Hello from a new distiller

[mountaindewmaker]

Sorry I posted a question without first introducing myself, didn't mean to f* up the protocol. I live in the States- Midwest region. I'm new to distilling and built the mini, stove-top still based on some designs from this site. It has a short reflux column, but I'm thinking for my purposes I may want to use it without the packing material in the column. I'd like to make some whiskey and was considering distilling from a mash made from a beer starter kit. I've got a small leak where the copper pipe attaches to a large brass nut. I'm guessing sealing it with some pipe dope would be bad. Solder? Any thoughts from those more experienced would be great. Thanks all.

[blanikdog]

Welcome MDM.

blanik

[kiwistiller]

Not entirely sure what sort of join you're talking about, but white PTFE tape is generally considered safe in alcohol. you can read about it in the materials safety forum, there are some test results there that you can look at.

Just a heads up on the beer kit, if you have hops in in, or hopped malt, the bitterness carries over and makes some bloody horrible stuff (in my opinion).

Oh, and no protocol or anything like that, just nice to say hello

[WalkingWolf]

Welcome aboard MDM.
Lotta good info and many great folks here.

The top should remain open...
Stop by the Welcome Center and introduce yourself...

Sorry I posted a question without first introducing myself, didn't mean to f* up the protocol.

Don't be overly sensitive. If you walked into a room with several people and walked up the group and started asking questions I think the group would ask you who you are as well.

From your intro you seem like you're in a bit of a rush (?) maybe. Slow down. Run it with packing and without. Different characteristics from each one. It's not about the destination; it's about the journey.

Never did the beer thing but several here have and the comments are always EXTREMELY negative. I will not do it with my rig to say the least.

Good Luck

[rubber duck]

There isn't really a protocol we all just like to have the opportunity to give you a bunch of shit for no good reason. Teflon pipe tape, solder of flour/ rye past will seal that up. I like solder. If the beer is un hoped it will be ok but look at the tried and true recipes first. Oh and fuck is not a dirty word in the distilling world.

[Samohon]

Welcome to HD MDM....