Jun 26, 2026Success Stories
Success Story: Custom 150 Gallon Vodka Distillation System in Australia
Discover how TengoDistill partnered with an Australian craft distillery to design a custom 150-gallon multi-column still for premium, high-proof vodka production.
The Australian craft spirits movement is booming. While many new distilleries start their journey with gin or whiskey, producing a truly premium, ultra-smooth craft vodka presents a completely different engineering challenge.
Recently, an ambitious craft distillery in Australia reached out to our engineering team at TengoDistill. They were ready to scale up their operations and needed a system capable of producing high-proof, neutral spirits without sacrificing the character of their locally sourced wash.
Here is a look behind the scenes at how we designed and delivered their custom 150 Gallon Vodka Distillation System.
The Challenge: Reaching 95%+ ABV
When the client first contacted us, their main concern was purity. To legally and stylistically produce vodka, the spirit must be distilled to a very high proof (typically over 95% ABV) to strip away impurities. A standard pot still simply cannot achieve this in a single run.
During our initial video calls (navigating the time difference between our factory and Australia!), we listened to their production goals. They needed a workhorse: a system that was large enough to handle commercial volume (150 gallons / approx. 500L) but precise enough to give the master distiller total control over the vapor.
Material Focus: The Power of T2 Red Copper in Vodka
A common misconception in the industry is that because vodka is a "neutral" spirit, copper isn't necessary. At TengoDistill, we know that couldn't be further from the truth.
Even in high-proof distillation, sulfur compounds created during fermentation can pass into the final spirit, causing harsh, biting flavors. To solve this, we designed this system using a hybrid approach:
- The Boiler: Constructed from premium, food-grade stainless steel for durability and cost-efficiency.
- The Helmet & Columns: We incorporated genuine T2 Red Copper in the helmet and the crucial bubble cap plates within the columns. This ensures maximum copper-to-vapor interaction, neutralizing sulfides and guaranteeing a silky-smooth finish.
Engineering the Multi-Column Setup
To hit that pure 95%+ ABV in a single run, we engineered a multi-column setup(as seen in the photo).
Instead of building one impossibly tall tower that wouldn't fit in their facility, we split the required number of bubble cap plates across three interconnected stainless steel columns.
Why this design works for craft distillers:
Ceiling Height: It easily fits into standard warehouse spaces.
Modularity: By adjusting the bypass valves, the distiller can choose to run the vapor through all plates for pure vodka, or bypass certain columns to retain more flavor for a future rum or whiskey run. It’s a future-proof investment.
Efficiency: The integrated CIP (Clean-in-Place) system means the client spends less time scrubbing and more time distilling.
A Partnership, Not Just a Purchase
Seeing the photo of our client leaning proudly against his new setup is exactly why we do what we do at TengoDistill.
We don't just sell metal; we partner with distillers to bring their recipes to life. From the first CAD drawing to the final pressure test and polishing in our factory, every weld was made with this Australian distillery's success in mind.
Today, this 150-gallon system is the beating heart of their production, churning out award-winning spirits batch after batch.
Are you a craft distiller looking to scale up your vodka, whiskey, or gin production? Contact the TengoDistill engineering team today to discuss your custom copper equipment needs
