Rookie - Mile High or Brewhaus?

[MDawg33]

Hello - I have been doing quite a bit of research as I make the step from homebrewing/wine making to distilling. My wife bought me the Turbo500, but I ended up returning it after reading many posts which indicate it is not a great value for the money. Primarily - I would like flexibility of reflux and pot still - so I have narrowed my search down to Mile High and Brewhaus (others are too $$ or low quality it seems). In any case - I have read tons of posts here on HD related to different stills but plain and simply I was hoping for some advice on either of these two stills:

Mile High
Premium 8 Gallon Milk Can with 2 inch Dual Purpose one-piece tower
OR
Hybrid 8 Gallon Milk Can 4 in1 distiller

Brewhaus
Essential Extractor PSII High Capacity- Complete Distiller (with premium kettle)

Questions:
* Would the Milehigh 4-in-1 give me flexibility for filtering or is there a more cost effective way of acclomplishing this without the substantial "upgrade"?
* Is there any value in a larger kettle up front, or is this just an easy thing to upgrade down the road?
* Anything else which would make sense to pickup with my initial order?

I am looking for something packaged and do not have any desire to build my own -

Thanks so much in advance - J

[Mud Mechanik]

15.5 gallon keg and a 2" column from Hillbillystills....much cheaper and lots better.

Welcome to HD.

[Washashore]

This EXACT topic was just posted yesterday. Oh, and welcome to HD.

http://homedistiller.org/forum/viewtopi ... 15&t=27199

[MDawg33]

Thanks for the replies - actually I read that entire post and it really didn't help me answer which to buy...but thanks anways...

[MDawg33]

Thanks Mud Mechanik...in you opinion; would the MH or BH still be a good purchase? I'm OK with spending a little bit of $ - as long as it will be a long-term investment...

[RumBrewer]

Thanks Mud Mechanick...in you opinion; would the MH or BH still be a good purchase? I'm OK with spending a little bit of $ - as long as it will be a long-term investment...

I think he's telling you that the Hillbilly is a better product.

I have a mile high, and I like it... a lot. BUT!

Hillbilly seems to have a great rep around here, the copper design is simply a better product to use as the copper helps "Fix" the So2 in your distillate so it becomes less of an issue. If you do the SS versions, you will need to pack the column with copper pot scrubbers to provide the copper contact.

Either one is a fine piece of equipment. That being said, the Hillbilly is probably my next still purchase.

~Cheers!

[Bayou-Ruler]

Love my brewhaus equipment!..

[MDawg33]

Thanks Mud Mechanick...in you opinion; would the MH or BH still be a good purchase? I'm OK with spending a little bit of $ - as long as it will be a long-term investment...

I think he's telling you that the Hillbilly is a better product.

I have a mile high, and I like it... a lot. BUT!

Hillbilly seems to have a great rep around here, the copper design is simply a better product to use as the copper helps "Fix" the So2 in your distillate so it becomes less of an issue. If you do the SS versions, you will need to pack the column with copper pot scrubbers to provide the copper contact.

Either one is a fine piece of equipment. That being said, the Hillbilly is probably my next still purchase.

~Cheers!

Thanks RumBrewer - that's what I was looking for...the HBS look really really nice...but to your point they are priced as such. I'm thinking of starting with a MH or BH 2-in-1 and then always have the ability to sell/upgrade down the road.

Which MH do you have? What size pot? I'm thinking I can whip up a filter for much less $$ - but your opinion in that regard is welcome as well.

Thanks again - excited to get started...

[Mud Mechanik]

Thanks Mud Mechanick...in you opinion; would the MH or BH still be a good purchase? I'm OK with spending a little bit of $ - as long as it will be a long-term investment...

I think he's telling you that the Hillbilly is a better product.

I have a mile high, and I like it... a lot. BUT!

Hillbilly seems to have a great rep around here, the copper design is simply a better product to use as the copper helps "Fix" the So2 in your distillate so it becomes less of an issue. If you do the SS versions, you will need to pack the column with copper pot scrubbers to provide the copper contact.

Either one is a fine piece of equipment. That being said, the Hillbilly is probably my next still purchase.

~Cheers!

Thate exactly what I was sayin...I own a Milehigh rig and like it, but...it simply will not produce the quality of spirits that a copper column will. There is also an issue of plastics with the milehigh rigs that is best left alone...they have a rubber bung for a top and seal the lid on the pot with a silicone gasket, the reflux section of their multipurpose column is just a water jacket on the outside of the column and does not give much reflux at all other that passive stuff that runs down the column walls... If you don't want to build it yourself, save yourself some money in the long run and go with the Hillbilly column.

[MDawg33]

Thanks again...so are you saying I don't really need a reflux? I could just run through pot a few times? I do have a friend who is a welder - just for my reference - about how much does it cost to build from scratch? Maybe it's something I should look into...

[Mud Mechanik]

A boka would give you the most flexibility, and you could build it cheaper than you can purchase a package deal...just search for a member here named Prariepiss and he has a link in his signature for some good builds.

[RumBrewer]

I have the Mighty Mini tower and it sits on a keg. No cutting or drilling required.
I agree that the rubber bung is a potential issue with the mile high. I don't have a great solution.

[blanikdog]

This is good advice, but why answer a question in a few words when with a bit of effort it can be dragged out for several pages over many months? http://homedistiller.org/forum/viewtopi ... 2#p6964072

[RumBrewer]

This is good advice, but why answer a question in a few words when with a bit of effort it can be dragged out for several pages over many months? http://homedistiller.org/forum/viewtopi ... 2#p6964072

When someone asks a question, people put considerable time and effort in telling them to search about and read up, posting endless links to old threads that may or may not answer the original question.... when a simple "YES" or "NO" would do.
That being said, I think that the answer to your question can only be answered by someone with a deep understanding of the human psyche. I have no understanding of the subject which leaves me completely unqualified to respond to your post.

Guess that means I should have kept my yip shut?

[heartcut]

MD33-
Given just your posted choices, I'd advise the essential extractor with a 15.5 gal ss beer keg and a propane/ng burner. The required reading material would answer your questions better than any post could.

[Prairiepiss]

Here is my answer.
Pick one and buy it. That's it for the short answer. Plane and simple.

Long answer.

Both are the same style stills CM cooling management. The only difference is the reflux condenser. And maybe a longer product condenser? The advantage of one over the other isn't that much.

The rubber can be replaced. So no biggy.

A centering ring will improve either one of them. And take care of the fact the reflux falls back down the column walls of the mile high still anyway.

I would get one that has a column extension. Or two piece column. Not a one piece long column. This will give you better flexibility in the long run. Taller column for reflux runs. Shorter one for pot still runs.

If given the option. Go with all copper packing. If not buy enough copper packing to fill it.

8 gal would be the smallest I would go. 13 would be better. You will more then likely want to upgrade to the bigger one shortly after buying it anyway. So just do it from the get go. I would truly recommend just getting a keg. And be done with it.

That also depends on what you will heat it with? Hot plates are just not worth it in the long run. Keep that in mind. Many reasons why. You can search those reasons out.

Hillbilly makes some nice stills. But its either a pot still or a flute. No packed columns.

A CM still is not the best and or easiest to use to make a true neutral. With work and practice it can however make a pretty damn fine vodka. And a not so bad neutral. They can also be detuned and run in pot still mode real easily. And they will run just like a pot still. Because they are really nothing more then a pot still with a reflux condenser on it. Unlike VM or LM stills. For those of you who will want to jump all over that statement. Yes a LM can make a flavored spirit in pot still mode. But it is still not a pot still. Say what you want. It's not. A VM well is a VM. It's good for one thing making neutrals. And it does that very well.

You will find this design is not recommended around here. It is said to be fiddly to operate. And not very good at making a neutral. That's the way it is around here. And that's the way it will probably be always.

But come on guys. He clearly stated he did not have any desire or want to build a still. He clearly stated he wanted the greatest flexibility in the still. So this leaves the two stills he is questioning about. The best two options available to him. Unless you know of someone else that offers something better. That will run as both a pot still and a reflux still. Prebuilt off the shelf? Please suggest it if you know of one.

So now just make up your mind on which one to buy and buy it already. Don't make it to hard. Don't over analyze it. Just do it. Nobody here will tell you you must buy this one. You are going to get the people with a MH still telling you they like theirs. And brewhaus owners telling you they like theirs. Then everyone else is going to tell you to build something different. More then likely a boka. Whatever you end up with I'm sure you will learn to drive it to the best of its abilities.

Get a still and start making some good drink with it. And enjoy your new hobby.

Oh yea read the links in my signature. They may help you even further.

Good luck.

One last thing. Don't go into this hobby thinking you have to filter your spirits. Start out thinking you don't need it. And if it comes down to it. Then maybe MAYBE consider filtering. Last ditch effort. And for turbo yeast. You mite get some for free. Use them for cleaning your new still and practice. Then move on to the tried and true recipes available here on HD. They will work much better for you. And if a problem were to arise. Many around here have ran those recipes. And can provide you with all the help you will ever need. Use them as your learning tools. Who knows you mite fall in love with one of them. And it becomes you go to recipe. Like many of us have.

[RumBrewer]

Get a still and start making some good drink with it. And enjoy your new hobby.

Oh yea read the links in my signature. They may help you even further.

I've been waiting for 4 years to see an answer like this... (Most of it lurking)... but still.... Congratulations!

Also, the part about the links in his sig... Read them even if you don't buy a CM (Coolant Management) still. You'll be a better person for it.

[blanikdog]

This is good advice, but why answer a question in a few words when with a bit of effort it can be dragged out for several pages over many months? http://homedistiller.org/forum/viewtopi ... 2#p6964072

When someone asks a question, people put considerable time and effort in telling them to search about and read up, posting endless links to old threads that may or may not answer the original question.... when a simple "YES" or "NO" would do.
That being said, I think that the answer to your question can only be answered by someone with a deep understanding of the human psyche. I have no understanding of the subject which leaves me completely unqualified to respond to your post.

Guess that means I should have kept my yip shut?

Or maybe you should offer to be a mod and see just what it's like. Believe me, I understand the human psyche. It's based upon pure laziness. Why accept a perfectly valid reply to a question if it doesn't suit your preconceived notion? Just keep asking until someone answers as you wish, but whatever you do don't listen to experienced stillers or above all, do your own research.
After all, with 98 posts you must be very familiar with answering the same questions a million or so times, simply because folk just can't be bothered listening or researching. I'll watch your progress through this craft. It should be fascinating.

Don't like my responses you have two alternatives. Ignore me, or report me to admin, but don't encourage a contination of a thread that has been answered. It may surprise you but mods also put in a lot of time helping folk in this forum!!

[MDawg33]

Thanks to all for the feedback - I was looking for a simple answer to a likely not so simple question

I think I am good - case close!

Thanks again - J

[MDawg33]

Prairepiss - thanks so much! To the point (or dismay) of others - I have been reading quite a bit, but just couldn't find what I was looking for...after all that is the point of these forums; to help fellow members start and learn the craft.

Your response was more than excellent - and as you put it early on: Just buy one! That pretty much sums it up - I am an engineer and do often over analyze things

I am off and will be sure to have more questions throughout my experiences - and I will continue to read before posting...

Thanksa again - all the best:

[Usge]

I'll quickly sum up my advice from previous thread on same subject (more detail there). Spend your money on the "pot"/boiler! Make sure it has the volume you need and is setup for what you need (ie., drain, 'lectric, etc). That will be something you'll use regardless of which direction you go down the road (as to which head you build or buy). THEN, buy whatever crap head you want just to get started. Use that to learn, while you sort out planning/building your next one.

[Prairiepiss]

Prairepiss - thanks so much! To the point (or dismay) of others - I have been reading quite a bit, but just couldn't find what I was looking for...after all that is the point of these forums; to help fellow members start and learn the craft.

Your response was more than excellent - and as you put it early on: Just buy one! That pretty much sums it up - I am an engineer and do often over analyze things

I am off and will be sure to have more questions throughout my experiences - and I will continue to read before posting...

Thanksa again - all the best:

Your welcome.

No offence to you or any other engineers. But I've seen it many times that engineers come here and really over think and analyze the hobby to a point they make it way harder then it is. My suggestion is to leave the engineer hat outside the still room. And use the KISS method (Keep It Simple Stupid). Once you get all the basics down and you get good at making a good drink. Then maybe bring the hat into the still room. Everyone tries to bring what they do everyday into the hobby because that's what they are comfortable with. Sometimes it works. Sometimes it doesn't. So its its just better to start out fresh. And learn everything you can from a dummys perspective at first.

Anyway get one ordered. Then while you are waiting for it. Read everything you can to get you prepared for the arrival of your new still. So when you het it. Your not asking I got it now what?.

Good luck.

[MDawg33]

Mr. Piss:
Two last questions - OK so I decided on Brewhaus Essential Extractor PSII High Capacity- Complete Distiller (15 Gallon Premium Kettle). The kit includes copper mesh, water control plumbing, pump, steel chain, thermometer...

For my initial purchase - what else would it be worthwhile to include?
For a heat source - their 1500W hot plate is on backorder; do you have other recommendations? Would propane be more effective (but also more hazardous with fumes)?

Thanks again - I'm placing order today..
J

[Usge]

Hot plate not gonna work with that 13 gal boiler. Gas work better. If you want to run electric, you'll want some way to install/connect heater elements and you'll need a controller. brewhaus can do custom work for you like that and they do a good job — I think there's some pics in their forum of a guy who had them put in connections for heating elements in his premium kettle. They can also put a 1/2" ballvalve/drain on it if you want. (you'll need to custom order those things which could delay things a bit) I had one done on mine, and they did a bang up job. As I said before...if you gonna spend some money....this is the place to do it (ie., the pot/boiler). Shore nuff make your life a lot easier.

And P, that was a great detailed answer to a question often asked (ie., choosing between Mile-hi/brewhaus).

There "are" other companies that make such stills..(reflux/pot mode) but they are FAR more expensive and many of them based on older designs (ie., tubes through column high/low). The Colonel at coppermoonshinestills is one. The copper alembic places that sell refining lentils or tube/CM columns that attach to standard alembic potstill "turnip".

[MDawg33]

I have a 5500W Ripple Element for my homebrew boiler - wonder if that would be worthwhile to try? Or would it scortch sugars? It is ultra low wattage density however. My homebrew boiler may work now that I think of it - would just need to find a way to secure a tight fit to the top (which is cutout to accept a 12" lid).

[Prairiepiss]

+1 usge. Drain and element port would be a great idea. A 5500w element and controller would be great in the 15 gal boiler.

I would also check into having them add a 2" triclamp flange on the top of the column. So a 2" sanitary cap can replace the rubber stopper. BR talks about it in my cm mod thread.

[Usge]

Here's the 1" NPT adapter for heating element that brewhaus tig welded onto someone's premium pot:

newstill001.jpg (9.03 KiB) Viewed 11715 times

There are also adapters available for installing heating elements using 2" standard ferrules/tri-clamps.

[mbz250sl]

I received the PSii with the 7 gallon pot last year for father's day - darn if I don't have a great wife and kids - love it but do wish I had the bigger pot given the yield factors but the 7 gallons works well - like any other hobby, once you get started you 'll dial in with what you have and then you'll want various other stills and equipment - dive in, have fun, read, read again, play and read again - then share your learning with others

[FreeMountainHermit]

about how much does it cost to build from scratch? Maybe it's something I should look into...

Build or buy, these three links will get you going.

http://thevintnervault.com/product/3381/Used-Kegs.html" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;" rel="nofollow

http://www.plumbingsupply.com/copperpipe.html" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;" rel="nofollow

http://www.hillbillystills.com" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;" rel="nofollow


FMH.