Newbie - an intro

[Cmonster]

Hi distillers,

I've been hanging around for a while but only just been successful creating a log-in, and thought it was time to introduce myself.

I've been making beer for about 10 years and continue to love it. I tend to get obsessive about these things - I'm a bit infamous for making a computer controlled machine to automate things ... but that is another story.

A couple of years ago I dipped my toes into distilling - but it was a bit rough around the edges. I looked at all the fancy copper work that so many of you had done and got a bit scared - so I converted a pressure cooker into a makeshift potstill.

I only ever made "neutral" spirits with this thing and soon got distracted with brewing beer again.

I've come back to this forum with a lot more patience and the desire to excel. I've been inspired by those who have read, and read, and re-read the information on this site.

I was inspired by the simplicity of the bokakob reflux still design. While there are many more complicated ones, I've discovered the hard way that usually simpler is better.

So I built one. I had most of the bits lying around, including the 2" copper column. What I didn't have I soon sourced from helpful people on the yahoo new distillers group. And I've pressed it into service with great success already .... although ....

My propane burner was a little underpowered and while running the still the needle valve pipe fractured, although I wasn't aware of it. A lot of the hooch ended up leaking onto the back patio. I estimated I lost 50%, which probably means the reflux ratio was shot as well.

Despite all this, I'm hooked. The neutral alcohol this time round is so much better, and the gin with prestige mixer means that there is a great future in this house.

Thanks to all those who have designed and critiqued stills, to those who have shared information on how to solder, to those who have given gentle guidance where needed, to those who have shared the passion and inspired others, and especially to this web site and its creators for being such a mine of inspiration.

I am currently working on my own offering based on a history of process control so that I can give back to all who have been so generous.

yours in spirit, Cmonster.

[CoopsOz]

Welcome aboard!

[Butch50]

Great introduction! And you can spell too!!!

[travis]

Hi, CMonster, I too have brewed some good Lager brews, ran it through the "Still" & got some nice clear whisky, which when bottled I put American Oak planed shavings in some & English Oak in the other bottles to colour & add flavour to the brew. I bottle @ 50% strength. Tastes Superb. Would love some small oak kegs, however in the UK the are as rare as an honest politician

Regards, Travis
Novice, experimenter

(Picked this idea up from Home Distiller site)

[Cmonster]

Hi, CMonster, I too have brewed some good Lager brews, ran it through the "Still" & got some nice clear whisky, which when bottled I put American Oak planed shavings in some & English Oak in the other bottles to colour & add flavour to the brew. I bottle @ 50% strength. Tastes Superb. Would love some small oak kegs, however in the UK the are as rare as an honest politician

Regards, Travis
Novice, experimenter

(Picked this idea up from Home Distiller site)

Hi Travis,

I have a Scottish friend who visits Melbourne quite often and he always brings a good Scottish single malt with him. I'm thinking it will be quite a challenge to make a good whiskey - but I plan to work on it but not until I've graduated from the shallow end.

The gin mixer is a start to get a taste for it all (and to get the household on side for further experiments). Soon I will source my own botanicals and create gin from the raw ingredients. After that I will begin to look further towards whiskey and maybe rum.

cheers

[tracker0945]

Welcome, nice to see all the aussies coming out of the woodwork.
Cheers