Eric from NC

[Don Quixote]

I've been an avid himebrewer for over 20 years, I'm a BJCP Beer Judge and now want to expand into crafting my own spirits. Figured I already have most of the equipment (grain mill, mash tun, fermenters, etc.) so it should be as simple as putting together a still and learning the process. Looking for advice on what the major differences are between brew mashing and fermentation vs the distilled type.

Cheers,

[Bushman]

Welcome to the forum, I edited out your name signature at the bottom of your post as home distilling is not legal in the US. Your experience will give you a headstart into the hobby. Good luck and be safe!

[jb-texshine]

No hops and lower strike water temp for lower mash temp for less unfermentable sugars and more fermenrables.

[still_stirrin]

Welcome to HD Eric.

Your experience mashing grains will be a huge benefit to you here. And your experience with fermentation processes (and troubleshooting) will be a benefit to the forum as well.

Starting as a homebrewer myself (also a certified BJCP judge), I understand you're well ahead of the typical novice starting line. But still, I suggest you start by reading the mandatory threads, including Cranky's Spoon Feed thread linked in my signature.

With knowledge of the brewing and fermentation processes, you've gained a foothold. But you now need to read and learn the distilling processes. I would suggest that you read a while to better understand your individual goals before buying or building your distilling equipment. There are countless build threads here which will help you along the path. Don't get too far ahead of your knowledge and you'll finish way ahead in the race. "Haste makes waste", right?

Be safe, responsible, and discrete.
ss

[goose eye]

They will hunt you in nc.
All these other place they talk about no worries from the alphabet agencies ain't here.

So I'm tole

[Truckinbutch]

They will hunt you in nc.
All these other place they talk about no worries from the alphabet agencies ain't here.

So I'm tole

Take this to heart in VA and GA too .

[rager]

They will hunt you in nc.
All these other place they talk about no worries from the alphabet agencies ain't here.

So I'm tole

They will hunt you in nc.
All these other place they talk about no worries from the alphabet agencies ain't here.

So I'm tole

took me less than 15 seconds to find a picture of you on google just searching........... . i would delete that info in your signature. or an admin

[Shine0n]

Welcome from Va.
I would suggest to look at the build threads and determine what kind of still would suit your needs. There has been 2 busts here as of late, 1 in my county and 1 next county south of me so I keep very discreet so that nobody knows. Only my son and my best buddy, I'd hate to see anyone doing this go to jail unless they are selling and putting a bad name on what we do.
Be safe, find your path and have fun!!!
Shine0n

[MoonBreath]

Welcome to HD!
Hope you are already having fun with this ...Beins you're in Spain, I couldn't tell you the laws there ..I have friends all around NC, from Weaverville, Morseville, Rockingham, to Lumberton, Wilmington, and Bergaw.
Good luck, DO the required readn, stay safe, keep postn.