Ethanol Still

Copper, Ready-Designed Object, Propane Tank
SOLD

Objects for Whiskey Bootlegging and Ethanol Farming

This ethanol still is capable of producing either food grade ethanol, moonshine, or ethyl alcohol fuel. Questions are raised regarding the legality of ethyl alcohol as either an alternative fuel source or libation depending on the intentions of the still user.This project exposes agency to users through design, users are involved in a process of converting a low value commodity to higher value product.

Both the still and porcelain jugs, while inspired by traditional Appalachian techniques, are designed to be used with discretion. When installed at the home, the kettle rests completely inside a propane grill, and the distillation column is easily concealed in duct work. The jugs immediately read as gallon milk containers. Being made of porcelain however, allows the user to bottle spirits without leaching harmful chemicals from a plastic container; this is a decided improvement over traditional methods.

Process Photos