The Saguenay Still


A photograph of the two major components of this all-glass still is shown. On the left is the column packed with stainless steel filaments while on the right is the still-head with stream-splitter, draw-off needle-valve, and thermometer. The copper cooling coil is not shown in this photograph but can be seen in the enlargement of the still-head below.

To join the still-head to the top of the column a 34/45 standard-taper joint is used. To join the bottom of the column to the top of the boiler a 50/30 glass ball-joint is used, the ball resting in a specially machined brass socket (which we supply). The advantage of this arrangement is that it provides excellent flexibility between the tall glass column and the heavy liquid-filled boiler on which it rests. A rigid connection would be liable to breakage if the column were jogged. The ball-and-socket joint also permits the column to be made vertical, even when the boiler is not quite level. The three ground-glass joints add to the cost but are necessary for an all-glass system.


In addition to the glass column and still-head, the kit contains the following items:


Thermometer
Cooling coil
Brass socket
Brass nipple
Stainless steel filaments for packing
Insulating sleeve of foam rubber
Instruction manual

The instruction manual not only describes how to assemble the still and mount it in a cabinet or with a bracket, but also provides information on how to make a crude beer (your source of alcohol) and then distil it in a 2-stage process to produce ultra-pure alcohol of 192 proof (96%). This, when diluted to 40% with water, is vodka. The same still can, of course, be used for spirits other than vodka.


The capacity of the still is about 12 ml of 40% spirits per minute using a 750 watt heating element in the boiler. This means that 5 litres of vodka or other spirits can be distilled in about 7 hours.

The still is made and shipped by a professional scientific glassblower in upstate New York. It is wrapped in bubble-wrap and packed in a 12" x 12" x 39" carton using foamed starch pellets. The price of the whole kit is US $395, with a further $30 for packaging and handling for a total of $425. The UPS charge is extra and will vary with distance but is typically less than $20 for the 48 mainland states.

Make enquiries by e-mail to John Stone at pegasus@gin-vodka.com or by telephone at (450) 451-0644. Payment can be by credit card or personal check. A secure order form cannot be used for this purchase so please provide credit card information by telephone or ordinary mail. To avoid mistakes, please provide your exact mailing address by e-mail ---- so that we'll be sure to get it right.

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