New brewer in WV

[wv_hillbilly]

Hey all, I'm new to this site, and new to distilling. It is a hobby I've been looking at getting into for some time now, and am now very serious about it. I, however, haven't really a clue where to start, ie build/buy, copper/stainless and whatnot. I have a few recipes in hand to try, but no clue about the still itself. After alt of research online, this seemed to be the best place with the most knowledgeable people to come for advice. Thanks in advance, and I'm very happy to be here in the company of some great ones.

[buddha52]

Welcome, also great to have a fellow Mountaineer on board . I will help anyway I can. PM me and let me know what part of the state your from . Good luck and you have found the most helpful fourm for distilling.

[jholmz]

first of all read read read and learn as much as you can about the theory and safety then you need to decide what you like to drink then find out what still will best make that product IE whiskey= full flavor= pot still, vodka=nuetral=reflux still etcetera. once you decide what still you need then settle in for some serious reads on design and function then decide how you would like to build your stll and what recipe you would like to try.

[wv_hillbilly]

first of all read read read and learn as much as you can about the theory and safety then you need to decide what you like to drink then find out what still will best make that product IE whiskey= full flavor= pot still, vodka=nuetral=reflux still etcetera. once you decide what still you need then settle in for some serious reads on design and function then decide how you would like to build your stll and what recipe you would like to try.

I'm pretty sure I'm going to go with the pot still. I'm looking more toward the whiskey than anything. I have recipes that I'm ready to try, just not sure on where to start for the build, like stated, copper/stainlees or buy/build.

[jholmz]

take a look at samohans easy pot still in pot still design and theory it a nice easy design and will work great for you heres the link

http://homedistiller.org/forum/download ... p?id=12153

[wv_hillbilly]

take a look at samohans easy pot still in pot still design and theory it a nice easy design and will work great for you heres the link

http://homedistiller.org/forum/download ... p?id=12153

Thanks alot, I really appreciate it!

[IlliniDistiller]

I also suggest read read and read some more. When you think you've read enough, you're about 25% there.

I suggest a simple pot still to start. Liebig condenser. You can get some reflux out of this setup as well, with a few additions/modifications.

The key thing is SAFETY FIRST!!!! NEVER build a "closed system" always leave something open to the atmosphere or you are building a bomb. NO VALVES IN THE VAPOR PATH!! To easy to forget to open and then you have a bomb.

If you ask a question on here, listen to these folks, they know what they're talking about. You can ask them to explain, and they will. But nonetheless listen.

[BareKnuckles]

Welcome to HD hillbilly... I too am originally from WV but live elsewhere now....

Have fun and be safe..

-BK