Distilling and brewing recommended products for making moonshine and supplies that we personally use and recommend to help you in your moonshine endeavors can be found on this page. Some items are optional as they are personal preferences.
We love trying out new products, so definitely be sure to visit as often as you can, or sign up for our newsletter down below where we will always be updating you with new items on this list!
Table of Contents or Collapse to Hide
Recommended Products for Cleaning in Distilling
As in making anything that will be consumed, cleanliness is of the utmost importance to ensure that no one will get sick from the moonshine. If you are using plastic it is a little harder to ensure everything is sterile. That is why we prefer using a 5-gallon glass jar with a wide mouth for easy cleaning.
Bottle brushes are recommended instead of a sponge that could carry harmful bacteria if not properly sanitized with each use. If using a jar with a small mouth opening, then it’s imperative to use a bottle brush to get the inside of the bottle clean. Again, this is why we prefer the glass jar with the wide mouth listed in the mash supplies section.
Natural Soaps for Cleaning in the Distilling Process
Using the right cleaning products and supplies will make the cleaning task easier than just using a paper towel and water. The first product is the unscented veggie soap that we have been making for over 30 years now.
The all-natural vegan soap we make here in the USA is excellent on plastic, glass, and anything else you can think of. Even with plastic, it will not leave a scent on anything you clean with.
Shop Here
We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.
You will not incur extra fees or charges for using the links. We only recommend items we believe in and have tried or as a suggestion for your convenience.
Click on the Bar of Dish Soap to Visit Our Amazon Storefront!
Moonshining and Distilling Books
Moonshine books are a vital resource for anyone interested in distilling their own spirits. From the basics of fermentation, to more advanced techniques and recipes, reading “how to” books can help build an understanding of the entire distilling process.
Whether you’re an experienced moonshiner or just getting started, having some knowledge of the craft is essential. A good Moonshine book can provide the necessary tools to help you become a proficient distiller. Here are some of our very own recommendations.
Some of these books are free to read or listen to if you have Kindle Unlimited, be sure and check that out option.
Recommended Products for Reading
The Alaskan Bootlegger’s Bible, Second Edition: Makin’ Beer, Wine, Liqueurs and Moonshine Whiskey: An old Alaskan tells how it is done
The Joy of Home Distilling: The Ultimate Guide to Making Your Own Vodka, Whiskey, Rum, Brandy, Moonshine, and More (Joy of Series)
Moonshine Distiller’s Training Manual Paperback –
Moonshine 101: The Definitive Beginner’s Guide to Moonshine Distilling Paperback
How to Master Moonshine: Modern, safe methods for making your own alcohol (recipes included!)
The Home Distilling Bible: The Definitive Guide to Setting up Your Own Home Distillery | How to Make Your Vodka, Brandy, Whiskey, Rum, Moonshine and More the Safe & Legal Way
DIY Homemade Moonshine, Whisky, Rum, and Other Distilled Spirits: The Complete Guidebook to Making Your Own Liquor, Safely and Legally
All American Whiskey Home Distillation: Step-by-Step Guide to Making Whiskey, Bourbon, and Rye in Your Own Distillery
The Home Distiller’s Workbook: Your Guide to Making Moonshine, Whisky, Vodka, Rum and So Much More! Vol. 1 Paperback
Raise the Bar – The Home Distiller’s Guide: Home distilling – How to make moonshine, vodka, whiskey, rum, tequila … And DIY Bartender: Cocktails for the Homemade Mixologist
Moonshine Mixology: 60 Recipes for Flavoring Spirits & Making Cocktails – A Cocktail Book
Recommended Products for Cleaning
As you can see in this list are some of the basic supplies used to make the mash. Although some are truly optional and not always used, these moonshine products are what we use and we highly recommend using them if you are serious about making mash more than once.
Masthome 9 Pieces Bottle Brush Set, Long Handle Bottle Cleaner for Washing Narrow Neck Wine/Beer Bottle, Hummingbird Feeder, Baby Bottle, Sports Bottle, Thermos, Flask
ALINK 5-Pack Bottle Brush Cleaner – Long Bamboo Handle Water Bottle Straw Cleaning Brush for Washing Narrow Neck Beer Wine Decanter, Sports Bottle, Thermos, Flask
husMait Bottle Brush with Extra Long Wood Handle and Strong Bristles – Cleans and Scrubs Hard to Reach Wide Mouth Jars, Glasses, and Dishes
MASTERTOP 3PCS Natural Bamboo Brush Set, Household Kitchen Bathroom Cleaning, Dish Brush Pan Brush Floor Brush Scrub Brushes for Dishes, Pots, Pans
MR.SIGA Microfiber Cleaning Cloth, Pack of 24, Size:12.6″ x 12.6″
Utopia Kitchen [24 Pack Flour Sack Tea Towels, 28″ x 28″ Ring Spun 100% Cotton Dish Cloths – Machine Washable – for Cleaning & Drying – White
Using Filtered Water to Make Moonshine
Crafting quality moonshine is an art, its nuances deeply rooted in the purity of ingredients used, with water being a pivotal player. Tier-one moonshiners have long sworn by using filtered water to whip up their secret batches, unlocking a remarkable difference in taste and texture that’s wildly unparalleled. Embracing this trickery could be your gateway to distilling an incredibly smooth and potent sipper.
The role filtered water plays in creating opulent flavors can’t be overstated; after all, roughly 60% of your exquisite moonshine comprises just H2O! Ditch regular tap water — riddled with chemicals and minerals — which can interfere with fermentation leaving behind off-flavors.
Make way for filtered water: your partner-in-crime for achieving impressive clarity while accentuating the essence of essential ingredients in every jarful of moonshine. Flavorful, stronger; that’s what you’re signing up for when distilled spirits meet pure liquid alchemy. Now you’re one step closer to revolutionizing the ancient art form of distilling, refining it into a more rewarding experience.
Pure water is the key to making mash. As you may know, chlorinated water and water that has minerals can widely affect the mash and the shine’s outcome. We have city water on the mountain because our mountaintop is rich in minerals and it was not recommended to drill a well.
Therefore, we have been using a Berkey water filter system for over a decade for drinking water and making soap which we do every single day. We have never regretted purchasing one and it has made a huge impact on our soap business and our lives as well as our plants and furbabies love it too!
Royal Berkey Gravity-Fed Stainless Steel Countertop Water Filter System 3.25 Gallon with 2 Authentic Black Berkey Elements BB9-2 Filters
Glass vs Plastic Fermenting Jars
Moonshine enthusiasts, it’s time to branch out from our traditional plastic fermenting jars and explore the fascinating world of glass fermentation.
Perhaps you may be pondering why make the switch? It really boils down to one incredible element, purity of taste. You see, moonshine distilled in a glass jar preserves that sharp, robust flavor we all crave for without compromising the quality or integrity of your homemade spirits.
Glass fermentation vessels also introduce an aesthetic element into the distilling process which can’t be ignored. There is a quaint charm in viewing your liquor slowly come to life through the transparent walls of glass, signaling progress like secret messages procured by whispers of grains and yeast.
Moreover, unlike plastic containers whose transparency fades over time due to scratches and stains; glass withstands age with grace and durability. So plunge ahead fellow distillers! Let’s embrace clarity both in our moonshine’s taste and its fermenting vessel journey!
The Northern Brewer Big Mouth has 2 options, one with a carrying handle and one without. We purchased one of each because we absolutely find them valuable! We use it for making 5 pounds of mash at a time and the cleanup is a breeze to be able to fit your whole hand in the jar versus the little mouth glass jars.
Our family uses glass over plastic whenever possible. This glass jar is so easy to clean and sanitize not to mention a great conversation piece when watching the airlock bubbling during the mash process!
Big Mouth Bubbler® EVO – 5 Gallon Wide Mouth Glass Carboy Fermentor
Northern Brewer – Big Mouth Bubbler EVO 2 with Harness (5 Gallon Glass)
Using a Wooden Paddle in the Glass Carboys
When you’re distilling your own moonshine, every detail matters – right down to the material of your stirring paddle. A wooden stir crafted from sturdy, polished wood may seem old-fashioned but it provides extra security by reducing the risk of cracking your glassware during those vigorous stirring sessions.
This hands-on method adds a layer of authenticity, recalling traditional methods used in Appalachian moonshine distilling.
Using a wooden paddle allows for more gentle interactions between the grains and mash versus harsher metal instruments. Not only does this ensure longevity for your glassware but also subtly affects the quality of your moonshine.
A good stir promotes better fermentation—it helps aerate the mix and evenly disperse heat throughout the mash pot which results in a smoother tasting spirit. So next time you’re looking at crafting some homemade hooch, consider investing in an unassuming but incredibly vital tool—a wooden paddle.
Bayou Classic 35-in Wooden Cajun Stir Paddle Perfect for Crawfish Boils and Large Batch Cooking
Distilling Supplies
Nothing epitomizes the DIY distilling experience quite like crafting a perfect moonshine mash. A crucial part in this process is storage – and seasoned brewers are well aware that quality demands the use of food-grade buckets.
Regular buckets may seem durable, but toxins can seep into your grains, mash, or fermenting spirits over time – a spoiling consequence you wouldn’t want for your moonshine.
5 Gallon White Bucket & Lid – Durable 90 Mil All Purpose Pail – Food Grade – BPA Free Plastic
6 Pack | Premium 5 Gallon Bucket, Food Grade BPA Free HDPE, White – no Lid
Fastrack 3 Piece Airlock for Fermentation | Hydrolocks for Fermenting Wine and Beer Making | BPA-Free Cylinder Airlock used for Brewing Wine, Beer, Pickles & more | Transparent Airlock Set Of 2
Seed Mat for Keeping Mash Warm
The dance associated with moonshine distilling conjures images of artistic precision and old-world techniques. One of the most overlooked aspects, however – but undoubtedly essential – is maintaining a warm mash temperature. Cue the heat mat – a modern tool simplifying tradition.
Bid adieu to rigorous stoking beings at wee hours! The prevalent charm of using a heat mat lies in its ability to maintain an ideal fermentation environment for your precious mash without unnecessary hassle.
The heat mat is invaluable during chilly nights. Imagine then – more consistency in your moonshine batches with less intervention, just by introducing this innovative add-on into your distilling practices. So simple yet so transformative!
VIVOSUN 10″x 20.75″ Seedling Heat Mat and Digital Thermostat Combo Set, UL & MET-Certified Warm Hydroponic Heating Pad for Germination, Indoor Gardening, Greenhouse
BN-LINK Digital Heat Mat Thermostat Controller for Seed Germination, Reptiles and Brewing Breeding Incubation Greenhouse, 40-108°F, 8.3A 1000W ETL Listed
Other Misc. Brewing Supplies
Consider outfitting your new hobby with the highest quality distilling supplies designed for those passionate about producing exceptional moonshine. We recommend you to pay attention to key items such as stills, fermenters, and condensers crafted with precision and high-level expertise.
High-grade stainless steel and copper are ideal materials because they not only ensure durability but distinctively influence the flavor profile of your moonshine.
From mashing tools sparkled by innovation to state-of-the-art brewing equipment – each piece serves a unique purpose in refining the taste of your carefully brewed batch.
Hydrometers are one gadget we promote, due to its ability to accurately monitor fermentation activity–a crucial aspect during home brewing.
So, whether you’re experimenting with flavors or trying your hand at artisanal production – our recommendation can navigate you towards distilling success. See the items below.
Best Utensils Stainless Steel Turkey Baster Commercial Grade Quality Silicone Bulb Including 2 Marinade Injector Needles and Brush for Easy Clean Up
Fox Run Heat-Resistant Glass Baster, One Size
Bayou Classic 800-144 44 quart Boil and Brew, Stainless
HAUSPROFI Stainless Steel Funnel, 5.1 inch 304 Stainless Steel Kitchen Funnel with 200 Mesh Food Filter Strainer for Transferring Liquids, Oil, Making Jam
BREWSIE Stainless Steel Home Brew Kettle w/Dual Filtration. Equip with False Bottom Thermometer and Ball Valve for Brewing (8 Gal/ 32 QT)…
Northern Brewer – Gigawort™ Electric Boil Kettle – 4.4 Gallon For Homebrewing
Northern Brewer – MegaPot Stainless Steel Brew Kettle with Volume Markings (8 Gallon w/Valve)
Northern Brewer – Titan Stainless Steel Universal False Bottom for All Grain Brewing (11.5 Inch)
QMINOX 2 Inch × 1.5 Inch Sanitary Fitting End Cap Reducer Stainless Steel 304 Sanitary Concentric Reducer Tri Clamp Clover
1/2 Inch Stainless Steel 304 Ball Valve Weldless Bulkhead for Home Brewing Kettle Building Home Brew Kettle Mash Tun
New Tubular distillation tower with sight glass copper mesh 1.5” 2” domestic brewing equipment moonshine distiller (2”)
Testing and Reading Tools
Using infrared meters, hydrometers, ph strips, and refractors are a method to prevent stalled mash.
Etekcity Infrared Thermometer Temperature Gun 1080, Digital Heat Gun for Meat Pizza Oven Food , Laser Tool for Indoor Outdoor Pool, Cooking, Candy, Griddle Hvac, -58°F to 1130°F, Yellow
Brewer’s Elite Hydrometer – for Home Brew Beer, Wine, Mead and Kombucha – Deluxe Triple Scale Set, Hardcase and Cloth – Specific Gravity ABV Tester
aichose Brix Refractometer with ATC, Dual Scale – Specific Gravity & Brix, Hydrometer in Wine Making and Beer Brewing, Homebrew Kit
pH Test Strips for Beer Making, Homebrew, Acidity, 4.6 to 6.2 pH [Vial of 100 Strips]
Circrane 0-200 Proof & Tralle Alcohol Hydrometer with Glass Test Jar Kit, Accurate Tester & Glass Cylinder for Liquor, Distilling Moonshine Alcoholmeter Set
Circrane Hydrometer & Glass Test Jar Set, Triple Scale Alcohol Hydrometer with Glass Cylinder for Brew Beer, Wine, Mead and Kombucha, ABV, Brix and Gravity Test Kit, Home Brewing Supplies
Straining Tools for Distilling
Having the correct tools and supplies can make moonshining all that much better. The auto-siphon is a must for drawing the liquids off the top of the mash without drawing in the sediment.
Here is a quick one-minute VIDEO showing how to use the auto-siphon hose.
Fermtech Regular 5/16″ Auto Siphon 24″ Length with 8 feet of Tubing, clear, 1 piece
Bellamei Brew Bags Extra Large Reusable 2 Pack 250 Micron Fine Mesh Bag for Fruit Cider Apple Grape Wine Press Drawstring Straining Brew in a Bag (2 pack-22″×26″)
Beer Brewing Dry Hopper Filter Akamino 300 Micron Mesh Stainless Steel Hop Filter Strainer with Nylon Bristles for Home Beer Brewing Home Coffee
Taking Notes When Making Moonshine
Most important, taking good notes and storing them for future reference is the key to a good end product. It pays to invest in a good binder and heavy-duty sheet protectors. We have been doing this for 3 decades in everything we do and we are so glad we did!
Use binders, lanyards, and free mash record label sheet to keep those valuable notes for decades to come.
Staples 807717 Better 3-Inch D 3-Ring View Binder Red (18367)
Lanyard with ID Badge Holder, 20 Pack Cruise Lanyard with Waterproof Badge Card for Cruises Ships Cards,Colorful,Vertical
ZEYAR Permanent Marker Pens, Extra Fine Tip(1mm), Waterproof & Smear Proof ink, Aluminum Barrel, Quick Drying- Great on Plastic,Wood,Stone,Metal and Glass for Doodling and Marking (6 Black)
Amazon Basics Sheet Protector, Non-Glare, 100-Pack, 8.5 x 11, Clear
Amazon Basics Sheet Protector, Heavy Duty, Non-Glare, 100 Pack, Clear
Grains to Use for Mash
Listed below are some of the grains we like to use for mash. As we grow and experiment with grains, we will be sure and update this list. Using a scale is highly recommended to ensure accuracy when measuring.
Scales for Measuring
Etekcity Food Kitchen Scale with Bowl, Digital Weight Scale for Food Ounces and Grams, Cooking and Baking, Timer, and Temperature Sensor, 2.06 QT, Stainless Steel
Different Grains for Making Moonshine
North Georgia Still Company’s Milled 5 lbs. Distillers Yellow Dent Corn #1 for Moonshine Whiskey
AA Plus Shop 100% Organic Rye Berries, Certified and Non-GMO, 5 lbs sealed bag
Malted Rye for Moonshine Whiskey by North Georgia Still Company (5 lbs.)
Malted Barley for Moonshine Whiskey Mash by North Georgia Still Company (5 lbs.)
Two Row Malted Barley Crushed – 10 lbs
Executive Deal Executive Deals All Organic Rye Berries, Non-GMO & USDA Certified – 10 lbs (Double-Sealed)
Yeast and Amylase Enzymes
Red Star Distiller’s Yeast (DADY), 1 lb.
SAF Instant Yeast, 1-Pound Pouche
Amylase Enzyme Formula 1 lb
Single Cooktops
Proctor Silex Electric Stove, Single Burner Cooktop, Compact and Portable, Adjustable Temperature Hot Plate, 1200 Watts, White & Stainless (34106)
Cadco PCR-1S Professional Cast Iron Range, Stainless
Items to Use After Distilling
Glass mason jars with lids are the perfect size for “sipping shine”, they even has a handy handle to use. The jars are great for gift gifting too!
Kingrol 16 Pack 4 oz Mini Mason Jar Shot Glasses with Lids, Glass Favor Jars for Drink, Dessert, Candle, Craft
Kate Aspen 12 oz. Mason Jar Mugs With Handles & Solid Lid (Set of 6)| Kitchen Drinking Glass Cups | DIY Baby Shower Favors, Candy Jars, Rustic Wedding Decor and Party Favors
Don’t forget glasses, stones, and novelty items to show off your shine!
Set of 9 Grey Beverage Chilling Stones [Chill Rocks] Whiskey Stones for Whiskey and Other Beverages – in Gift Box with Velvet Carrying Pouch – Made of 100% Pure Soapstone – by Quiseen
Paksh Novelty Whiskey Decanter Set – 7-Piece Italian Crafted Glass Decanter & Whiskey Glasses Set – Holiday Whiskey Gifts for Men and Women w/ Ornate Stopper and 6 Cocktail Glasses, Red
Silver Metal Whiskey Stones Set in Box for Him, 6 Steel Whiskey Rocks, Metal Ice Cubes, Cool Whiskey Gift for Men, Boyfriend
Bourbon Glasses TOOWELL Whiskey Glasses Set of 2, 11OZ Old Fashioned Glasses Forest Landscape Handmade Lead-Free Scotch Tumbler, Birthday Gifts Valentines Day Gift, Rocks Glass for Liquor and Cocktail
ROCKSLY Whiskey Stones Gift Set for Men in Whiskey Half Barrel Gift Box | 8 Whiskey Rocks, 2 Whiskey Glasses in a Whiskey Box Gift Set | Granite Bourbon Stones | Whiskey Kit for Men: Dad, Boyfriend
Stills for the Beginner
Are you looking for a still to begin your distilling journey? Here are several styles and prices to view on Amazon. Please read all the information that comes with each still to ensure it will meet your needs as well as the materials and warranty that comes with it.
Full Disclaimer: We have not used any of these products, we cannot vouch for them, we are showing you the types of stills to begin your journey.
VEVOR Alcohol Still 5 Gal 19L Water Alcohol Distiller Copper Tube With Circulating Pump Home Brewing Kit Build-in Thermometer for DIY Whisky Wine Brandy, Stainless Steel, 3 Pots
VEVOR Alcohol Still 18.5Gal/70L Alcohol Distiller With Ceramic Balls for Purer Wine Distillery Kit for Alcohol With Brewing Kit for DIY Whisky Wine Brandy
5 Gallon Pure Copper Alembic Still for whiskey, moonshine essential oils by Copperholic
YUEWO 5.8Gal/22 Litres Stainless Steel Still Wine Making Kit Water Distiller Home Brewing Kit for DIY Whisky Wine Brandy Gin Vodka Alcohol (Produce 92% ABV)
HOOLOO Alcohol Distiller Still for Home Use Kit 304 Stainless Steel Whiskey Making Kit with Thermometer Whiskey Brandy Vodka 6.3Gal (24L) (SV-30-110V)
YUEWO 110V Electric 304 Stainless Steel Alcohol Distiller Flute Reflux Column Still with Sight Glasses Wine Making Kit for DIY Whisky Wine Brandy Gin (Produce 92% ABV)
In Conclusion for Recommended Products to Buy for Distilling
Do you need a simple mash recipe, check How to Make a Simple Moonshine Mash for Moonshine? We also have a blog and a video on How to Use an Alchohol Hydrometer, be sure to check it out!
Also don’t forget, we all love to make things in life a little more easy, so go get your FREE Grain Bill Record Sheet!
Links for Permits and Info for Moonshine
Start by checking out the website TTBGOV for any legal questions you may have or need to be answered. They have many links for permits and licenses that you may consider applying for.
Ways to Use Moonshine
Would you like other ways to use moonshine? Our parent blog and channel have the how-to, recipes, and more. Check out How to Make Moonshine Vanilla Bean Extract, it is amazing!
Have you ever had moonshine horseradish? Check out the blog and video, Amazing Horseradish Mustard Recipe, you will be astonished how easy it is to make!
I love making non-toxic cleaners with moonshine! Yes, it’s so easy. Check out Non-Toxic Cleaners on the blog.
Thank you for stopping by and reading our blog. If you haven’t signed up for our newsletter, please take a moment and do so. We will not sell, share, or use your contact information.
Click the button below to join our community and receive our occasional newsletter or when we have a great announcement that will add value to your life!
Please see the footer for FBC Disclaimer, Privacy Policy, Terms, and Conditions.
ALCOHOL DISCLAIMER:
The legal alcohol age limit is 21, set by the Federal Government of the United States. We do not condone or encourage illegal purchase or consumption of alcohol. Making and distilling moonshine is illegal without proper permits.
Every video and or blog made that we use alcohol in was purchased from a licensed liquor store.
Our permit allows us the use of a still within the permit guidelines.