Gin Still: A Complete Guide to the Gin Distillation Process

Gin is one of the world’s most versatile and aromatic spirits, celebrated for its complex botanical profile and crisp character. At the heart of every great gin lies the gin still and a carefully controlled gin distillation process. Whether you are a craft distiller, a startup gin brand, or an equipment buyer, understanding how gin is distilled, the role of gin distilling equipment, and the fundamentals of gin distilling is essential for producing a high-quality spirit.

This article provides a complete guide to gin stills, gin distillation, and the modern gin process, from base spirit selection to final bottling.

What Is a Gin Still?

A gin still is a specialized type of distillation equipment designed to produce gin by redistilling neutral alcohol with botanicals, most importantly juniper berries. While gin can technically be made using various still designs, the most common gin distiller configurations include:

  ●  Copper pot stills

  ●  Hybrid stills (pot + column)

  ●  Vacuum distillation systems

  ●  Carter head or botanical basket stills

Copper remains the preferred material for gin distilling equipment because it removes sulfur compounds, improves flavor clarity, and enhances botanical expression.

Overview of the Gin Distillation Process

The gin distillation process typically involves two main stages:

  1.  Producing or sourcing a neutral base spirit

  2.  Redistilling the spirit with botanicals

Unlike whiskey or rum, gin does not require aging, which makes precision during distillation gin especially critical.

Step 1: Base Spirit Preparation

Before gin distilling begins, a neutral alcohol base is required. This base spirit is usually distilled to 95–96% ABV using a column still and can be made from:

  ●  Wheat

  ●  Barley

  ●  Corn

  ●  Rye

  ●  Sugar beets or molasses

Many gin producers purchase neutral spirit from industrial distilleries, while others prefer full control and produce their own using integrated gin distilling equipment.

The cleaner and more neutral the base spirit, the more clearly the botanical flavors will shine during gin distillation.

Step 2: Botanical Selection in Gin Distilling

Botanicals define a gin’s character. While juniper is legally required, other botanicals may include:

  ●  Coriander seed

  ●  Angelica root

  ●  Orris root

  ●  Citrus peels

  ●  Cardamom

  ●  Licorice root

  ●  Lavender or rosemary

The choice and balance of botanicals play a major role in the gin process, influencing aroma, mouthfeel, and finish.

Step 3: How Is Gin Distilled?

A common question among beginners is: how is gin distilled? The answer depends on the distillation method used. There are three primary gin distilling techniques:

1. Steeped (Compound) Distillation

Botanicals are soaked directly in the base spirit inside the gin still before heating.

Advantages:

  ●  Strong, bold flavors

  ●  Simple setup

  ●  Ideal for small-scale gin distilling

Disadvantages:

  ●  Less delicate aroma control

  ●  Risk of bitterness if over-extracted

2. Vapor Infusion Distillation

Botanicals are placed in a basket or Carter head above the boiling liquid. Alcohol vapor passes through the botanicals.

Advantages:

  ●  Lighter, more aromatic gin

  ●  Excellent botanical clarity

  ●  Highly popular in premium gin production

Disadvantages:

  ●  Requires specialized gin distilling equipment

  ●  Slightly higher investment cost

3. Vacuum Gin Distillation

Vacuum gin distillation lowers the boiling point of alcohol, allowing distillation at lower temperatures.

Advantages:

  ●  Preserves delicate botanicals

  ●  Fresher, brighter flavor profile

  ●  Energy efficient and innovative

Disadvantages:

  ●  Higher equipment cost

  ●  More technical operation

Vacuum systems are increasingly popular among modern gin distillers seeking product differentiation.

Step 4: The Role of the Gin Still in Flavor Control

The design of the gin still has a direct impact on the final spirit. Key factors include:

  ●  Still shape (onion head, column height)

  ●  Copper contact area

  ●  Heating method (steam jacket, electric, direct fire)

  ●  Reflux control

  ●  Botanical basket placement

Advanced gin distillers often choose modular stills that allow flexibility between pot distillation and column distillation, giving greater control over the gin process.

Step 5: Cuts and Alcohol Separation

During gin distillation, the distiller separates the output into:

  ●  Heads – volatile compounds, discarded

  ●  Hearts – the desired gin spirit

  ●  Tails – heavier oils, usually removed or recycled

Precise cuts are essential to ensure clean aromas and avoid harsh or oily flavors. This step distinguishes professional gin distilling from amateur production.

Step 6: Dilution, Resting, and Filtration

After distillation gin is typically collected at a high ABV (70–85%) and diluted with purified water to bottling strength, commonly 37.5–45% ABV.

Many producers allow the gin to rest for several days or weeks to let flavors integrate. Some may use light filtration, though over-filtration can strip desirable aromas.

Types of Gin Distilling Equipment

Choosing the right gin distilling equipment is crucial for both quality and scalability. Common options include:

  ●  Small gin stills (50L–200L) for R&D and craft startups

  ●  Medium gin distillers (300L–1000L) for commercial production

  ●  Industrial gin distillation systems with automation

  ●  Custom copper gin stills for brand differentiation

High-quality equipment ensures consistency, efficiency, and compliance with international spirits regulations.

Why Copper Is Essential in Gin Distillation

Copper is a cornerstone of traditional and modern gin distilling. Its benefits include:

  ●  Removing sulfur compounds

  ●  Enhancing botanical brightness

  ●  Improving mouthfeel

  ●  Supporting cleaner distillation

For this reason, most premium gin stills are made from copper or feature copper components.

Trends in Modern Gin Distilling

The global gin market continues to evolve, driving innovation in gin distillation:

  ●  Vacuum gin distilling for delicate botanicals

  ●  Sustainable energy-efficient stills

  ●  Automated gin distillers with PLC control

  ●  Custom-designed stills for branding and tourism

Distillers who invest in advanced gin distilling equipment gain both technical and marketing advantages.

Conclusion

A well-designed gin still is the foundation of exceptional gin. By understanding the complete gin process, from base spirit selection to botanical infusion and precise distillation cuts, producers can create distinctive, high-quality spirits that stand out in a competitive market.

Whether you are exploring how gin is distilled, upgrading your gin distilling equipment, or launching a new gin brand, mastering the principles of gin distillation is essential. With the right gin distiller and process control, the possibilities for flavor, creativity, and commercial success are endless.