Mile Hi Distilling Flute

[demodenny]

My next door neighbor recently purchased a flute from mile high, when he gets it plumbed up and cleaned I will post a review of his rig and his first run.
Supposed to be here in 10 days. He has a sweet setup and I know he wont mind if I show it off for him.

[JasperNewtonJack]

Excellent Denny! We'll look forward to your post.

[demodenny]

Have not forgotten Jasper, there was a shipping delay but its on its way..

[Big Bert]

Have ordered a mile hi 6 plate and a hillbilly 6 plate , when they both get here will mount them both on kegs and have a run off. I have a 2" two piece reflux from MH and two of their mighty mini and they both give me in the 90 to 95% range but I like the looks of a flute so why not have two

[tkdc]

I ordered mine in early March. Still waiting on it to get shipped. It's supposed to ship this week from what they said today so we'll see. When did you guys order yours?

[demodenny]

Joe ordered his mid march, he said most of it arrived today.
It came complete with thermometer and ball valve for the parrot. The rest of the plumbing is up to you.
I ran over soon as I heard, It looks like it will be a very nice piece, super heavy duty, very shiny and high quality build, once the order is complete anyway.
I was planning on taking some pictures and posting info about the first couple of runs but that will be delayed even further now. Joe doesn't seem to mind so long as they make it right.

Just a quick addition, Old Joe seemed pretty happy with the customer service over at Mile High, he says they are overnighting his missing piece and he will have it by tomorrow.

[tkdc]

I ordered mine on March 11th. It still hasn't shipped. They seem very unorganized on the customer service standpoint to me. I was told before I ordered it that it would ship in a week, then couldn't get an email or phone call back for three weeks after I gave them 2K. They wouldn't give me an estimated ship date, all they would say is it'll ship soon. Hopefully I get an email tomorrow saying it shipped. I'm really looking forward to it.

It definately looks very well built. Hopefully mine comes before I have to drool over pics

[demodenny]

Sorry Tdkc..
Here is the review.
Joe has a sweet setup, a 26 gallon boiler with a single 5500 watt element. he has a SS chugger pump so everything gets pumped. He had a 22 gallon sweet feed ferment cleared and ready to run. The flute is sweet, the glass is 3/8 thick and the portholes that hold them on weigh nearly a pound. I liked the fact that they were easy to remove, made for easy rinsing.. We rushed the plumbing temporarily to get it up and running, Joe likes his stuff to be clean, especially the plumbing..
We did a vinegar run and a sacrificial run then charged the boiler with the sweetfeed. it took a good hour and a half to see some action on the plates then they were stacked pretty fast, we allowed it time to equalize but it looked like the bottom plate never held as much as the others the entire time. This was a learning experience for us both as we made adjustments to heating and cooling. Unfortunatly the plates dumped early in the run and we had to stop and re-stack them. did not have that issue again as we figured it out, It seemed like the deflag was a little short on knock down power as we struggled to find the sweet spot but we found it, the thermos are nice but the truth is if the condenser is cool on the bottom and warm on the top your running well, same with the deflag, we both agreed that it could be done without ant thermos once we got than hang of it..
We took off the fores and heads and by that time we were running pretty descent. About 2 gallons an hour at 22 amps pulling about 89 avb average. it was a big run, we pulled 3 gallons of good product before we got into the tails. We went back into full reflux to condense the tails to keep them from smearing and were done about an hour after that, the parrot was nice, the valve on the bottom kept the product from smearing throughout the run, you could dump the whole deal at any time. overall rating... Wish I had one..
Here are some pics of the rig and we made a video of the run will add a link soon..

[Halfbaked]

What did your setup cost you and what did you get for it. It looks like you spared no expense. Would you consider a second heating element? I must say it is easy on the eyes.

[demodenny]

Thanks,
Well the fermenter was $20 at an auction and the stand was free from a medical supply place, once we took the hundred pound piece of lead off the bottom we could lift it into the truck.. I would say about $3,000. for all.
The second element would be great for faster heat up time but once we learned how to drive the flute the single 5500 watt was just right, 90 minutes was a descent heat up time for 22 gallons or so.. I figure it will all pay for itself in 4-5 years, the stuff should last past my lifetime so its an investment.

[wv_cooker]

Beautiful setup and thanks for the input Denny.

[Halfbaked]

+1 Denny. You did good.

[demodenny]

Thanks Gents,
The video is not cooperating.. About ready to give up on it..

[tkdc]

Sounds very well built. Its nice to see some pics other than the ones on the website. I'm going to be running a propane burner on a 13 gallon can with fittings for an element in case I want to go electric. Hopefully upgrade the size of the boiler later on. Looks great thanks for the pics.

[demodenny]

Here are a few more until I can get the dang video up..

[Kaput808]

Oh man that is super sexy right there.

[schoolboy]

Finally, I am glad to see someone besides mile hi actually give us a review! I hope the wait is the only battle that this rig will give me when it arrives though.

TKDC i feel your pain on the wait, evidentially Mile Hi is having to produce the plates and down-comers in-house now and it is giving them some hassle. Previously they outsourced the plates which makes me wonder if there is going to be any sacrifice with their design vs the original producers? This information was given to me via a phone call wondering what the turn around time was going to be on my order.

Demodenny if you don't mind me asking, what was left out of his order for the sake of ensuring that when mine and tkdc's arrive we will know to look for it? Also any changes or recommendations that should be noted/made while running? Thanks for any help!

[demodenny]

Sure, the upper U tube was missing. A simple packing mistake.
The plates work well, we were looking at increasing the fluid level on the bottom plate to see if we could stack it the same as the others. We will be giving it a try soon. Other then that there is a small learning curve but once you learn how to drive it it runs just fine.. I did hear that if you use a 2 to 4 inch adapter the bottom trap may touch but they are aware of that issue and I am sure resolving it..Might be what you all are waiting for? We purchased a 4 inch milk can lid with the flute as can be seen in the pictures..Might be why we were lucky enough to get ours..

[schoolboy]

Sure, the upper U tube was missing. A simple packing mistake.
The plates work well, we were looking at increasing the fluid level on the bottom plate to see if we could stack it the same as the others. We will be giving it a try soon. Other then that there is a small learning curve but once you learn how to drive it it runs just fine.. I did hear that if you use a 2 to 4 inch adapter the bottom trap may touch but they are aware of that issue and I am sure resolving it..Might be what you all are waiting for? We purchased a 4 inch milk can lid with the flute as can be seen in the pictures..Might be why we were lucky enough to get ours..

Awesome, glad to hear it was a minor mistake! How do you plan to increase the fluid level on the bottom plate because this will certainly be a good thing for me to plan ahead. Fortunately my boiler is currently getting a makeover with a 4 inch ferrule in place of the old 3 it once had. Although I am glad you informed me the flute will not work with a 2-4 inch adapter because I had been tinkering with the idea of using another old keg, but never mind. I think I just behind on the curve, I ordered mine almost a month ago exactly, time will tell! Keep us updated on the Flute, thanks again for all of the help!

[tkdc]

Got word today mines shipping tomorrow or the next day. Sounds like they sold a ton of the flutes and are just waiting on plates to get finished. Ill let you guys know more when I know more.

[demodenny]

To raise the fluid level on the bottom plate we are going to try making the trap deeper so it holds more fluid along with raising the downcomer drain on top of the plate, I think both are required according to some of the help I have gotten on the subject. Might work or not ? Nothing to loose by trying. Also was going to order a bare bubble plate from SD just to see if it fits. I have seen a few questions about mixing bubble cap plates with perforated plates, might give that a try in the future as well.. Lots of things to experiment with now.. Joe has a 15 gallon wino's sugar wash cooking up now gonna see if we can get some neutral out of it next run, I told him we should pack the area above the deflag and see how that works out to..
Anyway we will keep you updated.. The video will have to wiait till next run, I screwed it up good..

[johnhopper1957]

I just I cant resist weighing here. I build flutes too but refuse to market to you guys that think $1400 -$1500 is expensive and will buy Chinese made just to save a few bucks.
We are our own worst enemy in destroying the American middle class. Folks will drive across town to save a dollar. 20 years ago I used to buy shirts at JC Penny's for $10. Made in America. Now they are only $5 at Target. You guys wonder where the hell all the middle class manufacturing jobs went? Look in the mirror.

still dragon is not in good standing here. Why? I dont know. Ask Tater. Why the hell would you want to buy Chinese anyway? I am sure there is nothing wrong with their welds. They know how to freaking weld. Quality is not a reason. I like the modular concept. I am happy to see MH is doing that now too.

Lets clear up a few other things. You dont need a lot of copper! I own several stills. My stainless packed column makes better whiskey that my four plate flute. It uses a copper reflux condenser and product condenser. There is no copper in the column and there are NEVER off flavors.
Some argue that bubble caps are better for flavor and perf plates strip all the flavor. Thats BullShit. Ask any guy on here with a perf plate rig. You cant avoid flavor. At the hobby scale they are just different. Period.

Quality of product? That's the operator. The types of booze you can make is limited by the still. Go ahead. Try to make vodka with a bubble cap or perf with only four plates.

Sorry. Feeling a little pissy this morning.

To me very good post, all the manufacturers listed above are having these manufactured in China. I know the name of the company that supplies two of the three companies listed above.

The fact is no-one can compete on price with the Chinese and that is just a fact. You are going to see even more stuff coming out of China and that is not going to change. It would be nice to see stuff made in the US or Australia or Europe but honestly that is not going to happen. China is the worlds factory.

[schoolboy]

To raise the fluid level on the bottom plate we are going to try making the trap deeper so it holds more fluid along with raising the downcomer drain on top of the plate, I think both are required according to some of the help I have gotten on the subject. Might work or not ? Nothing to loose by trying. Also was going to order a bare bubble plate from SD just to see if it fits. I have seen a few questions about mixing bubble cap plates with perforated plates, might give that a try in the future as well.. Lots of things to experiment with now.. Joe has a 15 gallon wino's sugar wash cooking up now gonna see if we can get some neutral out of it next run, I told him we should pack the area above the deflag and see how that works out to..
Anyway we will keep you updated.. The video will have to wiait till next run, I screwed it up good..

If somehow we can get measurements for the proper size I have access to a CNC machine and we can make our own bubble plates. Unfortunately the smallest holes I can punch are 1/8in so if I understand correctly that kills the idea for a perforated plate? Been reading more and more through Flute talk and I'm also interested in the lower plate being a bubble plate. Just let me know some measurements and I can get the ball rolling!

[emptyglass]

To me very good post, all the manufacturers listed above are having these manufactured in China. I know the name of the company that supplies two of the three companies listed above.

The fact is no-one can compete on price with the Chinese and that is just a fact. You are going to see even more stuff coming out of China and that is not going to change. It would be nice to see stuff made in the US or Australia or Europe but honestly that is not going to happen. China is the worlds factory.

I disagree. Sure, they can make stuff, but they don't know what its for.
They can make motorbikes, but they cant ride them.
They can make a toaster, but they don't have bread.
Like the japaneese, they will get better.

But thats no reson for the west to give up on quality, ingenuity and knowledge. And no reason to not support the local guy.

I watched a mile hi u toob vid of his factory. I saw cardboard boxes and a lift truck. No lathe, no anvil, no files.

[Halfbaked]

I agree empty glass. 99%!!! The problem is we don't play on the same page as china. It might say 316 or 304 and no one checks in china. US if it says 304A it is 304A. $10-$20 hour in US is 10-20 cents in china. Remember the kids toys that came from China that had been painted with lead paint. No checks and balances just send it to the US and let them deal with it. Not my kids and it makes me more money is the mindset. It was a Bill Clinton bill called NAFDA the caused the rest of the worlds economy to start to go up at our expence. Before NAFDA I remember the cloths you could buy that last for years and now they last for 3 or 4 washings before they come apart.

I do disagree with the fact that you said they don't know what it is for. They are very smart. Send something to be manufactured in China that is trademarked in the US and see what happens. They will be making them for everyone and selling your stuff and making your money. See how good your trademark lawer is in China. They know you can't do anything about it.

The problem is if you can buy a China set up for $1500 a US made comparable on would cost $4500. With our economy which one do you buy. I am guilty also. My pockets are not that deep either.

Sorry Soap box was there and I couldn't resist jumping on it. I won't any more.

[ohyeahyeah]

I agree empty glass. 99%!!! The problem is we don't play on the same page as china. It might say 316 or 304 and no one checks in china. US if it says 304A it is 304A. $10-$20 hour in US is 10-20 cents in china. Remember the kids toys that came from China that had been painted with lead paint. No checks and balances just send it to the US and let them deal with it. Not my kids and it makes me more money is the mindset. It was a Bill Clinton bill called NAFDA the caused the rest of the worlds economy to start to go up at our expence. Before NAFDA I remember the cloths you could buy that last for years and now they last for 3 or 4 washings before they come apart.

I do disagree with the fact that you said they don't know what it is for. They are very smart. Send something to be manufactured in China that is trademarked in the US and see what happens. They will be making them for everyone and selling your stuff and making your money. See how good your trademark lawer is in China. They know you can't do anything about it.

The problem is if you can buy a China set up for $1500 a US made comparable on would cost $4500. With our economy which one do you buy. I am guilty also. My pockets are not that deep either.

Sorry Soap box was there and I couldn't resist jumping on it. I won't any more.

NAFDA? Think you mean NAFTA-north american free trade agreement.

[Halfbaked]

Blame it, yea!!!!!! I didn't think it sounded right. I really got stop hitting the likkkkker and trying to type. OK yea NAFTA.

[johnhopper1957]

To me very good post, all the manufacturers listed above are having these manufactured in China. I know the name of the company that supplies two of the three companies listed above.

The fact is no-one can compete on price with the Chinese and that is just a fact. You are going to see even more stuff coming out of China and that is not going to change. It would be nice to see stuff made in the US or Australia or Europe but honestly that is not going to happen. China is the worlds factory.

I disagree. Sure, they can make stuff, but they don't know what its for.
They can make motorbikes, but they cant ride them.
They can make a toaster, but they don't have bread.
Like the japaneese, they will get better.

But thats no reson for the west to give up on quality, ingenuity and knowledge. And no reason to not support the local guy.

I watched a mile hi u toob vid of his factory. I saw cardboard boxes and a lift truck. No lathe, no anvil, no files.

The thing it comes down to is the consumer, I don't like it, you may not like it but it has been mentioned - price. The Chinese will copy something and sell it for 1/4 or less than what it would cost to have it made in Australia for example.

Someone imports it makes money on it and does not have to spend a minute in a workshop and they end up with 50 of them.

If you have something made locally and it is $1500.00 and an imported one is $1200.00 90% of people will buy the $1200 one. A lot of people but on price.

[emptyglass]

I do disagree with the fact that you said they don't know what it is for. They are very smart. Send something to be manufactured in China that is trademarked in the US and see what happens. They will be making them for everyone and selling your stuff and making your money. See how good your trademark lawer is in China. They know you can't do anything about it.

I wasn't meaning to imply that they are not smart, they are very smart people. And they have their fair share of innovations over time.

Its just a shame that we have people, equipment and skills, but not the will to buy local.

Ok, I'm hopping off the soap box too.

[schoolboy]

Well finally got the email today that mine is shipping out! When it arrives ill shoot my input on the flute!