The global distillation industry is experiencing a renaissance. No longer the domain of a few large-scale corporations, the production of distilled spirits has opened up to entrepreneurs, craft producers, and breweries looking to diversify. Demand for quality and variety is fueling innovation—from handcrafted gin using local botanicals to traditional rum made from sugarcane juice and premium vodka distilled multiple times for exceptional purity.
According to recent industry reports, the global spirits market is projected to grow at a steady rate, with a compounded annual growth rate (CAGR) of over 5% through 2030. This growth is driven by: Increasing disposable income in emerging economies; Consumer interest in premium and craft beverages; Rising demand for locally-made and story-driven spirits; Expansion of tourism and hospitality sectors.

Countries like the United States, United Kingdom, China, India, and parts of Latin America are emerging as hotspots for new distillery setups. Distilleries have become more than just production facilities—they are experiences, destinations, and symbols of local pride.
However, entering the spirits business isn’t without obstacles. Building a functional, compliant, and efficient distillery requires:Knowledge of fermentation and distillation processes; Selection of the right equipment (pot still, column still, or hybrid); Layout planning for utilities, safety, and workflow; Heating and cooling systems integration; Compliance with strict food-grade and safety standards; Skilled staff for operation, maintenance, and QC.

This is where TIANTAI, with over 20 years of experience in brewery and fermentation engineering, offers a game-changing advantage.

1. Why Choose TIANTAI?

TIANTAI Beer Equipment Company has become a leading manufacturer in the fermentation and brewing equipment industry. Over the past decade, TIANTAI has expanded its capabilities to provide full distillation solutions under the same philosophy that built its reputation: precision engineering, turnkey support, and customer-first customization.

Company Background
Established: 1998, based in Jinan, Shandong, China
Core Products: Beer brewing systems, fermentation tanks, CIP systems, distillery equipment
Export Markets: Over 80 countries including USA, Germany, South Africa, Brazil, and Australia
Certifications: CE, ISO9001, UL (on request), TUV certified welding

TIANTAI’s facility is equipped with state-of-the-art laser cutters, welding robots, polishing machines, and hydraulic testing areas to ensure every piece of equipment is produced with high precision and consistent quality.

Unique Advantages of Working with TIANTAI

One-Stop Turnkey Solutions: From design to manufacturing, installation, and training
Customization Flexibility: Each system is tailored to the customer’s spirit type, production scale, and space
Expertise Across Beverages: Brewing, kombucha, wine, and now—high-purity distilled spirits
Customer-Centric Engineering: Multilingual teams and global on-site service
Cost-Effective Quality: Superior Chinese engineering with competitive pricing

TIANTAI’s expansion into distillation is not a side venture—it is a logical extension of its deep knowledge in stainless-steel pressure vessels, fermentation dynamics, and process automation.

2. TIANTAI Distillery Equipment Overview

TIANTAI’s distillation systems are designed with flexibility, efficiency, and product integrity in mind. Whether you want to produce clean vodka, aromatic gin, full-bodied whisky, or fruity brandy, TIANTAI provides the right combination of equipment and controls to match your needs.
Core Components of TIANTAI Distillation System
2.1. Pot Stills
Used for producing flavored and aromatic spirits like whisky, brandy, or rum, pot stills are the cornerstone of traditional distillation.
Materials: Food-grade stainless steel (SUS304/316), with optional copper head or entire copper body
Sizes: From 200L up to 10,000L
Components:Onion head or whisky-style helmet for reflux control
Swan neck and lyne arm
Shell-and-tube condenser or worm condenser
Manway, CIP ball, thermometer, sight glass
Heating Options: Steam jacketed, electric elements, or direct fire
TIANTAI pot stills are engineered for maximum flavor carryover and distillate richness.

2.2. Column Stills
For high-purity spirits like vodka and neutral alcohols, multi-column systems are used.
Column Types: Stripping column: removes water and low-boiling compounds
Rectifying column: enhances ethanol purity
Dephlegmator section: controls reflux rate
Number of Trays/Plates: Typically 8 to 30+ bubble cap or perforated plates
Construction: Full stainless steel or with copper bubble plates to remove sulfur

TIANTAI column stills can reach ABV levels of up to 96% in a single continuous operation with precise reflux management.

2.3. Hybrid Still Systems
A hybrid still combines the benefits of both pot and column stills—allowing the operator to switch between batch-style spirits (like whisky) and high-purity spirits (like vodka) using the same equipment. This is ideal for distilleries producing multiple product types.

Features:Pot still base with optional columns; Detachable or bypassable plates; Aromatic basket for gin production; Full modular design.
TIANTAI’s hybrid stills offer maximum product flexibility with minimal equipment footprint.

2.4. Heating Systems
Choosing the right heating system depends on your energy source, budget, and desired process control.
Steam Heating: Best for uniform heat and scalability. Works with TIANTAI’s steam jacketed vessels and boilers.
Electric Heating: Convenient for small to medium systems (≤1000L). Integrated electric coils with PID temperature control.
Direct Fire Heating: Traditional, especially in brandy and rum. Can be gas or wood-fired with firebox underneath.

TIANTAI helps size and configure your heating system based on your utility availability and spirit type.

2.5. Condensers and Cooling
Efficient condensation is key to spirit quality.
Types: Shell-and-tube condenser: high surface area, ideal for continuous runs.
Worm tub condenser: traditional, ideal for pot stills and rich flavor retention
Cooling Source: Chilled water loop, glycol tank, or municipal water
Options: Dephlegmators and pre-coolers for reflux tuning
TIANTAI provides full integration between stills, condensers, and chillers.

2.6. Control Panels and Automation
Whether you need manual control or a fully automated system, TIANTAI offers:
PLC + HMI touchscreen panels
Temperature, pressure, and reflux ratio control
Recipe storage and automatic distillation program
SCADA integration for large plants

3. Types of Spirits and Matching TIANTAI Systems

Each type of spirit has its own raw materials, fermentation requirements, and distillation methods. TIANTAI customizes the equipment design and configuration based on the desired product, ensuring optimal output and efficiency for every spirit.
3.1. Vodka
Vodka is a neutral spirit known for its clarity and high alcohol purity, typically at 40% ABV (bottled), but distilled up to 95–96% ABV.
Raw Materials: Grain (wheat, rye, corn), Potatoes, Molasses, Sugar beets
Production Notes: Fermentation is quick and yields high-ethanol wash.
Distillation must be done in a multi-column system to remove impurities and achieve a clean profile.
Carbon filtration post-distillation is common.

TIANTAI Recommended System: Continuous column distillation; Rectifying column with 20–30 plates; Steam-heated stripping column; CIP-ready neutralizer tanks; Activated carbon filtration unit; Fully automated control system.

3.2. Gin
Gin is a spirit flavored with juniper berries and other botanicals. The base spirit must be neutral but aromatic extraction is the signature feature.
Types: London Dry Gin (distilled with botanicals), Compound Gin (infused, not redistilled), New Western Gin (flavor-forward profiles)
Raw Materials: Neutral spirit (typically grain-based)
Botanicals: juniper, coriander, citrus peel, angelica root, cardamom, etc.

TIANTAI Recommended System: 4-6 plate column still (for neutral spirit), Gin basket (aromatic vapor infusion chamber), Optional botanical maceration vessel, Adjustable reflux to fine-tune botanical strength, Sight glasses for botanical visualization, Copper sections to enhance aroma

Unique Features from TIANTAI: Removable gin basket for cleaning and reloading; Bypass valve for switching between clean and flavored runs.

3.3. Whisky / Whiskey
Whisky is a grain spirit typically aged in oak barrels. It is rich in character and produced via pot distillation, usually in batches.
Raw Materials: Barley (malted or unmalted), corn, rye, wheat, Water, Yeast
Production Steps: Mashing–Fermentation–Double pot distillation (wash still + spirit still)–Barrel aging

TIANTAI Recommended System: Copper or stainless steel pot stills (1000–5000L), Onion dome helmet and long lyne arm, Shell-and-tube condenser for flavor preservation, Double still configuration (optional), Steam jacketed for precision heating, CIP-ready design for sanitation

Optional Additions: Lauter tun and mash tun integration, Oak barrel racks and storage designs, Grain milling and handling systems.

3.4. Rum
Rum is produced from sugarcane by-products like molasses or from fresh cane juice. The style varies widely: white rum, dark rum, aged rum, agricole, and spiced versions.
Raw Materials: Molasses, Sugarcane juice, Wild or cultivated yeast

TIANTAI Recommended System: Hybrid pot + column stills, 4–8 plate column for purification, Pot base for flavor preservation, Dephlegmator for reflux control, Condenser for product cooling

Optional Enhancements: Open-top fermentation tanks (for wild yeast), Dunder pit integration (for Jamaican-style rum), Automatic molasses diluter and fermenter.

3.5. Brandy
Brandy is distilled from wine or fermented fruit mash (apple, pear, plum, grape). It’s aromatic, elegant, and usually aged.
Raw Materials: Wine or fruit mash, Optional sugar enrichment, Natural or added yeast

TIANTAI Recommended System: Alembic-style pot still, Copper head for sulfur removal, Optional pre-heater for wine or juice, Tailored condenser to preserve aroma, Fruit mashing and pressing systems.

4. Complete Project Solution by TIANTAI

TIANTAI doesn’t just supply stills. It provides the entire distillery solution from layout planning and raw material processing to packaging and automation.

4.1. Factory Layout Design
Initial Consultation Includes: Workflow optimization (raw material input → product output), Separation of clean/dirty areas, Space for equipment access, ventilation, and drainage, Location of utilities (steam, power, water, CO₂, glycol), Tasting room, barrel storage, or visitor zones if needed.

TIANTAI provides: 2D/3D layout drawing; Piping & instrumentation diagram (P&ID); Utility connection maps.

4.2. Mash and Fermentation System
TIANTAI offers full support for the upstream process of distillation.
Mash Preparation: Grain mill or hammer mill; Mash/lauter tun; Enzyme dosing or gelatinization tanks; CIP systems.

Fermentation: Cylindroconical or open-top fermenters, Cooling jackets, Temperature & pH monitoring, Foam sensors and agitation system (if needed)
Fermenters are sized based on distillation schedule: e.g., 4x 3000L fermenters for 1000L daily distillation.

4.3. Heating and Energy Systems
TIANTAI integrates: Steam boilers (200kg/hr to 2000kg/hr), Hot water tanks, Glycol chillers and glycol tanks, Electrical panels and safety valves

Options: Biomass-fired, gas-fired, electric steam generators; Solar or energy recovery modules (optional).

4.4. Cooling and Condensation Systems
A reliable distillery needs tight temperature control in: Condensation process; Fermentation cooling; Mash chilling

TIANTAI supplies: Glycol chillers (-5 to +10°C), Ice water tanks, Heat exchangers for energy reuse

4.5. CIP Cleaning and Hygiene
Clean-in-place systems are key to hygiene, safety, and product consistency.
TIANTAI CIP Modules: 2 or 3 tanks (alkaline, acid, hot water); Manual or automated valve switching; Pump systems sized for pipework and tanks; Optional steam sterilization feature.

4.6. Packaging and Bottling Lines
From small craft operations to commercial-scale bottling, TIANTAI offers:
Basic Systems: Manual bottle rinser; Filling machine (gravity, vacuum, or pressure); Capping and labeling station.
Automatic Lines (up to 3000 bottles/hour): Rinsing carousel, Liquid level sensors, Shrink sleeve applicators, Rotary labelers, Inkjet date printers, Cartoning machines.

All systems can be tailored to bottle size (200ml to 1000ml) and closure type (cork, screw cap, synthetic).

4.7. Water Treatment and Filtration
Spirits need clean water for dilution and CIP. TIANTAI offers: RO (reverse osmosis) water filtration units, UV sterilizers, Softening systems, Deionization modules (for vodka or pharmaceutical-grade spirits)

5. Automation and Digital Control System

As the spirits industry evolves, automation is no longer a luxury—it’s a necessity for consistency, traceability, and labor efficiency. TIANTAI provides modern automation systems tailored to distillery operations of all scales.
5.1. Benefits of Automation in Distilleries
Consistent Quality: Reduces human error and ensures repeatable results.
Real-Time Monitoring: Track temperature, reflux ratio, and flow rates.
Improved Safety: Automatic alarms and shutdown for overpressure, overheating, or leaks.
Remote Access: Supervisory control from desktop or mobile apps.
Data Logging: Essential for quality control, auditing, and regulatory records.

5.2. Automation Levels Offered by TIANTAI
TIANTAI offers a flexible approach to automation, based on your scale and budget:
Automation Level Features
Basic (Manual) Thermometers, sight glasses, mechanical valves, manual CIP
Semi-Automatic PID controllers, electric actuated valves, temperature and pressure sensors
Fully Automatic PLC + HMI touchscreen system, recipe programming, flowmeters, SCADA integration

5.3. SCADA and Smart Distillery Solutions
Large or multi-line distilleries benefit from integrated control architecture:
SCADA (Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition) systems for centralized monitoring; Cloud data backup; Batch history and process validation; Real-time KPI dashboard (e.g., yield, energy consumption, ABV tracking)

TIANTAI can also install: RFID or barcode traceability; Digital cleaning records; Internet of Things (IoT) sensors for predictive maintenance

5.4. Training & Remote Support
TIANTAI automation systems are user-friendly and come with: Video training tutorials; On-site commissioning with control engineer; Multilingual interface (English, Spanish, French, etc.); Remote login for diagnostics and upgrades.

6. TIANTAI Engineering Support & Turnkey Services

TIANTAI’s most valuable service lies in its full-project engineering support—transforming your idea into a working distillery.
6.1. Consultation & Project Design
Before any equipment is built, TIANTAI provides: Feasibility consultation; Utility demand estimates (steam, cooling, water, power); Local compliance considerations (food safety, fire safety, CE/UL standards); Product development advice (mash formulation, spirit profile)

Every project starts with understanding your product goals, production capacity, space limitations, and regulatory framework.

6.2. Custom Equipment Manufacturing
Unlike off-the-shelf suppliers, TIANTAI manufactures based on your specific design needs: Custom heights to fit building; Modular column systems (removable trays, swing-out arms); Branding/embossed nameplates on tanks and stills; Integration of auxiliary systems: mash tuns, CIP, filtration. All welding and polishing is certified, and pressure vessels undergo 100% hydrostatic testing.

6.3. Logistics and Installation
TIANTAI manages: Ocean shipping and customs documentation; Crating and container loading for safe transport; Installation supervision on-site or via remote AR/VR support; Pipe and valve connection mapping; Start-up commissioning of heating, cooling, and control systems

Average installation time: Small systems (≤500L): 7–10 days
Medium systems (1000–2000L): 2–3 weeks
Full plant (≥5000L): 4–6 weeks with complete layout

6.4. Staff Training & SOP Setup
TIANTAI provides: Equipment operation manuals; On-site or online training for distillers.
SOPs (standard operating procedures) for: Mashing and fermentation; Distillation and cleaning; Product recovery and bottling; Quality control checklists
If needed, TIANTAI can also connect you to consulting distillers for spirit formulation.

6.5. After-Sales Support
TIANTAI believes the relationship doesn’t end with delivery. You get: 24/7 service hotline; Spare parts supply (valves, gaskets, motors, etc.); Preventive maintenance advice; Upgrade recommendations based on new regulations or expansion. Extended warranties and service contracts are available on request.

7. Regulatory Compliance & Quality Assurance

TIANTAI builds every distillation system to meet international food-grade, pressure, and hygiene standards. Construction Materials: SUS304 stainless steel (default), SUS316L stainless for acidic/fruit-based products, Copper for helmets, columns, or complete stills (optional), PTFE, EPDM, and food-grade silicone gaskets. Polish grades: Internal mirror ≥0.4μm; External sanitary ≥0.6μm.

Certifications Available: CE Certificate (EU market); UL/CSA for North American markets; ISO 9001 quality system; ASME U-Stamp (on request); PED (Pressure Equipment Directive); Factory Acceptance Testing (FAT) before shipment.

Safety Systems: Safety valves and pressure relief, Grounding clamps for flammable environments, Explosion-proof motors (Zone 1/Zone 2 compliant), Anti-overflow sensors in fermenters and stills

8. Conclusion: Partnering with TIANTAI

Building a distillery is both an art and a science—and having the right partner can make the difference between a costly experiment and a profitable business. TIANTAI brings together decades of fermentation engineering experience with cutting-edge distillation technology, giving you a complete toolkit to launch or expand your spirits venture.
Key Benefits of TIANTAI Distillery Solutions: Customized equipment tailored to your vision; Full process support from design to installation; Automation and safety engineered to international standards; Global service and training capabilities; Competitive pricing with no compromise on quality.

Whether you’re a brewer entering the spirits market, a farm looking to valorize crops, or an entrepreneur with a bold idea—TIANTAI is here to bring your distillery project to life. Welcome your proposal, please feel free to contact with TIANTAI.

Edited By Daisy Cai
[email protected]