Hi there!
I’m super new to distilling. I’ve been doing research and a lot of my questions through Reddit, Google, or otherwise kept bringing me back to this site so I thought I might as well join. I have yet to make anything but have been doing research the past couple of months.
I got interested in distilling quite by accident. I review items for an online retailer. Well one day there was a moonshine still available. I snatched it up without knowing what exactly distilling anything would entail. At first I was thinking it would be a cool decoration for my home bar. But then I got curious. I know from what I’ve read a lot of people here make their own set up. I wonder how most of you feel about store bought stills? I know before I distill anything I want to triple check and make sure it doesn’t have any leaks.
After reading and grabbing tools and ingredients, I got some mash and made a wash. It stopped fermenting a couple of days ago. I’m waiting for a nice day so I can take it outside to distill. I’ve read so many horror stories it sounds like outside is the best place to do it just in case things go awry. I’m super excited to distill but also a bit worried. Anyway this is such a great resource and thank you to all of you who have put your time and knowledge into this forum!
Hello from Washington State!
Moderator: Site Moderator
Re: Hello from Washington State!
Welcome from another member from the Evergreen State, it’s a great hobby!
Re: Hello from Washington State!
Welcome to the forum. A bunch of members are from your way. Enjoy the read
My 9" Shotgun Condenser
This hobby really is not so much about making alcohol. But bottling opportunities to make memories with Friends and Family.
This hobby really is not so much about making alcohol. But bottling opportunities to make memories with Friends and Family.
- Saltbush Bill
- Site Mod
- Posts: 9643
- Joined: Thu Mar 17, 2011 2:13 am
- Location: Northern NSW Australia
Re: Hello from Washington State!
Welcome Imriven
Having said that I always have and always will encourage people to build their own rather than buy......there are many ,many benefits to be gained by learning that skill. You don't need a lot of fancy tools to build, just a few very basic ones.
You get what you pay for, buy cheap rubbish and that's exactly what you end up with. Spend some money on something of quality from one of the better known manufactures or retailers and you will have still that should last for many years and do its job well.
Having said that I always have and always will encourage people to build their own rather than buy......there are many ,many benefits to be gained by learning that skill. You don't need a lot of fancy tools to build, just a few very basic ones.
Re: Hello from Washington State!
Fair enough! Thank you so much for your insight!Saltbush Bill wrote: ↑Mon Nov 29, 2021 8:05 pm Welcome ImrivenYou get what you pay for, buy cheap rubbish and that's exactly what you end up with. Spend some money on something of quality from one of the better known manufactures or retailers and you will have still that should last for many years and do its job well.
Having said that I always have and always will encourage people to build their own rather than buy......there are many ,many benefits to be gained by learning that skill. You don't need a lot of fancy tools to build, just a few very basic ones.
- cranky
- Master of Distillation
- Posts: 6505
- Joined: Fri Sep 27, 2013 3:18 pm
- Location: Pacific Northwest
Re: Hello from Washington State!
Welcome Imriven
As some have said there are a lot of us here in Wa.
A couple of things,
What still did you get? There are a plethora of bad Chinese stills online that have problems that need addressed before using. Pictures would help.
#2- Have you done cleaning and sacrificial runs? Properly cleaning is very important before drinking anything you produce.
As some have said there are a lot of us here in Wa.
A couple of things,
What still did you get? There are a plethora of bad Chinese stills online that have problems that need addressed before using. Pictures would help.
#2- Have you done cleaning and sacrificial runs? Properly cleaning is very important before drinking anything you produce.
- NorthWoodsAb
- Swill Maker
- Posts: 324
- Joined: Fri Feb 15, 2019 2:56 pm
- Location: North Central Alberta. 55.470996,-114.787297
Re: Hello from Washington State!
Hello and welcome Imriven. It is a rewarding hobby. As far as horror stories go, there are plenty, most are fear driven without much foundation. Play safe, do a proper cleaning and sacrificial run, you might just have lucked into a rewarding hobby.
BTW my still lives and works in the basement, at -30 we ain't going out doors!
Cheers
BTW my still lives and works in the basement, at -30 we ain't going out doors!
Cheers