When it comes to choosing a high-quality still for crafting your own spirits at home, two big names usually dominate the conversation: Pure Distilling and Still Spirits Alembic. Both brands offer excellent systems that cater to beginner and intermediate home distillers, but how do they truly compare when it comes to build quality, ease of use, versatility, and value for money?
Let’s break it down feature by feature and help you make an informed decision — especially if you’re just starting out or looking to upgrade.
Build Quality & Design
Both stills feature stainless steel construction with a copper condenser – a must-have for neutralising sulphur compounds during distillation. However, Pure Distilling takes the edge here with a more robust overall build and smarter engineering that lends itself to easy setup and use.
The Pure Distilling Reflux Condenser, for instance, is precision-engineered with simplicity in mind – fewer parts, faster assembly, and less risk of leaks or inconsistent distillation runs. The condenser is designed to maximise purity and alcohol recovery while keeping the distilling process smooth and predictable.
On the other hand, the Still Spirits Alembic Dome and Condenser is a beautiful piece of kit, styled to resemble traditional alembic stills. It offers that vintage copper aesthetic many love.
Performance & Purity
When comparing the Pure Distilling Alembic Pot Still and the Still Spirits Alembic Pot Still, there's very little difference in terms of ABV output. Both are designed for producing rich, full-flavoured spirits like whiskey, rum, and brandy – not high-purity neutral spirits.
Typical results from either still are around 60–65% ABV, depending on your wash and cuts. The real difference lies in usability and design. Pure Distilling’s setup tends to run slightly faster and with fewer adjustments needed during distillation, thanks to its efficient condenser design and simplified construction. This makes it a popular choice for those wanting great-tasting spirits without constant fine-tuning.
In short – both stills deliver similar purity levels, but Pure Distilling gives you a smoother distilling experience overall.
Ease of Use
For anyone starting out in the world of distilling, ease of use is essential. And this is where Pure Distilling really leads the pack. The system connects directly to a standard boiler or Pure Distilling's own boiler, with a near plug-and-play style experience. There's minimal fuss, no need for constant fiddling, and cleaning is straightforward.
Still Spirits Alembic setups can be a little more technical, with more components to assemble and monitor during operation. It's not a deal-breaker, but for someone wanting a simple, reliable start Pure Distilling may have the edge.
Compatibility & Expansion
Both systems are compatible with 30L boilers and can be paired with accessories like carbon filters and flavouring kits. However, Pure Distilling’s modular approach gives users more room to grow. Whether you’re starting with a reflux condenser or planning to move into pot-style distillation, the brand’s accessories and add-ons are intuitive and seamless to integrate.
Price & Value for Money
The Pure Distilling Reflux Still might carry a slightly higher price tag upfront, but it’s a case of “you get what you pay for.” Higher purity, faster results, and less hassle make this a better long-term investment. You’ll likely find yourself needing fewer upgrades or replacement parts down the line.
Still Spirits Alembic stills, while often priced competitively, do tend to require more frequent cleaning and a more hands-on distilling approach — which may or may not appeal depending on your distilling goals.
Final Verdict: Which Still Should You Buy?
Both stills have their place in the home distilling world. If you’re a traditionalist who enjoys the hands-on artistry of distilling specific spirit styles, the Still Spirits Alembic still could be a rewarding option.
But for most hobbyists — especially those chasing high-purity, flavoursome spirits, efficient runs, and user-friendly operation — in our opinion the Pure Distilling system is the smarter buy. It’s easier to use, faster, cleaner, and delivers consistently outstanding results with minimal effort.
Where to Buy Pure Distilling Stills in NZ
You can explore the full range of Pure Distilling Stills and Accessories right here at Brews And Ques: 👉 Pure Distilling Collection Page
Whether you're after the complete starter kit, a reflux condenser, or just some accessories to upgrade your setup — we've got you sorted.
