Question about Quality.

[Bull Rider]

I've read a couple of hundred posts on this forum and I'm in the design stages for a pot type still. But before I put my sanke keg under the torch please help me with a basic question.

Is it possible (generally) to make good whiskey? I'm willing to build the equipment, make the mash, and learn all that I can about distilling, but I have to be fairly certain that I'm going to enjoy (and be proud of) the final product. I can afford good whiskey, and I enjoy good whiskey. I won't be happy with making something that tastes like half kerosene and half turpentine.

Right now I make good all grain beer and I'm buying 2 row barley in 55 pound bags. I have seven 5 gallon kegs on tap and each one I'm proud to serve. I want to be able to serve home made whiskey with the same pride that I serve my beer.

So, is it possible? I don't mind a challenge, and I'll learn the craft, I just want to know if you're happy with your end product. Thanks.

[Dnderhead]

you wont need more equipment, what you have for beer will do.
and yes you can, but it takes time , a long time.and a barrel.

[rad14701]

Greetings, Bull Rider...

As Dndrhead stated, you can make good whiskey but it takes time... You can make good moonshine relatively quickly but "aging" it to good whiskey takes time... While folks have been trying for years, there is no substitute for the time part... You can, however, make good vodka (neutral spirits) to enjoy without the wait...

If you've only read a couple hundred posts you've still got a ways to go...

Good luck and good reading...

[Hawke]

No need to put the keg under the torch, unless you are adding 1/2 couples to the bottom, for drains or electric ellements.
It's very easy to connect to the sanke with a bit of 2" pipe and a tri-clover clamp.

If you are already brewing beer, you are ahead of the curve for making whiskey. The hardest part is getting proper cuts.

[Bull Rider]

Thanks to each of you that have replied. Any suggestions on a place to order a Tri Clamp? Is that the only piece of hardware that I need to attach the column to the keg? A flange or union perhaps? We're going to start building this weekend. I'm going to start some mash in a day or so. I'll keep my eyes open for a wooden barrel to age the product.

I'm trying to get my brain around the thumper. Is this something that most pot still operators build and install? I understand the theory that you can do the stripping run, and the "money shot" (?) run at the same time. How does the thumper get up to temp? Just from the vapors from the condensor, it seems like that would take forever.

I'm reading as much as I can to try and learn, any suggestions on a good book? "Ethanol for Dummys" ?

Again, thanks for taking the time to share your knowledge.

[blind drunk]

Hey Bull Rider, I would add that the journey also counts for something with this hobby. Cheers, bd.

[Hawke]

Do a search for 'Easy Flange'. You can order the tri-clamp from Mile-Hi, Brewhaus, St. Pat's or McMaster-Carr. I also recomend the PTFE gasket. You will need to remove the ridge from both sides of the gasket for the keg to Easy flange connection.

A thumper is a nice accessory, but not needed at first. Yes, the vapor is what heats the thumper.
Build the still with a union fitting between the lyne arm and condenser, then you can add/remove a thumper in the future.

[newerbrewer]

Read your last post looking for 'Ethanol for Dummies'. I've recently read the home distillation handbook and 'http://www.home-distillation.com/' and 'making gin and vodka by john stone'. While neither will get you good Whiskey, they are excellent resources on distilling. That, in combination with the knowlege at this forum will get you on your way.