Greetings all :)

[Longneck]

Hello, first posts are always difficult when you don't know anyone but here goes..

A while ago me, my brother and a cousin were discussing various tasty beverages (as one does) and the topic of home distillation came up. It all sounded like a good idea but alas we didn't have money or the knowledge.

Fast forward a few months and we have decided to get off our asses and save some money. While browsing the local 'Home brew store' the guy there mentioned that they sold stills (he sounded dodgy as). Turns out he is a distro for Pure Distilling. He sells a whole package for $500 (reflux still, yeast, flavorers and a few other things). Now for the questions

Anyone have any experience with their stills? I don't have any problem with the price (we figure we will break even in a few months) but looking around I see there are some dodgy people flogging off shit and dangerous products.

How good / bad do the flavorings taste? We are looking at making mainly bourbon. Would prefer fairly instant results but I don't have any problems with using oak chips and leaving it to its own devices.

And lastly, we figure aussie longnecks will make decent bottles, I understand plastic is bad, I'm not 100% sure but I think the caps have a bit of plastic in them, will this pose a problem? I can also get nice lab bottles cheaply, they have a polypropylene cap any problems with that?

Finally, what a great resource this site it

Cheers

[belialNZ]

Some flavourings are actually very nice. But I wouldn't rate any of the bourbon "flavourings" I've tried among them.

But still, I'd say go for it, and try it out, and learn

Before long you'll be planning your own still... I know I am.

[Dnderhead]

First of all greeting welcome but as suggested by most read -read
as first bourbon is made from at least 50% corn and it takes time and it is not
don in a reflux still it is don in a pot still ,gin, vodka type is don in reflux
I relate distilling much like cooking the more "love" you put in
the more you get out ( you know that is something i like a bout this ,you can
not bye a good product )

[TryMe]

Welcome aboard...If I were you I would build your own still.You are going to want a pot still for bourbon..You can build one for under $100 and save yourself a bundle to put toward fermenting supplies,mason jars and all the other goodies you might want.

[As-Ol-Joe]

Welcome to the forum.

If you are looking for bourbon then start a batch of UJSM, it is an excellent place for a beginner to start. While if is fermenting, read all you can, especially about safety. You can build while you learn, then learn while you build.

Build your own still. You will save time and money.

Don't be in a hurry, the fruits of your labor will taste real good.

[HookLine]

Any clean glass bottle is fine. Just go to the brew shop and buy a bulk packet of (natural) corks for stoppers. Take an empty bottle with you to make sure you get the right size cork.

Don't know anything about Pure Distilling's gear. But you can almost certainly build your own for less, certainly no more, and get a better still. The main decision you have to make is do you want a pot still for flavoured spirits, or a tall reflux column for vodka? Or both?

[Rudi]

I bought an element from pure distilling good price quick delivery. I dunno about some of his claims and $500 bucks buys ALOT of home made still.

I started with the bought still and flavourings wish I'd saved my money and time.
A basic pot still and some UJSM is a good place to start.

enjoy the ride

[arkansas]

All I can say is "WOW" 1.5 liters per hour at 92%. I would have to see this. Sounds like an over jealous advertisement to me, but who knows.