Otis’ Modular Mini Mini Gin Still

Simple pot still distillation and construction with or without a thumper.

Moderator: Site Moderator

Post Reply
OtisT
Master of Distillation
Posts: 3179
Joined: Sat Oct 24, 2015 11:59 am
Location: Pacific Northwest

Otis’ Modular Mini Mini Gin Still

Post by OtisT »

Another day, another project.

I’m building a new modular mini mini still so I can make smaller and more frequent batches of gin. Scavenging parts from a few different stills I came up with this mini mini boiler. Best part is that it is made from existing modular parts I already had on hand, so it cost me nothing.
Mini mini boiler
Mini mini boiler
Mini mini boiler
Mini mini boiler
The boiler window is totally unnecessary but I thought it was very cool watching the spirits and botanicals flow around during the run.
Looking through the window
Looking through the window
The boiler uses a 500w element with controller. The minimum volume to cover the element is 400 ml and the max charge size is about 900ml. That will work fine for my smaller batch size needs. An 800 ml charge of 30% will finish with the element still fully covered. :-)

I did a successful test run using the riser arm and liebig from my original mini still but I want to make a new upper section and new condenser to match the height and power needs of this new boiler. This is next on my build list. Below is a dry fit of what I think will be my new condenser.
Mini mini condenser
Mini mini condenser
I have wanted to make a new liebig ever since I found these 3/4”x1/2”x1/2” copper tees, so now is my chance. I found that a 3/8” threaded FNPT fitting slips nicely into a 1/2” fitting, so the I/O looks nice and clean.

Once I complete the new upper section and condenser, I plan to make a nice looking insulation solution so I won’t need to wrap this thing in towels when I run it.

Otis
Otis’ Pot and Thumper, Dimroth Condenser: Pot-n-Thumper/Dimroth
Learning to Toast: Toasting Wood
Polishing Spirits with Fruitwood: Fruitwood
Badmotivator’s Barrels: Badmo Barrels
User avatar
Ben
Site Donor
Site Donor
Posts: 1292
Joined: Mon Oct 05, 2020 6:13 am
Location: Colorado

Re: Otis’ Modular Mini Mini Gin Still

Post by Ben »

What's the advantage to such tiny runs?

Very cool.
:)
Oatmeal
Site Donor
Site Donor
Posts: 356
Joined: Sat Jun 19, 2021 5:28 am
Location: Colordo

Re: Otis’ Modular Mini Mini Gin Still

Post by Oatmeal »

OtisT wrote: Fri Oct 29, 2021 5:03 pm
I’m building a new modular mini mini still so I can make smaller and more frequent batches of gin.
:thumbup:
Through the magic of alchemy, our spirits live on.
tiramisu
Swill Maker
Posts: 489
Joined: Wed Dec 26, 2018 3:03 pm

Re: Otis’ Modular Mini Mini Gin Still

Post by tiramisu »

Things that make you go hmm.
Testing gin recipes by the glass.

... a couple of random thoughts ... if I was looking to play with Gin I might want to make enough for a bottle so I could taste over time and be able to do blind tastings and what is great once may get annoying after a few weeks OR the taste may mature a bit in the bottle and get better or worse.

Love the idea.
OtisT
Master of Distillation
Posts: 3179
Joined: Sat Oct 24, 2015 11:59 am
Location: Pacific Northwest

Re: Otis’ Modular Mini Mini Gin Still

Post by OtisT »

Tiramisu, this still is actually a very good size for my needs. I love to experiment and I want to play more with gin. I make my neutral a few gallons at a time and I would like to start making my gin by the bottle to test recipes. My house bottle is 375ml so a 450ml batch size of finished product is perfect. A full bottle and a full glass. :D

I get to play a whole lot more with this thing and learn a lot more about making gin. :D :D

Otis
Last edited by OtisT on Sat Oct 30, 2021 11:16 am, edited 2 times in total.
Otis’ Pot and Thumper, Dimroth Condenser: Pot-n-Thumper/Dimroth
Learning to Toast: Toasting Wood
Polishing Spirits with Fruitwood: Fruitwood
Badmotivator’s Barrels: Badmo Barrels
NZPete
Site Donor
Site Donor
Posts: 86
Joined: Sat Sep 04, 2021 11:13 pm

Re: Otis’ Modular Mini Mini Gin Still

Post by NZPete »

I love this. Is that tee 2" or 3"?
OtisT
Master of Distillation
Posts: 3179
Joined: Sat Oct 24, 2015 11:59 am
Location: Pacific Northwest

Re: Otis’ Modular Mini Mini Gin Still

Post by OtisT »

That is a 3” tee. The back plate is a 3” X 1.5” offset. The upper and condenser are made from 1/2” copper.

I would much rather have made this with 4” parts, similar minimum volume but a larger max volume, but I don’t have all these 4” parts to spare.

The upper I am using now came from my original mini boiler build and mini gin head build.
Mini boiler build: https://homedistiller.org/forum/viewtop ... 88&t=73642
Mini gin head build: https://homedistiller.org/forum/viewtop ... 17&t=73706

The boiler came from parts I used for my vacuum still collection tank as well as parts from and old 3” column.
Vacuum Still Build: https://homedistiller.org/forum/viewtop ... 17&t=73858

Otis
Last edited by OtisT on Sat Oct 30, 2021 11:19 am, edited 4 times in total.
Otis’ Pot and Thumper, Dimroth Condenser: Pot-n-Thumper/Dimroth
Learning to Toast: Toasting Wood
Polishing Spirits with Fruitwood: Fruitwood
Badmotivator’s Barrels: Badmo Barrels
OtisT
Master of Distillation
Posts: 3179
Joined: Sat Oct 24, 2015 11:59 am
Location: Pacific Northwest

Re: Otis’ Modular Mini Mini Gin Still

Post by OtisT »

Breakdown of the modular mini mini boiler build - part 1

It starts with a 3” tee. I made a simple wooden base and attached the tee to the base with 3” pipe standoffs I got at the local contractors plumbing supply shop. I drilled holes the size of the posts into the base and tapped them in.
3” Tee attached to base with 3” stand-off brackets.
3” Tee attached to base with 3” stand-off brackets.
Wooden base with holes for the posts
Wooden base with holes for the posts
Otis
Otis’ Pot and Thumper, Dimroth Condenser: Pot-n-Thumper/Dimroth
Learning to Toast: Toasting Wood
Polishing Spirits with Fruitwood: Fruitwood
Badmotivator’s Barrels: Badmo Barrels
OtisT
Master of Distillation
Posts: 3179
Joined: Sat Oct 24, 2015 11:59 am
Location: Pacific Northwest

Re: Otis’ Modular Mini Mini Gin Still

Post by OtisT »

Breakdown of the modular mini mini boiler build - part 2

Heat is supplied from one end with an electric element mounted in a 3” x 1.5” offset end plate.
3” x 1.5” offset plate reducer
3” x 1.5” offset plate reducer
Most of my stainless parts are from Glacier Tanks. It’s a local company for me and the folks who work the store are friendly. I’m sure glad I got all this stuff pre pandemic. Stainless parts these days are even more freakin expensive. :(

The element is a Dernord 500w 120v with 1/2” threads. I screwed that into a stainless 1.5” end plate with 1/2” FNPT threads. I wired the plug end onto the element’s two wires. I use a clip on ground when I run this.
The picture below includes a 2” end plate with 1/2” FNPT threads, just to show what that part looks like w/o an element attached.
500W element in a 1.5” x 1/2” FNPT end plate
500W element in a 1.5” x 1/2” FNPT end plate
If I ever decide to add a little more charge volume to this boiler, I have some 3” spools of various lengths. If needed with the longer tank due to the extension, I could use this 1200w element that is longer and has a lot more surface area.
Extension can add to the volume of the kettle
Extension can add to the volume of the kettle
1200w element in a 1.5” x 1/2” threaded end plate.
1200w element in a 1.5” x 1/2” threaded end plate.
Otis
Otis’ Pot and Thumper, Dimroth Condenser: Pot-n-Thumper/Dimroth
Learning to Toast: Toasting Wood
Polishing Spirits with Fruitwood: Fruitwood
Badmotivator’s Barrels: Badmo Barrels
OtisT
Master of Distillation
Posts: 3179
Joined: Sat Oct 24, 2015 11:59 am
Location: Pacific Northwest

Re: Otis’ Modular Mini Mini Gin Still

Post by OtisT »

Breakdown of the modular mini mini boiler build - part 3

The controller is a simple 120v/4000w pre made unit from China that cost $14 on Amazon. I put this in a 6” x 2” x 1.5” hobby box. The electrical cord is a single three wire extension cord cut and secured to the box with some small pipe clamps.
84979DC3-2A14-46CB-8223-7B14B237F639.jpeg
The simple dial goes from 0 to 9. :wink:
E6C26E7D-9164-4C2E-8213-B5E52E56CD8E.jpeg
BA990338-B793-4EDC-A4F7-B07EB349547C.jpeg
Otis
Otis’ Pot and Thumper, Dimroth Condenser: Pot-n-Thumper/Dimroth
Learning to Toast: Toasting Wood
Polishing Spirits with Fruitwood: Fruitwood
Badmotivator’s Barrels: Badmo Barrels
OtisT
Master of Distillation
Posts: 3179
Joined: Sat Oct 24, 2015 11:59 am
Location: Pacific Northwest

Re: Otis’ Modular Mini Mini Gin Still

Post by OtisT »

Breakdown of the modular mini mini boiler build - part 4

The front of my modular mini mini boiler is a 3” sight glass. Totally unnecessary, but I had it and it looks nice.
3” sight glass
3” sight glass
What the threads look like
What the threads look like
A much less expensive alternative would be to use a simple end plate.
Simple,3” end plate
Simple,3” end plate
Otis
Otis’ Pot and Thumper, Dimroth Condenser: Pot-n-Thumper/Dimroth
Learning to Toast: Toasting Wood
Polishing Spirits with Fruitwood: Fruitwood
Badmotivator’s Barrels: Badmo Barrels
OtisT
Master of Distillation
Posts: 3179
Joined: Sat Oct 24, 2015 11:59 am
Location: Pacific Northwest

Re: Otis’ Modular Mini Mini Gin Still

Post by OtisT »

That’s all for now, until I build a new upper section and condenser.

Otis
Otis’ Pot and Thumper, Dimroth Condenser: Pot-n-Thumper/Dimroth
Learning to Toast: Toasting Wood
Polishing Spirits with Fruitwood: Fruitwood
Badmotivator’s Barrels: Badmo Barrels
User avatar
Twisted Brick
Master of Distillation
Posts: 3771
Joined: Sat Mar 09, 2013 4:54 pm
Location: Craigh Na Dun

Re: Otis’ Modular Mini Mini Gin Still

Post by Twisted Brick »

This project has your name written all over it, Otis. Great work.
“Always carry a flagon of whiskey in case of snakebite, and furthermore, always carry a small snake.”

- W.C. Fields

My EZ Solder Shotgun
My Steam Rig and Manometer
User avatar
Saltbush Bill
Site Mod
Posts: 9675
Joined: Thu Mar 17, 2011 2:13 am
Location: Northern NSW Australia

Re: Otis’ Modular Mini Mini Gin Still

Post by Saltbush Bill »

Have you had any trouble with Botanicals sticking to the element, or even burning ?
Ive never tried to make gin using an exposed element like that.
OtisT
Master of Distillation
Posts: 3179
Joined: Sat Oct 24, 2015 11:59 am
Location: Pacific Northwest

Re: Otis’ Modular Mini Mini Gin Still

Post by OtisT »

I’ve made about a half dozen batches of gin in my previous mini still with these elements, half a dozen batches of essential oil extraction, some AG and rum washes and have never had an issue with scorch or burns. Knock on wood.

Otis
Otis’ Pot and Thumper, Dimroth Condenser: Pot-n-Thumper/Dimroth
Learning to Toast: Toasting Wood
Polishing Spirits with Fruitwood: Fruitwood
Badmotivator’s Barrels: Badmo Barrels
OtisT
Master of Distillation
Posts: 3179
Joined: Sat Oct 24, 2015 11:59 am
Location: Pacific Northwest

Re: Otis’ Modular Mini Mini Gin Still

Post by OtisT »

Some surprising good news on the modular mini mini I’m making mostly from salvaged parts. I was looking for my solid wire to use in the small liebig I need to make and I found an old riser arm that will work for this new still. :-). It’s a few inches shorter than I would make, but with a short and slanted liebig, it will do the trick. Sure beats having to make a new one. Copper has gotten damn expensive in the last year.
Found an old riser arm that will work on the mini mini
Found an old riser arm that will work on the mini mini
And since I’m sharing pics, here is the dry fit of my new liebig that I hope to solder up tonight.
E1859F2B-E13F-4F29-A90A-62BFC10CA6B7.jpeg
105B41B9-C6A8-48F7-BB1D-0F749FE0FC3A.jpeg
Otis
Otis’ Pot and Thumper, Dimroth Condenser: Pot-n-Thumper/Dimroth
Learning to Toast: Toasting Wood
Polishing Spirits with Fruitwood: Fruitwood
Badmotivator’s Barrels: Badmo Barrels
OtisT
Master of Distillation
Posts: 3179
Joined: Sat Oct 24, 2015 11:59 am
Location: Pacific Northwest

Re: Otis’ Modular Mini Mini Gin Still

Post by OtisT »

I finished the new liebig. Or should that be a new liesmall? :wink:
7” Liebig is done
7” Liebig is done
Gave the liebig and the riser arm an acid wash, scrubbing all the solder joints and vapor path inside, followed by a scrubbing with my neutral heads.
Otis’ Pot and Thumper, Dimroth Condenser: Pot-n-Thumper/Dimroth
Learning to Toast: Toasting Wood
Polishing Spirits with Fruitwood: Fruitwood
Badmotivator’s Barrels: Badmo Barrels
OtisT
Master of Distillation
Posts: 3179
Joined: Sat Oct 24, 2015 11:59 am
Location: Pacific Northwest

Re: Otis’ Modular Mini Mini Gin Still

Post by OtisT »

And back to work on the boiler……

I insulated the main body of the boiler with two layers of 1/8” closed cell reflective insulation.
Half of the first layer applied
Half of the first layer applied
Two layers done
Two layers done
Insulated body back in the pipe mounts
Insulated body back in the pipe mounts
Kind of looks like something to be sent into space. A small gin making satellite. :D

Otis
Otis’ Pot and Thumper, Dimroth Condenser: Pot-n-Thumper/Dimroth
Learning to Toast: Toasting Wood
Polishing Spirits with Fruitwood: Fruitwood
Badmotivator’s Barrels: Badmo Barrels
TheoreticalJoe
Novice
Posts: 31
Joined: Mon Jun 28, 2021 6:54 am

Re: Otis’ Modular Mini Mini Gin Still

Post by TheoreticalJoe »

Small or not, very impressive build. Fantastic job. I love to see this type of thing. Well done.
OtisT
Master of Distillation
Posts: 3179
Joined: Sat Oct 24, 2015 11:59 am
Location: Pacific Northwest

Re: Otis’ Modular Mini Mini Gin Still

Post by OtisT »

I have been really enjoying the modular mini. A good friend came by today and we made some mandarin ginger vodka for martinis.
CB7BCD01-11EA-4481-B633-B74C6AF96573.jpeg
800 ml boiler charge: 700 ml neutral and 100 ml of wheat vodka @ 43%
Cold to boil took 12 minutes at 500w. We collected 25 ml to toss while heating the upper section. Then we shut down to insert the botanicals into the basket and powered back up to 400w.
2CEA93DE-BCD0-42F9-AC04-AD38ED7E7899.jpeg
We collected 350 ml (80% abv) over 30 minutes at 400 watts. I collected a bit longer, but I did not keep anything past the first 350 ml.

We proofed it down to 45% and served it bruised in frosted glass.

Otis
Otis’ Pot and Thumper, Dimroth Condenser: Pot-n-Thumper/Dimroth
Learning to Toast: Toasting Wood
Polishing Spirits with Fruitwood: Fruitwood
Badmotivator’s Barrels: Badmo Barrels
User avatar
jog666
Site Donor
Site Donor
Posts: 348
Joined: Tue Dec 19, 2017 6:15 pm
Location: Swamp of the Ozarks

Re: Otis’ Modular Mini Mini Gin Still

Post by jog666 »

Very badass!!
Wyododge
Bootlegger
Posts: 137
Joined: Sat Feb 26, 2022 9:20 am

Re: Otis’ Modular Mini Mini Gin Still

Post by Wyododge »

That’s probably the coolest thing I’ve ever seen Mr Otis.
It seems that discussions about alcohol percentage out of your still are remarkably similar to the MPG of your truck.
BrewinBrian44
Rumrunner
Posts: 722
Joined: Sun Apr 19, 2020 2:11 pm

Re: Otis’ Modular Mini Mini Gin Still

Post by BrewinBrian44 »

This is sweet!!! I think I have all the parts minus the heating element and offset reducer to do this myself. I could re-purpose my 2” shotgun defleg to use as a PC.

I’ve been wanting to experiment with micro-gin recipes to see what I like without wasting much product if I’m not happy with the result. This might just be the ticket.
Oldhenry1
Novice
Posts: 21
Joined: Sat Feb 19, 2022 12:14 pm
Location: PNW

Re: Otis’ Modular Mini Mini Gin Still

Post by Oldhenry1 »

What a great idea!!
city shiner
Bootlegger
Posts: 126
Joined: Fri Sep 25, 2015 3:06 pm

Re: Otis’ Modular Mini Mini Gin Still

Post by city shiner »

This whole thing rocks, I've been considering a mini, modular, reflux still to make small one pass batches, this gives me some ideas for sure, Including the liesmall (great name btw).
Post Reply