Hi

[AndyC]

Hi All

Just signed up

No still yet, I'm researching after being tempted by that Mr Distiller unit, I see now that it may not be the way to go and that turbo yeast is definitely a "Bozo no no."

Too bad that unit isn't a bit larger, say 3 Gal then it might be more suitable for the casual hobbyist such as myself.

Trips to the burn ward are my main concern and MR Distiller does seem fairly safe if handled with care.

One question in regards to hotplates, would it be feasible to pre heat the mash say to 130 or some temperature that precedes the foreshots on the stove and only then transfer to the boiler?

As I understand it heating times can be an problem so I'm thinking this method may alleviate some of those issues?


TIA in advance for all the information

AndyC

[Samohon]

Welcome to the boards of HD Andy...

IMO, a 5gal boiler is a minimum to practice good cut. 3gal wash in the boiler and 2 gal for head room.
Have a search for Bokakob Slant Plate... Cheap to make, easy to drive and does what it says on the tin...

The removal of foreshots is best done along with the distillation, no transferring to new boiler needed.
It would just be more expensive to heat IMO...

Have fun studying, and don't forget to holler when you do not fully understand something... We have a great membership here...

[Bushman]

Welcome to HD, +1 on the boiler size. If you haven't built yet look at some of the other options as well for heating your boiler. Some folks here have or are using hotplates but with anything large you might want to consider a different heat source.

[rad14701]

Greetings, AndyC...

If you're serious about getting into the hobby of home distillation then you would definitely outgrow a small air still more rapidly than the the unit would ever pay for itself in savings... Sure, it's almost foolproof but along with that comes a litany of disadvantages...

I'm also in agreement on boiler sizing... Most here know that I currently run a small scale rig but I learned on larger than we consider hobby sized... I have small windows of time in which to run my rig and storage space is cramped at best... If you share those criteria then perhaps a smaller still would be best but otherwise go with a 5 gallon or larger boiler...

Good luck, do ample research, ask questions, have fun, and stay safe...

[Prairiepiss]

Welcome aboard.

These gentlemen have given you some great advice.

5 gallon is a good size. But I would say around 7 gallon would be the cats meow. Here's why. A lot of folks ferment in 5 gal plastic buckets. And you could get 4 to 4.5 gallons of wash out of it. That would need to be broke down to two runs in a 5 gallon boiler. But could be one run in a 7 gallon boiler. But that's just how I look at it. Either way would work great. How you do it depends on your situation.

Personaly after running a keg boiler. I don't think I could get by with anything smaller.

Hot plates are not the best thing for this job. Many think its the only option? But even on a small 5 gallon boiler an internal element can be installed. Add a controller and you have a very efficient setup. A 1500w element and a controller would be a lot better then a hot plate. And make it that much more enjoyable for you in the long run. So its differently worth a looky.

Now I don't think you said what you would like to make?

And good research on your part so far. Keep at it.

Good luck be safe take your time.

[Bayou-Ruler]

welcome

[AndyC]

Thanks for all the responses!


That 8 gallon unit at Brewhaus sounds like a reasonable choice, its fairly inexpensive and sounds best for a 5 gallon wort.

I'll probably start by ordering a beer brewing kit, and go from there, Ive brewed beer before but lost my equipment in a move, so since I'll have to make wort I figure that would be the best way to start since making a decent wort is the first step.

[bentstick]

Welcome ya found a spot for info, make sure your brew kit does not have hops already added, it can funk up a still pretty bad with nasty oils!

[AndyC]

Bought a simple beer set up, bucket, better bottle air locks and such...well you guys know the drill....shipping killed me $60 on an $80 order!

I should have reconsidered and looked local but already hit the payment button...over enthusiasm...... no problem though.


I figured Id do some beer brewing first and not worry about a still just yet


I was wondering are any of these shine recipes suitable for making regular beer?


TIA

[Dnderhead]

""these shine recipes suitable for making regular beer?""
no the other way around,,some beer recipes (with out hops) is good for "shine"

[Andy Capp]

Welcome to HD AndyC

[BrooklynTech]

Thanks for all the responses!


That 8 gallon unit at Brewhaus sounds like a reasonable choice, its fairly inexpensive and sounds best for a 5 gallon wort.

I'll probably start by ordering a beer brewing kit, and go from there, Ive brewed beer before but lost my equipment in a move, so since I'll have to make wort I figure that would be the best way to start since making a decent wort is the first step.

Good place to catch up on the latest in brewing is:

http://www.homebrewtalk.com/