If you're going to run it, use fruit or good simple grains  Preferably organic or natural if you can to keep the pesticides and crud down.

Copper or any reactive metal is bad for high temp work.  Fine if you are making fuel for your car(this you can make up to 200 gallons as well, since it's not drinkable).  Doubly so if it's soldered together or treated in any way. 

Loads of ways to get sick or end up with lighter fluid that you need to cut anyways.  Beer is tons more fun and easier, IMO.

Or if you're really tricky, you can use Everclear and about 2-4 weeks to make your own liquor.  Typically they cut the resulting fruit or herbal infused result with about 50% sugar by volume to get it to 60-80 proof or so. (this is how they make Limoncello for instance - very simple to make at home)