Is it worth it?
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Is it worth it?
Please pass on reading my post if you're easily bored.
Here's my deal. I'm old, living on partial Social Security, and love my cheap rum. I live on an island that doesn't have big box stores, and my state, Washington, just made the cost of spirits the highest in the US. It costs $27 for 1.75 liters of plastic rum (by plastic, I mean the kind that is bottled into PETE bottles instead of glass).
After two months of 16 hour a day research, I think I have a handle on the costs of this hobby. Two hundred bucks for the still head (copper, solder, flux, and tools that I don't already have). $100 for the SS stockpot and SS bowl for the boiler (I don't have a basement, shed, workshop, or garage... therefore a kitchen build). $50 for the fermenting pails, siphons, funnels, hydrometers, alcohol meters, and stick-on thermometers. $40 for initial purchase of econo-wash nutrients (DAP, brewers yeast, bakers yeast, yeast hulls).
Ongoing costs- $18 for 25 pounds of sugar. The nutes will average out to basically nothing, but it will cost me probably $20 for each 15 gallons of wash. If I get a gallon and a half of neutral (reflux) it doesn't really compute.
And, if I pass the still onto grandchildren, I don't really care, because my grandchildren suck. Sorry to burst anyones bubble, but not all families are kosher.
I guess the question I have is, should I go for it, or study the neuclation and transport organize microtubules in metaphase spindles?
Here's my deal. I'm old, living on partial Social Security, and love my cheap rum. I live on an island that doesn't have big box stores, and my state, Washington, just made the cost of spirits the highest in the US. It costs $27 for 1.75 liters of plastic rum (by plastic, I mean the kind that is bottled into PETE bottles instead of glass).
After two months of 16 hour a day research, I think I have a handle on the costs of this hobby. Two hundred bucks for the still head (copper, solder, flux, and tools that I don't already have). $100 for the SS stockpot and SS bowl for the boiler (I don't have a basement, shed, workshop, or garage... therefore a kitchen build). $50 for the fermenting pails, siphons, funnels, hydrometers, alcohol meters, and stick-on thermometers. $40 for initial purchase of econo-wash nutrients (DAP, brewers yeast, bakers yeast, yeast hulls).
Ongoing costs- $18 for 25 pounds of sugar. The nutes will average out to basically nothing, but it will cost me probably $20 for each 15 gallons of wash. If I get a gallon and a half of neutral (reflux) it doesn't really compute.
And, if I pass the still onto grandchildren, I don't really care, because my grandchildren suck. Sorry to burst anyones bubble, but not all families are kosher.
I guess the question I have is, should I go for it, or study the neuclation and transport organize microtubules in metaphase spindles?
Sex is like mowing my lawn. I hate it, but it's the only exercise I get.
Re: Is it worth it?
for the most of us its a hobby.and most are not trying to make cheep booze.
it can be done but you need to be a good scavenger.
it can be done but you need to be a good scavenger.
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Re: Is it worth it?
Depending on how much you drink, and how much you spend on the initial start up cost, you should be able to make all that you will consume. I will still say its probably cheaper to buy it in the store sometimes. BUT, if you have a good time doing it and want a rewarding hobby, it's very worth it. Not to mention when your fairly good at it, it's better than the crap in the stores. It DOES involve lots of time in research, time working on your washes, and LOTS of time when you fire up your still
But nothing is more rewarding than drinking your own stuff, and you know exactly what's in it
And yes , long term I do think it's cheaper to make your own. It's just addictive and you never stop wanting to make a different design, which means you keep getting more in the hole.
With ALL THAT being said, I say GO FOR IT
But nothing is more rewarding than drinking your own stuff, and you know exactly what's in it
And yes , long term I do think it's cheaper to make your own. It's just addictive and you never stop wanting to make a different design, which means you keep getting more in the hole.
With ALL THAT being said, I say GO FOR IT
Re: Is it worth it?
Not counting any of my startup costs, I can make All-Bran neutral for about $2.75 per 750ml. That covers the ingredients and the propane. I did not include things like the electricity to run the pump or the fan in this hot weather or my time. I think I have long since recovered my build cost. Half decent store bought vodka is at least $10/750ml here.
Braz
Re: Is it worth it?
+1 on Braz comment it's spot on!
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Re: Is it worth it?
I just did a batch of rum. It worked out to be about $5 for 750ml. Yes the equipment is an upfront cost. But you van make top shelf drink. Instead of a plastic shelf.
It'snotsocoldnow.
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Advice For newbies by a newbie.
CM Still Mods
My Stuffs
Fu Man
Mr. Piss
That's Princess Piss to the haters.
Re: Is it worth it?
If the isle o washington only charges $27/1.75L then you have it good. Here in the land of oz we pay $30/750ml for 37.5% bottom shelf depending on what needs getting rid of; the bargain bin is full of big names. We have more incentive than you on cost, but overriding all costs is the control you can have regarding the quality.
Vesetd interests pretend to do it for you for your own safety. They ask you to trade your real freedom for pretend safety...fuk upon them. This site is not a vested interest, and it is very concerned for your safety...takes some figguring out.
Vesetd interests pretend to do it for you for your own safety. They ask you to trade your real freedom for pretend safety...fuk upon them. This site is not a vested interest, and it is very concerned for your safety...takes some figguring out.
cornflakes...stripped and refluxed
Re: Is it worth it?
I do it for three reasons, it's a fun hobby, I can make better booze than commercial booze and yes, it is cheaper! It took me less than two years to pay for my equipment.
CCVM http://homedistiller.org/forum/viewtopi ... d#p7104768" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;" rel="nofollow
Ethyl Carbamate Docs viewtopic.php?f=6&t=55219&p=7309262&hil ... e#p7309262
DSP-AR-20005
Ethyl Carbamate Docs viewtopic.php?f=6&t=55219&p=7309262&hil ... e#p7309262
DSP-AR-20005
Re: Is it worth it?
Ok, between you guys, finding 2 lbs of active dry yeast for less ($6.70) than the 4 oz jar I used to buy ($6.95) at the same local grocery), and even Marmite (!!!), I guess I have to jump into this cesspool. I also figured out how to build a relatively cheap stove-top pot still that I can modify down the road into an LM/VM when I have saved up for the valves, ACR tubing for the condenser, and copper for the tall column. Thanks so much for all the input.
Sex is like mowing my lawn. I hate it, but it's the only exercise I get.
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Re: Is it worth it?
Grandpa, Is that you???I don't really care, because my grandchildren suck.
Short answer, yes. It is worth it.
-Control Freak-
AKA MulekickerHDbrownNose
AKA MulekickerHDbrownNose
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Re: Is it worth it?
lol @ Mulekicker! And I have found it to be worth my while. It is so much cheaper to make it on your own and end up with a product that is so much better than the crap that is on the shelves. I have about $400 invested in equipment, but I save many dollars in the cost of the liquor I make, the still has paid for it's self. That is all great and good but the real saving I see is in my life. When I drank the store bought stuff (not going to mention names!) I was so sick of the way I felt the next day that I was going to give up on drinking. But I found that if it is made right, You don't feel like you have been kicked in the gut when you want something to take the edge off! So long story short I am glad I am doing this!
Last edited by Richard7 on Tue Jul 24, 2012 6:20 pm, edited 1 time in total.
"yeah? yeah? the maple flavored kind?" A dog on you tube.
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Re: Is it worth it?
At least you had a Grandpa!MuleKicker wrote:Grandpa, Is that you???I don't really care, because my grandchildren suck.
I do all my own stunts
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Re: Is it worth it?
Store baught booze is cheaper here than where you are, but for me its still worth it... No more hangovers!!!! No headaches!!! It takes a little while, depending on how much you drink to recover your cost, but you'll come out ahead in the long run. And, ifn yer grandkids ain't worth a shit, consider adopting a good neighbor kid ta pass it on to, Grand Torreno (Clint Eastwood), also read the thread by Scottsboy, excellent story.... "flash oil reference " http://homedistiller.org/forum/viewtopi ... =9&t=12477
"They who can give up essential liberty to obtain a little temporary safety deserve neither liberty nor safety." Benjamin Franklin
Re: Is it worth it?
Wow, all I can say is... wow, wacabi. Who would think that a great piece of story-telling like that would pop up in a distiller forum. Thank you for that link.
Sex is like mowing my lawn. I hate it, but it's the only exercise I get.
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Re: Is it worth it?
Yes he is quite the story teller. Some people can tell a story while others just read one. He makes it come to life. He has a few around here. Haven't seen him around in a long time. To bad. One of his stories is incomplete and leaves you hanging.
Mater of fact I just looked it up. It's been a couple days shy of a year since he has logged in. Hope he is doing well.
Mater of fact I just looked it up. It's been a couple days shy of a year since he has logged in. Hope he is doing well.
It'snotsocoldnow.
Advice For newbies by a newbie.
CM Still Mods
My Stuffs
Fu Man
Mr. Piss
That's Princess Piss to the haters.
Advice For newbies by a newbie.
CM Still Mods
My Stuffs
Fu Man
Mr. Piss
That's Princess Piss to the haters.
Re: Is it worth it?
If you have a Costco around when you leave the island, CH cane sugar is 26.95$ for a 50# sack. Red star bakers yeast is 3.95 for 2# That will cut your production cost down by half for your sugar washes.
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Re: Is it worth it?
I found out after my first build that I could get all the copper bits and bobs I needed from a metal recycler (read scrapyard) nearby. Everything from 3/8th" condensor coils to 3" still head. An old beer keg for the boiler (although that would be too big for your kitchen), and a hand-hammered flange on the column, hooked together with a tri-clamp ($12), and I recon I could have built my external valved reflux still for about $120.
So YES, for me it is worth it, particularly when considering the high Canadian tax rates on booze.
So YES, for me it is worth it, particularly when considering the high Canadian tax rates on booze.
Carrying on our cultural heritage in the tradition of old Uncle Murdoch. "Ach, well..., slainte mhath!"
Re: Is it worth it?
Next time you hit the mainland find a big box store. We have a Cash and Carry fairly close ( There is one for you in Lacey or Seattle )
Bakers yeast is $ 4 bucks a pound, Sugar is 32 bucks a 50 #
Local feed store should have Sweet Feed for about 12 dollars / 50#
I figure I can do Double distilled sweet feed for about $5.00 a gallon at 160 Proof
Coyote
Bakers yeast is $ 4 bucks a pound, Sugar is 32 bucks a 50 #
Local feed store should have Sweet Feed for about 12 dollars / 50#
I figure I can do Double distilled sweet feed for about $5.00 a gallon at 160 Proof
Coyote
"Slow Down , You'll get a more harmonious outcome"
"Speed & Greed have no place in this hobby"
"Speed & Greed have no place in this hobby"
Re: Is it worth it?
Fantastic. Thanks people.
I go to America about once a year, usually for funerals. One of those trips is coming up on the 9th. Might find my way to Costco for sugar, IKEA ($10 1-1/4" knockout punch for SS sinks), and a brew supply store (for hydrometer and alcometer), especially cuz shipping cost is usually way more than state sales tax for the cheaper items.
I'm scrounging now for 5 or 6 gallon SS stockpots at garage sales and thrift shops locally. Thought I might be able to get away with 4 gallon washes in 5 gallon water jugs ($7 each at local grocery). I'm hoping water jugs (translucent white HDPE) are safe to use.
I go to America about once a year, usually for funerals. One of those trips is coming up on the 9th. Might find my way to Costco for sugar, IKEA ($10 1-1/4" knockout punch for SS sinks), and a brew supply store (for hydrometer and alcometer), especially cuz shipping cost is usually way more than state sales tax for the cheaper items.
I'm scrounging now for 5 or 6 gallon SS stockpots at garage sales and thrift shops locally. Thought I might be able to get away with 4 gallon washes in 5 gallon water jugs ($7 each at local grocery). I'm hoping water jugs (translucent white HDPE) are safe to use.
Sex is like mowing my lawn. I hate it, but it's the only exercise I get.
Re: Is it worth it?
Current Evolution:
MrDistiller > 2" potstill > copper 4" perf 4 plate flute
"I seal the lid with Silly Putty, that's OK ain't it ?"
~ kekedog13
"Attach a vibrator to it and hang it upside down. Let it work"
~Mr. P
MrDistiller > 2" potstill > copper 4" perf 4 plate flute
"I seal the lid with Silly Putty, that's OK ain't it ?"
~ kekedog13
"Attach a vibrator to it and hang it upside down. Let it work"
~Mr. P
Re: Is it worth it?
Homebrew on Evergreen it is, then. Thanks, coppertop.
Sex is like mowing my lawn. I hate it, but it's the only exercise I get.