Conecuh Ridge Distillery installs copper still ahead of opening
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Conecuh Ridge Distillery, home of Clyde May’s Whiskey, has installed its signature column still in Troy, taking a major step toward full on-site production ahead of a late 2025 opening.
Made with copper, brass and stainless steel, the still is 3,364-pounds, 31-feet high and 24-inches in diameter. The installation process included the still being lowered into the Distillery’s Still House through the roof using a crane.
“This is the moment we have been working toward, bringing Clyde’s process under one roof in Troy. Granddad’s rule was simple, never rush the process. Installing this still lets us honor that rule with modern precision while keeping the soul of the whiskey intact.”
L.C. May, national brand ambassador for Conecuh Brands and grandson of Clyde May
The state-of-the-art still complements recent site progress, including process-cooling systems and a new high-efficiency packaging line designed for clean, repeatable bottling while protecting product quality.
Conecuh Ridge Distillery remains on track to open late 2025.
What does a still do?
Engineered for consistency and flavor integrity, the custom column still with a dedicated doubler is designed for steady, precise distillation as production scales.
Each run is built to yield more than 800 gallons of distillate with each distillation. At maturity the system can support up to 9,000 barrels per year.
Advanced automation allows process control by computer or phone, providing tight, repeatable control. The system also provides portfolio flexibility with capability to produce different kinds of whiskey including:
- Bourbon
- Rye
- Single malt
- Wheat
- Corn
“This milestone reflects a significant investment in production and innovation at our new distillery. From day one our priority has been quality and reliability at scale. The still installation moves us decisively into that future.”
David Ballew, senior vice president of commercial strategy at Conecuh Brands
The still is made by Vendome Copper & Brass Works, widely regarded as the American standard and supplier to many of the nation’s leading distilleries.
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