Is Your Still Safe?

The people of Pittsfield trusted me with many things throughout my life. Their teeth. Their money. Their business. Though if you read the newspapers of the day, you might conclude they trusted me with absolutely nothing.

I was accused of selling liquor. I was dragged into courtrooms. I found myself answering questions from judges, reporters, and curious townsfolk more times than I care to count. There were rumors. There were accusations. There were controversies. There was even a bear.

Yet through all of it, one lesson remained true: "A man's reputation is only as good as the products he stands behind." This principle especially applies to copper stills.

For centuries, distillation has produced distilled water, botanical extracts, essential oils, perfumes, flavorings, and spirits. However, quality varies significantly. Poorly constructed stills create unnecessary risks, and historically some distillers used questionable materials, improvised equipment, or unsuitable components. Improper construction sometimes introduced contaminants.

Copper remains preferred for distillation because it conducts heat efficiently and removes undesirable sulfur compounds affecting aroma and flavor. However, copper alone is not enough—joining materials matter significantly.

Many inexpensive stills use inferior materials to reduce costs. I never prioritized shortcuts over quality. Throughout my life, I built businesses and operated Fort Wilkins without sacrificing standards.

Our handcrafted copper stills use lead-free silver solder and high-quality copper for durability and performance. Combined with patented Flame-Flow™ technology, our units heat faster, provide greater control, and produce exceptional results.

You cannot guarantee recipes, weather, or public opinion. But you can ensure your still is built with quality, safety, and craftsmanship. And that makes all the difference.