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3. Gin Essentials: Copper vs. Stainless Steel Stills in Gin Production

Introduction

Continuing our Gin Essentials series, we will explore the difference that copper vs. stainless steel stills play in gin production. Gin is a botanical spirit built on precision. While recipes and botanicals get most of the attention, still material plays a crucial role in how those botanicals are expressed in the final spirit.

In modern gin distillation, producers commonly choose between copper and stainless steel stills — or a hybrid of both. Each material interacts differently with alcohol vapour and botanical compounds, shaping aroma, texture, and clarity.

This article explores how copper and stainless steel stills affect gin flavour, and why different gin styles favour different materials. So let's continue with the Gin Essentials by exploring how copper vs. stainless steel stills influence gin production.

The Role of the Still in Gin Production

Unlike whisky, gin starts with a neutral base spirit. The distillation stage is less about cleaning fermentation by-products and more about:

  • Extracting botanical aromas
  • Balancing citrus, spice, floral, and herbal notes
  • Preserving freshness and clarity

Because of this, still material strongly influences how botanicals behave during distillation.

Copper Stills in Gin Production

Copper remains a favourite for traditional and premium gin styles.

1. Cleaner Botanical Expression

Copper reacts with sulphur and other harsh compounds in the vapour, resulting in:

  • Smoother mouthfeel
  • Reduced bitterness
  • Cleaner citrus and floral notes

This is especially valuable when working with:

  • Citrus peels
  • Delicate flowers
  • Fresh herbs

2. Enhanced Aromatics & Mouthfeel

Copper encourages ester formation and softens sharper compounds, producing gin that is:

  • Brighter
  • More aromatic
  • Rounder on the palate

Juniper appears less harsh, and complex botanical blends feel more integrated.

3. Ideal for Pot-Distilled Gin

Copper pot stills are commonly used for:

  • London Dry–style gins
  • Traditional botanical-forward gins
  • Small-batch craft gins

These styles benefit from copper’s ability to shape and refine flavour.

Stainless Steel Stills in Gin Production

Stainless steel has become increasingly popular, particularly for modern gin styles.

1. Neutral, Precise Flavor Transfer

Stainless steel is non-reactive, meaning:

  • Botanicals pass through with minimal alteration
  • Flavours remain crisp and direct
  • Profiles are highly repeatable

This neutrality can be desirable when a distiller wants exact control.

2. Perfect for Vapour Infusion & Column Stills

Many contemporary gins use:

  • Stainless steel column stills
  • Vapour infusion baskets

This setup is ideal for:

  • Citrus-forward gins
  • Light, fresh, modern profiles
  • “New Western” gin styles

3. Efficiency & Consistency

Stainless steel offers:

  • Easier cleaning
  • Lower maintenance
  • Faster production cycles

This makes it attractive for both large-scale producers and innovative craft distilleries.

Hybrid Gin Still Systems

Many distilleries combine both materials, such as:

  • Stainless steel stills with copper botanical baskets
  • Copper heads on stainless steel columns

This approach allows:

  • Sulphur reduction
  • Cost efficiency
  • Precise botanical control

Hybrid systems are now common across the gin world.

Final Takeaway: Gin

There is no single “best” still for gin.

Choose copper if you want:

  • Softer citrus
  • Enhanced aromatics
  • Traditional character

Choose stainless steel if you want:

  • Crisp clarity
  • High repeatability
  • Modern botanical focus

Gin rewards intentional equipment choices as much as creative recipes.

Sources & References

  1. The Alcohol Textbook (Nottingham University Press)
    https://www.nottingham.ac.uk/food/research/beverage-research/alcohol-textbook.aspx
    Foundational reference on distillation chemistry, esters, and still materials.
  2. Journal of the Institute of Brewing – Copper & Sulphur Compounds
    https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/journal/20500416
    Peer-reviewed research on copper’s interaction with sulphur compounds.
  3. American Distilling Institute – Distilling Equipment & Methods
    https://distilling.com/distilling-equipment/
    Practical explanations of copper vs stainless steel stills in modern craft distilling.
  4. Distilled Spirits Council of the United States (DISCUS) – Gin
    https://www.distilledspirits.org/industry-issues/spirits-standards/gin/
    Industry guidance on gin production methods and standards.
  5. Craft Distiller’s Handbook – Ian Warrillow
    https://www.whitemulepress.com
    Widely cited practical guide covering gin still design and material choices.