Can the use of Copper Stills cause Cancer?
Published : 28-03-2020 09:04:56 | Categories : Commercial Distilling , Distillation , Home Distilling , MiscellaneousRecently an Article has been doing the rounds, calling into question the use of Copper in Stills. It has a lot of people asking questions, so here is our answer to them.
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Air Sanitising and Purification Technologies
Published : 20-04-2020 17:24:02 | Categories : MiscellaneousAn article describing the effect of ozone on viruses, bacteria and odour molecules.
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Different Distillation Methods
Published : 14-01-2020 14:27:55 | Categories : DistillationWhat is the difference between the different methods of distillation, and what should I use to make what product?
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Interesting Botanicals to use in Gin
Published : 15-01-2020 07:04:11 | Categories : Craft Spirits , Spirit EnhancementSo you want to make Gin? One of the biggest questions you need to answer is which Botanicals you intend to infuse. So where do you start?
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Health Warnings on Spirit Labels
Published : 03-04-2020 09:33:12 | Categories : Commercial Distilling , Craft Spirits , LegislationCraft Distillers spend a lot of time and money on labels for their Spirit Products, but even then, sometimes things go wrong. One of the most common mistakes comes in with the Health Warning.
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As a Craft Distillery, how do I work with the Department of Agriculture?
Published : 23-01-2020 13:39:00 | Categories : Commercial Distilling , Craft Spirits , LegislationHow do I make sure that the products I want to sell as a Craft Distiller is Legal and Safe? How do I get my products approved for the local market? How do I deal with the Department of Agriculture?
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Making Invert Sugar at Home
Published : 14-01-2020 14:38:20 | Categories : Recipes , Spirit EnhancementDistillers use Invert Sugar for various reasons, but it may sometimes be difficult to get hold of, especially in small quantities. Here is how you make your own.
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American Whisky in South Africa - Legal or not?
Published : 31-01-2020 07:28:20 | Categories : Commercial Distilling , Craft Spirits , LegislationWith more and more American Whiskies being exported and now available in South Africa, the question needs to be asked ... Are these products Legal or not?
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Varnished Barrels - Can we use them for Spirits?
Published : 01-04-2020 10:37:54 | Categories : Home Distilling , Spirit EnhancementVarnished Barrels are normally a decorative item. But what if you wanted to use it for spirits? Can or should you even consider this? The answer might seem obvious, but it's actually not that simple.
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Pineapple Brandy or Mampoer Recipe
Published : 21-08-2020 17:23:17 | Categories : RecipesA quick and easy recipe (very basic) for the Home or Hobby Distiller to make his or her own Pineapple Brandy, or the unwooded version, Mampoer (Eau de Vie or Obstler) as we call it in South Africa.
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Apple Pie Vodka or Rum Recipe
Published : 28-01-2020 12:53:00 | Categories : Home Distilling , RecipesApple Pie Moonshine is part and Parcel of the American Moonshine and Home Distilling world, but what will happen if we combine the concept with other Spirit Categories. This is one for experimenters.
