Equipment Needs
A basic setup requires specific tools.

Fermentation vessel.

Airblock.

Copper or stainless steel still.

Heat source.

Cooling system for the condenser.

The Mash Process
Mix 5 gallons of water with 10 pounds of cornmeal and 5 pounds of sugar. Heat the water to 165 degrees Fahrenheit. Stir in the cornmeal. Let the mixture cool to 150 degrees Fahrenheit. Add malted barley or enzymes to convert starch into sugar. Cool the mixture to 70 degrees Fahrenheit. Add yeast. Seal the vessel with an airblock. Fermentation takes approximately one week. Yeast consumes sugar and produces ethanol.

Distillation
Pour the fermented liquid into the still. Do not include solid sediment. Heat the liquid slowly. Alcohol evaporates at 173 degrees Fahrenheit. Water evaporates at 212 degrees Fahrenheit. Vapor travels through the copper coil. Cold water cools the coil. The vapor condenses into liquid alcohol.