Another part of the copper distilling equipment at Proof Artisan Distillers of Fargo, North Dakota

This place makes chiefly whiskey and vodka. They start with 8% beer and feed it into the machine, where it sits to distill. I got to try some 150 proof malt whiskey straight out of this machine; it was clear, smelled powerful and tasted even more potent - I had to dip my finger into the sampling cup to taste it. The whiskey doesn't get its familiar flavor or brown color until it goes into the oak barrels to age.