Questions, questions, questions…

[Ginlover]

I have a long list of questions that are in no particular order.
I am interested in making Gin and have heard many times that it isn’t easy. Here are my questions.
1. I have settled on the Brewhaus Essential Extractor Pro Series II- Complete Distiller with the premium kettle and copper packing. Is this the right choice for gin?
2. What is up with Brewhaus? I’ve called multiple times and always get a busy signal or voicemail which they don’t return. I’m ready to spend over $500 dollars, but want to know that they are a legitimate site.
3. I’ve watched a distillation with a pot still and have a good idea how everything works. What is different with a reflux still?
a. What is the chain for?
b. Can at a later time could I purchase the pot still column if I wanted to make corn whiskey?
c. Can the Essential Extractor Pro Series II- Complete Distiller be used as a pot still?
4. I live in Denver at 5300 feet, what does this affect during the distillation process?
5. When making Gin, I understand there are many ways to do it, here are a few questions
a. Please correct any part of this that is off base. My understanding is that I can make a batch of sugar whisky with turbo yeast, distill it with no botanicals in my reflux still to a high proof. Then make a satchel of botanicals that I add to my still with the “low wines” from my first run. After the second distillation it will be Gin.
i. Do I leave the satchel in during distillation?
ii. Do I let the satchel steep like tea and take it out before I put the head on the still?
iii. Is there any way to suspend the satchel above the liquid in a Cadenhead style?
6. How small a batch can you put in an 8 gallon still for a second distillation?
a. If the first run is 6 gallons at 20% going in you should end up with a little over a gallon. Is that too little for a second run?
7. Do you have to clean a new still before your first run? If so how?
8. If I purchase a second fermenter how long can I leave mash it if after fermentation is complete before I have to distill?
9. How long from start to finish (warming the still to clean-up) will a run take in the EESP-II take?
10. Is it necessary to filter with activated charcoal?
a. Will a second run reduce the need for this?
b. Would I filter after the first run and before adding the botanicals?
Thank you to anyone that answers some or all of the questions…
Matthew

[Dnderhead]

WOW!!
i dont say this much BUT you really need to do some reading.git the basics,,Then come and ask.

[Samohon]

Welcome to HD Ginlover...

Sorry, but your first post should have been directed to the Welcome Center... telling us a little about yourself in the process.
Instead you come to the Mentors section of the forum with a barrage of, IMO, basic questions for your 1st post...

Before you spend any money you should first familiarise yourself with doing a bit more reading on the boards.
All of the answers to the ???'s you've posted are available on the Parent Site..., Reading Lounge... and other relevant boards.

Please don't take this post the wrong way, it is NOT a flaming, just a gentle nudge in the right direction...

Do some reading/studying, then come back and we will fill in any of the blanks you may have...
The Mentors board is available for the more intermediate/advanced ??? you may have problems with...

Good luck on your way forward...