New to distillation, or simply new to the HD forums.
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Ive been lurking on this forum for a good few months now and thought id say hi...
HI !
The decision has been made to turn from the wonderful *if not really methodical* process of making wine to that of distilling. I love my wines and think i have a pretty good hand on turning out a drinkable non-grape libation. The proud owners of a milehi column still, it makes a reasonable product. I have so many questions that i dont really know where to start, so ive been reading randomly. *of course the rules etc * Generally things i think a beginner should have an idea of.
So this is me in all my confused overwhelmed glory, please be gentle. As soon as i figure out how to get the still operator to listen to me we'l have a swell product.
I dont express myself overly well as you can see.. But i can think!.and learn. i think.
Don't be shy, ask away, there are many folks here who can help you out with pretty much any question you may have. Which milehistill did you get? I had my eye on the 8 gallon reflux still, but went for the T500 instead. it was a little more expensive, but from watching the videos, it looked simple to use. Just ran my 3rd distillation, using it is a snap and it sits on the counter by the sink. If I do decide to invest in another still, I think I will stick with something from Milehi, just not sure what.
Hi There Ella and welcome, I run my 13 gallon milehi reflux most of the time and I am very pleased with it for neutral spirits, probably wouldn't be as good for rum or whiskey. Enjoy and have fun.
Sometimes I wonder why is that Frisbee getting bigger......and then it hits me.
Thanks for the welcomes all The still DH bought is the 3 inch extra tall one that sits on a keg.. lol sorry dont have the info at hand. Im all for neutral spirits for the most part but i do enjoy a good whiskey. We've run several batches and also a double run. I totally can tell the diff between the first runs and the subsequent ones. The reason DH bought the miilehi column is he wanted no fuss and easy setup. Its more of my hobby he just likes the idea of producing lol. So far ive tried the strawberryPD, and several liquor quik essences and i really love it. Cant wait to delve more into the recipe section, and maybe make one of my own? Love the crafting idea and the best part is the taste testing! I hope to gently steer DH into the science/repeatabilty of proven recipes
Thank you for this awesome site!
EllaLynn wrote:Thanks for the welcomes all Cant wait to delve more into the recipe section, and maybe make one of my own? Love the crafting idea and the best part is the taste testing! I hope to gently steer DH into the science/repeatabilty of proven recipes
If you are not already doing it, go get yourself a big notebook and start keeping extensive notes on your recipes, ferment temps, SG readings and anything else you can think of. Also keep a distilling log, time, jar number, jar volume, temp, ABV, etc. All that work is a great help when you try to repeat a product, or make changes to improve one.
DH definitely stands for Dear Husband, although those other definitions gave me pause.. =P This was originally his hobby, but he is starting to see how much time is needed to produce the good stuff.. *for him this has not happened yet, i disagree* and wants to get some charcoal to try and fine it out more. So ... I might make a mash and run it myself and see where it goes
Rad's Gerber recipe is a great place to start. Build up some reserves (and learn a hell of a lot) then go for a UJSSM. By generation 4, if you don't have this down, then I guess give up... JK. By then you'll have some ideas and have read a whole lot more.
Welcome. There is some great knowledge here, respect it and don't be afraid to ask. Just please do a search first!
The still DH bought is the 3 inch extra tall one that sits on a keg.. lol sorry dont have the info at hand. Im all for neutral spirits for the most part but i do enjoy a good whiskey. We've run several batches and also a double run. I totally can tell the diff between the first runs and the subsequent ones. The reason DH bought the miilehi column is he wanted no fuss and easy setup. Its more of my hobby he just likes the idea of producing lol. So far ive tried the strawberryPD, and several liquor quik essences and i really love it. Cant wait to delve more into the recipe section, and maybe make one of my own? Love the crafting idea and the best part is the taste testing! I hope to gently steer DH into the science/repeatabilty of proven recipes 
This was originally his hobby, but he is starting to see how much time is needed to produce the good stuff.. *for him this has not happened yet, i disagree* and wants to get some charcoal to try and fine it out more. So ... I might make a mash and run it myself and see where it goes