Welcome, Australian home distillers!
If you’ve been crafting your own spirits at home, you’re probably aware of the satisfaction of a good run. But one step often overlooked is filtration. Not just a finishing touch - it’s the difference between “okay” and “exceptional”. In this post, we’ll dive into why you should filter your neutral spirit, how to do it the right way in Australia, and which gear and methods work best for you.
Why Filtration Matters
- Good filtration removes unwanted compounds and improves smell, flavour and clarity.
- In Australia especially (with varying water qualities, batch sizes, ambient temperatures) the right method matters.
- If your spirit “smells like rocket fuel” or has off‑tones, filtration may be the missing step. (Original blog note)
- Filtering is less about covering poor distilling technique, more about polishing what you’ve already done well.
Explore our range of Distilling Filters to find the perfect fit for your needs. Whether you're a seasoned distiller or just starting your home distilling journey, investing in a quality filter is a step towards ensuring you get a great result every time.
The Filtration Process - Step by Step
-
Dilute before filtering
-
- Best practice: water down to around 40‑50% ABV before filtration.
- Why? Because impurities dissolve or bind better at those strengths.
-
Selecting the right filter / activated carbon
-
- Activated carbon = porous, enormous surface area, great at removing flavour/odour compounds.
- Make sure your equipment matches your batch size: big batches need proper columns/filters.
-
Running the spirit through the filter
-
- Slow flow, drip or low rate often gives better results than rushing through.
- Flush the carbon/filter beforehand (remove mineral salts, rinse) to avoid haze/sediment.
-
Post‑filtration care
-
- Check clarity, smell and flavour over a few days.
- If you see haze or sediment, revisit filter prep or equipment.
-
When NOT to rely on filtration
-
- If your distilling run was poorly controlled (lots of heads/tails, overheating, improper cuts) - filtering won’t fully fix that. The foundation must be sound.
Choosing Your Gear (Australia & Local Conditions)
- For smaller batches: simpler filters or carbon block units may suffice.
- For larger or frequent batches: invest in stainless steel column filters (higher flow, better durability).
- Consider the environment: e.g., if you’re in NSW with higher ambient heat, slower runs + better cooling may make a difference.
- Always check manufacturer's instructions + safe use guidelines.
- Use local resources: your store (like The Brew Shed) stocks Australia‑specific gear and offers support.
Dilution: Before diving into filtration methods, it's crucial to dilute your distilled spirit with water, to an appropriate strength. This not only aids in the filtration process but also ensures that impurities are effectively captured, leaving you with a cleaner, smoother end product. Use an alcometer to know the strength of your DIY Sprit
Activated Carbon Filtration: Activated carbon is a popular choice for filtration due to its exceptional adsorption properties. It effectively captures unwanted compounds and impurities, leaving your spirit with a purer tasteand smell. Home made charcoal from a fire is not the same as acivated carbon, don't be fooled by the home brewing forum chats.
1. Filter Pro – Your Ultimate Filtration Solution: If you're contemplating an upgrade or need a reliable filtration system for the first time, look no further than the Filter Pro. This stainless steel column filter allows a slow drip filtration which gives great results. with a huge resovoir , it can take 8 litres of diluted neutral spirit. Check out a how-to video HERE which walks you through the features and benefits of this top-notch filtration device, designed to make your home-distilled spirits the best they can be. Have a look at them on our website HERE
2. Fuselex Filter: Like the Filter Pro, this is a stainlees steel column filter which gives slow drip filtration of your home-distilled spirit. It does an amazing job and is also wall mounted. However it does hold only 3 litres at a time. Check them out HERE
3. Easy Filter: The Easy Filter, formerly known as th EZ Filter, is a good entry level filter for home distillers who are new to the hobby and on a budget. It can be bought in a Turbo 500 stil kit, or on t's own. It will hold 10 litres of diluted spirit and gravity feed into the lower chamber, so it's easy to use.
In the world of home distilling, it's not just about making alcohol – it's about crafting a premium, pure beverage that can be enjoyed and shared with friends. Don't compromise on the health of your spirits or yourself. Upgrade your filtration process today, and let your home-distilled creations shine with the quality they deserve. Visit our website to explore the Filter Pro and our range of Distilling Filters – because health truly is wealth. Cheers to the art of crafting exceptional spirits!
Got questions or want to see our range of filtration gear up close? Visit us at one of our stores or explore our online collection here at The Brew Shed. Your next batch deserves the best finish - let’s make it happen. Send us a message HERE
FAQs
Q1: Do I always have to filter my home‑distilled spirit?
A1: Not always. If your run is precise, the equipment is high spec and your cuts are accurate, you might already have very clean spirit. Filtration becomes a “polishing” step rather than a rescue.
Q2: What ABV should I dilute to before filtering?
A2: Aim for around 40‑50% ABV (final/target strength) prior to filtration. Too high, and many impurities won’t bind as effectively.
Q3: How much activated carbon should I use?
A3: It varies by batch size, filter type and impurity load. One guideline: around 25‑65 g per litre of spirit for strong polishing.
Q4: Why does sediment sometimes appear after filtering?
A4: Often due to mineral salts in the carbon not flushed properly, which later become insoluble and fall out of solution. Rinsing your carbon first helps avoid this.
Q5: Can filtration replace good distilling practice?
A5: No. Filtration refines, but it can’t fully correct major mistakes in the distilling phase (bad cuts, overheating, poor wash quality). Treat it as part of the process, not a fix‑all.