Still Spirits Air Still Pro: How It Works & Getting Started
Share
The Still Spirits Air Still is the simplest way into home distilling: no external cooling water, no complex plumbing, just plug it in. This guide explains how it works, what the Pro model adds, and how to get the most from it.
Important: in the UK, distilling spirits requires a licence from HMRC. Check the rules before you start.
How an Air Still Works
Unlike a T500 or other reflux still, which needs running water to cool the vapour, an Air Still uses air cooling: a fan draws air over the condenser column, so there's no water supply or drain to plumb in. That makes it genuinely tabletop-friendly, and one of the easiest stills to set up.
Air Still Pro: What's Different
The Air Still Pro is a 2-in-1 system with interchangeable distillation tips, so one unit runs in two modes:
- Reflux mode – for clean, neutral spirit up to 90% ABV, the base for vodka or for flavouring with Top Shelf essences.
- Pot still mode – for flavoursome, botanical-infused spirits up to 80% ABV, using the included botanical basket. This is the mode for gin.
It also has an automatic foreshots collection vial, which catches the first 30ml of distillate so you can discard it easily and safely, and a self-cooling column that needs no water input at all.
Capacity: 4 litres, yielding around 2.25 litres of 40% ABV spirit per 8 litre wash. Already have the original Air Still? The Air Still Pro Head Unit upgrades it without buying a new boiler.
New to distilling and want everything in one order? The Air Still Pro Complete Distillery Kit bundles the still with a fermenter, hydrometer, alcometer, turbo yeast, dextrose and Top Shelf flavourings.
A Basic Air Still Run
- Ferment your wash with a turbo yeast and dextrose.
- Clear the wash with Turbo Clear before distilling for a cleaner run.
- Fit the reflux tip for neutral spirit, or the pot still tip with the botanical basket loaded for a flavoured spirit.
- Run the still and discard the foreshots collected in the vial.
- Collect your distillate, then dilute to drinking strength (most spirits are bottled around 40% ABV) with clean water.
- Filter through a carbon filter for extra smoothness, especially on neutral spirit.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does an Air Still need water cooling?
No. It cools the vapour with air rather than running water, which is what makes it so simple to set up.
Can I make gin with an Air Still?
Yes, in pot still mode using the included botanical basket, loaded with juniper and other botanicals.
How strong is the alcohol from an Air Still?
Up to 90% ABV in reflux mode, or up to 80% ABV in pot still mode, before diluting to drinking strength.
What's the difference between the Air Still and the Air Still Pro?
The Pro adds interchangeable tips for both reflux and pot still modes in one unit, an automatic foreshots vial, and a self-cooling column.
Is home distilling legal in the UK?
Distilling spirits requires a licence from HMRC. Always check current guidance before you start.