Using a water distiller, it is possible to make alcohol in many different forms. A water distiller is similar to a regular pot still, with the main differences being the temperatures created from different brands. However, if following adequate precautions and guidelines, this is a process that can be done quite easily at home. The alcohol produced can range in uses from those in the science lab to drinking. Further, vodka, whiskey, rum and gin can also be produced depending on the ingredients used. The boiling points of each liquid vary, and one must adjust accordingly to each recipe.
Add the pound of cornmeal to a gallon of boiling water and mix. Continue to stir while adding the yeast and the sugar to the bowl. Stir until the mixture is smooth.
Once the mixture has been made, cover the bowl and let it stand for three days in order to properly ferment. The yeast will cause it to bubble, and when this bubbling has ended, it is ready to be distilled.
Turn the distiller on, and add the contents of the bowl to it. Take care to increase the heat slowly for best results. As the boiling point for alcohol is 78.3 degrees Celsius, continue until the temperature is reached.
Once 78.3 degrees C has been reached, keep it there until the alcohol begins to boil and is ready to be collected.
Separate the first amount. Once the alcohol has begun to be collected, if it is going to be used as a drink, the first drops must be thrown out as they contain any of the methanol that might have existed. This amount will most likely be a different colour and quite oily. Begin collecting the rest, and continue to smell the alcohol, as anything too pungent might contain fusels and should not be ingested. Continue the collection process until what is produced is still dark, and then it is done.
Clean out the water distiller. Proper cleaning of everything used is important, especially if one intends to continue to make another batch. Thoroughly scrub and clean every surface used, and then let the distiller dry out.
The distilling of alcohol is not legal everywhere, so check the regulations in each state.
When working with high temperatures and hot liquids, adhere to proper safety precautions to avoid burns. The alcohol will be very hot and should be handled with care.