The question for today is which is better for stills: copper or stainless steel? In this article, we’re going to uncover the history, the materials, and the pros and cons so you can make the ultimate decision on which one is better for producing craft spirits.

To get started, let’s look at the history of both copper and stainless steel stills.

History of Copper Stills

First, the copper still is the gold standard at many distilleries worldwide. It’s the quintessential element that delivers high quality and the best-tasting personality. But where did the copper still come from?

The history of distillation dates back as far as 2,000 BC. Then, sometime around the eighth or ninth century, historians say Arab alchemists developed the alembic or the first still. There is yet to be a definitive answer as to the exact origin of the still, though. Some say it’s Egyptian in origin, while some say it was invented by the Chinese.

Stills weren’t always made of copper and, in the early days, were usually made of ceramics or glass. Centuries ago, though, copper became the material of choice because it conducts heat well, is resistant to corrosion, and imparts an amazing taste.

Either way, the most efficient still came out of 16th century Germany when they added a “worm” to the pot still. The worm and still at this time were made from copper because distillers learned copper removed the sulfur flavor from distilled spirits.

Copper has long been the gold standard because of its ability to contribute to the quality of the spirit. Today, copper stills are usually handcrafted by artisans using techniques passed down through generations.

History of Stainless Steel Stills

Stainless steel came into existence in the early 1880s. Inventors found that chromium was resistant to acids and, therefore, resistant to rust and corrosion. From then through the 1960s, technology continued to refine stainless steel, and it became a natural material for distilleries because it was easy to clean and sanitize.

Some distilleries use stainless steel stills, while many more use copper stills. One compromise many distillers have found is to use a still made of both. Both types of stills are strong and easy to clean, but they impart a different flavor. Let’s look some more at their differences.

The Properties of the Copper Still

Copper conducts heat exceptionally well, and it also has antimicrobial properties, efficiently killing any bacteria. In addition, it heats up quickly, which helps to distill the liquid. Most copper stills are made by expert craftsmen who are true artisans and skilled in all the traditional techniques.

While copper stills are generally more expensive, distillers are willing to make the investment because the distilled spirits taste so much better. Distillers can also find many different sizes and shapes of copper stills. Indeed, some are very simple and quite small, while others are very complex and quite large.

The copper still reacts with the sulfides in the mash that are released as yeast. The best part about a copper still is that the copper binds with hydrogen sulfide, acids, and oils to eliminate the “rotten egg” smell from distilled spirits.

When it comes to the shape of the copper still, distillers will have their own unique preferences. There is the pot still that has a tall and narrow neck. You can expect a very flavorful spirit. There is also the column still that is short with a wider neck. Distillers use the column still for a smooth spirit.

Distillers must maintain their copper still regularly if they want the best tasting and highest quality spirits. For example:

• They must monitor the temperature and the flow of the liquid while it’s being distilled.
• The still must be cleaned often.
• They need to polish their copper stills so impurities don’t build up and the still doesn’t tarnish.

To conclude, copper stills produce the best-tasting spirits, but they are harder to clean and more expensive than stainless steel stills.

The Best Spirit Types for Copper Stills

The copper still is generally used for the following spirits:

• Whiskey
• Gin
• Vodka
• Rum
• Brandy
• Tequila

Distillers worldwide believe the copper still provides the final touch on their distilled products, providing excellent flavor and character. They count on a smooth, refined product, free of an excess of impurities.

The Properties of the Stainless Steel Still

This type of still is cheaper than copper because it isn’t as labor-intensive to make. The stainless steel still is very easy to clean, and it doesn’t need as much regular maintenance. It won’t tarnish like copper, and it’s incredibly durable and strong.

On the flip side, the heat transfer properties of stainless steel aren’t quite as good as copper, so the stainless still may be harder to control and adjust throughout the distillation process. Any adjustments to the heat or cooling water may also be harder to control than the copper still.

To conclude, stainless steel stills are less expensive than copper, are durable, and are easy to clean. However, they don’t conduct heat as well as copper, and they don’t remove sulfur compounds.

The Best Spirit Types for Stainless Steel Stills

You can use a stainless steel still to distill the same spirits as the copper still. Yet, many distillers prefer a stainless pot with a copper column. They may also use a stainless steel still that is packed with copper mesh.

Using one of the last two options helps reduce the sulfides during the distillation process.

The bottom line is if distillers want a stainless steel still, they are going to want to make sure there is copper present somewhere in its makeup. Without copper, the chemical reactions will be unpleasant.

Frequently Asked Questions About Stills

What are the different types of stills?

There is the pot still, column still, continuous still, and reflux still.

Why is a still called a still?

The word, still, comes from the word distillation, which is how you boil and cool liquid to purify it.

How long does a copper still last?

If maintained correctly, it can last a lifetime.

Final Thoughts on the Copper and Stainless Steel Stills

While stainless steel has its benefits, most distillers agree that copper is better. Copper stills have been around for centuries, and stainless steel stills have only recently come around in the last 100 years or so.

Copper is vital for the flavor and personality of your favorite distilled spirits!

Find the best craft distillery experiences across the country with Distillerynearby.com. It’s your ultimate guide for finding, sipping, and sampling all the best craft spirits and distillery tours in the United States.