What is an infusion basket?

Answered by Ian Ramirez

An infusion basket is a versatile tool that allows you to infuse your distilled spirit with a range of botanicals and flavorings. Made of stainless steel, this basket is designed to hold the botanicals securely while allowing the spirit to flow through and extract their flavors. It's a fantastic addition to any home distilling setup, as it gives you the opportunity to create unique and personalized with your preferred flavors.

One of the great advantages of using an infusion basket is the ability to experiment and customize your spirits. Whether you're a fan of and want to add the classic flavors of juniper berries, lemon, and orange peel, or if you prefer a spicier kick with cinnamon sticks and chili, the infusion basket allows you to easily incorporate these ingredients into your distilled spirit.

To use the infusion basket, simply fill it with your chosen botanicals and place it in the collection vessel of your still, ensuring that the basket is fully submerged in the spirit. As the spirit is distilled, the vapor will pass through the basket, extracting the flavors and aromas from the botanicals. The resulting infused spirit will carry the essence of these ingredients, giving it a unique character and taste.

The infusion basket opens up a world of possibilities for creating your own signature spirits. You can experiment with different combinations of botanicals to find the perfect balance of flavors. Perhaps you want to create a floral gin with lavender and rose petals, or a citrus-forward with grapefruit and lime zest. The infusion basket allows you to easily add these ingredients and infuse them into your spirit, giving you full control over the final product.

I have personally used the Still Spirits Air Still Infusion Basket in my home distilling experiments, and I've been impressed with its performance. The stainless steel construction is durable and easy to clean, ensuring that it will last for many infusions to come. The basket is also large enough to hold a good amount of botanicals, allowing for a strong infusion of flavors.

One tip I would recommend is to crush or bruise the botanicals slightly before placing them in the infusion basket. This helps to release their flavors more efficiently and ensures a more intense infusion. Additionally, I would advise starting with smaller quantities of botanicals and adjusting the amount to your taste preferences. It's always better to start with a subtle infusion and add more if needed, rather than overpowering the spirit with too many flavors.

An infusion basket is a valuable tool for home distillers and spirit enthusiasts. It allows for easy experimentation and customization, giving you the ability to create unique and flavorful spirits. Whether you're a gin lover, vodka enthusiast, or simply enjoy experimenting with different flavors, the infusion basket is a must-have accessory for your home distilling setup.