Skip to main content

With PicoStill, Home Distilling Has Never Been Easier

picostill
Image used with permission by copyright holder
Up until, well, now, if you wanted to distill anything at home — such as essential hop oils to elevate your craft beer game — you would’ve needed to not only find a way to make or buy a still, but had the space for the copious amount of equipment. The home distillation game, though, is set to change with the arrival of the PicoStill.

Made by PicoBrew (check out more about their homebrewing systems here), the PicoStill is the first of its kind: a device that will allow anyone to create essential oils at home without the risk that come from a still that your Uncle Jimmy put together in his barn.

In a statement, PicoBrew CEO Dr. Bill Mitchell called the PicoStill an exciting development for the company. “Just as we pioneered the craft brewing appliance space five years ago with breakthrough professional-grade brewing innovation, now we are pioneering the small batch distillation space with innovative, professional distilling equipment.”

picobrew picostill
Image used with permission by copyright holder

Now, we know what you’re all thinking. But, it’s a still. That means I can make hooch with it!

Technically, yes. You could. Would it be illegal? Also yes. In most states, home distillation for personal consumption is illegal. Like, go to jail illegal. To make a spirit, you would need to be licensed to do so by your state. That doesn’t mean you can’t make plenty of other things, though.

Aside from essential hop oils — which can be made in less than an hour and then used in place of dry-hopping when making beer — you can also distill water, herbs, spices, and more.

picobrew picostill
Image used with permission by copyright holder

In terms of safety, the PicoStill is crafted to reduce the threat of incredibly dangerous situations (read: explosions) that could happen when alcohol vapors are in the air near sources of ignition (like the open flames that might be heating the still). PicoStill is basically a modern vacuum, which helps lower temperatures and prevent vapor leaks. The keys for the creators of PicoStill, Mitchell said, was safety and ease.

“Precise, repeatable performance under tight process-control is the key to addressing traditional challenges that distillation has posed,” he elaborated.

If the vacuum does happen to break, PicoStill is built with a patent-pending mechanism to shut the heat off while a special methanol collection chamber isolates cogeners.

If home distilling is your next venture (new year, new you!), PicoStills are up for preorder for $249. The MSRP when they go on sale will be $349.

Sam Slaughter
Sam Slaughter was the Food and Drink Editor for The Manual. Born and raised in New Jersey, he’s called the South home for…
Our chimichurri recipe takes seconds to make, lasts for weeks in the fridge, and is great with everything
Seriously, this chimichurri recipe is just so darn easy!
Plated steak dish

If you've never had homemade chimichurri, you've been missing out on one of the brightest, tangiest, zippiest, most delicious sauces in the culinary kingdom. Perhaps even more significant than its exquisite flavor is the fact that it's tremendously simple and risk-free to prepare, making it a rare jewel in the sauce crown. With just a few simple ingredients thrown into a blender or food processor, this luxurious condiment comes out perfect every time. No need for temperature control or worries of breaking or curdling. This forgiving chimichurri sauce recipe is divinely idiot-proof and perfect on everything from a hearty grilled ribeye to delicately fresh and briny shellfish.

With the help of a good blender (we recommend Breville's Super Q Pro), this simple chimichurri sauce comes together in just seconds and will keep in your fridge for weeks, waiting to be poured on all of your favorite dishes.

Read more
5 incredible tequila recipes you’ve definitely never heard of
Have you ever heard of these tequila drinks and applications?
Corralejo Tequila Tropical being mixed with.

Tequila has always been an incredibly popular drink, especially when it's mixed into a variety of cocktails. Better still, the agave spirit is a lot more versatile than you might think. Sure, we've all heard of and even mixed up a few margaritas or some tasty Palomas. But what of lesser-known applications, like cocktails kissed with bittersweet amari or salsas for dipping?

With several distinctive styles, from blanco to reposado, tequila's uses are many. The lightest versions can perfectly accent an unbelievably refreshing batch of ranch water. Darker, aged versions can be used to cook with or join unexpected ingredients in your cocktail shaker. Want some proof? Check out some great, lesser-known tequila recipes below.

Read more
How to make hard cider (it’s not as complicated as you think)
Making your own hard cider is a surprisingly easy and an incredibly fun new skill to learn
Hard apple cider in a glass, surrounded by apples.

There's never a bad time to start drinking hard apple cider. Not only is it a wonderfully different, crisp, and refreshing adult beverage to enjoy, but making your own hard cider at home can be an incredibly fun hobby. If you're looking to try something new, consider learning how to make your own hard apple cider.

As much as we'd like to talk about beer, that's not what we're here for — not right now, at least. We're talking hard cider here, which is not only as tasty as beer, but it's also simpler to make in the confines of your home/apartment/Quonset hut. Read on and start brewing your own hard apple cider.

Read more