A craft distillery in the United States invested in a complete 500L distillery equipment system from Meto to expand production capacity and improve product quality consistency.
Designed as a turnkey micro distillery solution, the system covers the entire production process—from milling and mashing to fermentation and distillation. With its flexible configuration, the equipment supports multiple spirit styles including whisky, rum, vodka, and gin, making it an ideal setup for a modern micro distillery focused on both quality and scalability.
This 500L still system has become a key technical foundation supporting stable production and long-term business growth.
Equipment Selection & Engineering Approach
When planning a micro distillery, selecting the right distillery equipment is critical. During the early project phase, the client focused on suppliers capable of:
- Meeting U.S. electrical and safety standards
- Offering customizable distillery equipment solutions
- Supporting craft spirits production with a 500L still suitable for multiple spirit styles
After evaluating multiple manufacturers, Meto was selected for its proven experience in micro distillery projects, strong engineering capabilities, and reliable communication throughout the project lifecycle.
500L Distillery Equipment Configuration
(For Whisky / Rum / Vodka / Gin Production)
- Milling System: 150 kg/h
- 500L Mash Lauter Tank
- 1000L Hot Water Tank, electric heating + hot water pump
- 500L × 3 Fermentation Tanks / Unitanks (double-layer)
- 5 HP Chiller
- Mobile CIP Cleaning System
- PID Digital Control System
- 500L Mixing Tank
- 500L Distillation Equipment with Control Cabinet, equipped with gin basket
- 500L Still with upgraded column diameter
- Column upgrade from 6-inch to 8-inch
- Column expansion from 6 plates to a total of 18 plates
- All motors and electrical components with UL certification
- Dual heating design: electric heating coils + steam jacket
This configuration provides excellent flexibility for micro distillery operators seeking both high-purity spirits and flavor-driven products.
Distillery Equipment Insights for Micro Distilleries
1. Why a 500L Still Is Ideal for a Micro Distillery
A 500L still is one of the most popular sizes for micro distilleries because it offers:
- Manageable batch sizes for recipe development
- Efficient production for commercial sales
- Lower energy consumption compared to larger industrial systems
It strikes a balance between craft-scale control and commercial viability.
2. Integrated Distillery Equipment Improves Efficiency
Rather than purchasing standalone machines, an integrated distillery equipment system ensures:
- Smooth material flow
- Consistent process control
- Reduced installation and maintenance complexity
This approach is especially valuable for new micro distillery projects.
3. Column Design Determines Spirit Quality
In column still systems:
- A larger column diameter improves vapor stability
- More plates increase separation efficiency and alcohol purity
Upgrading to an 8-inch column with 18 plates allows producers to fine-tune spirit profiles while maintaining production efficiency.
4. Fermentation Control Is the Foundation of Quality Spirits
Temperature-controlled fermentation tanks are essential distillery equipment. Proper fermentation control:
- Enhances yeast performance
- Improves alcohol yield
- Ensures consistent flavor across batches
Double-layer or jacketed fermenters paired with chillers provide year-round production stability.
5. Flexible Heating Options Reduce Operating Risk
Distillery equipment designed with electric and steam heating options gives operators flexibility to adapt to:
- Local energy availability
- Production scheduling
- Regulatory requirements
This dual-heating approach is increasingly popular in modern micro distillery designs.
6. Compliance and Safety Cannot Be Overlooked
Professional distillery equipment should always be designed with compliance in mind. Certified electrical components and clearly defined control systems help micro distilleries pass inspections and operate safely over the long term.
Why Choose Meto for Distillery Equipment?
- ✔ Custom-designed solutions for micro distilleries
- ✔ Full-process turnkey distillery equipment
- ✔ Flexible configurations for whisky, vodka, rum, and gin
- ✔ Compliance-focused engineering for global markets
- ✔ Scalable designs supporting future expansion
Start Your Micro Distillery Project with Confidence
Whether you are planning a new micro distillery or upgrading existing distillery equipment, Meto provides engineering-driven, one-stop solutions tailored to your production goals.
Tell us your requirements, and our engineers will deliver a custom distillery equipment proposal within 24 hours.
