the Dood here, I'm new!

[th3d00dj03]

New to stilling in general. Other than a few fruit wines and meads haven't made much as for alcohol. No current still. Have looked at several designs and haven't made up my mind. Any input on a good still to start with would be awesome. Oh yeah, just moved to Tennessee.

[thatguy1313]

Welcome to the forums! Lots to read and learn! Answer to your question may be difficult to answer. There really is no "best" still for a beginner or otherwise. Reading the required content will help you make your decision. You can find it all in the link in my signature. Have fun and enjoy the ride!

[ben stiller]

What are you looking to produce? That will have a direct impact on the best still for you. Welcome aboard

[th3d00dj03]

Well I've read the first 19 pages of the 105 total pages on sf whiskey. I'm really interested in trying that I've already sourced my sf. I seen the recipe somewhere else and ended up on this forum. I've read a lot on this site and have learned loads of new information. I've drank my share of distilled spirits. Just really want my own.

[thatguy1313]

Thats a good recipe to start with. If you're going after whiskey or other flavored spirits, you might consider a basic potstill. If vodka or gin or other neutral spirits are your goal, consider a reflux still. Designs and explanations of operations for each are in the link provided.

[Bigbob]

Welcome dood, sweet feed has been very good to me. It's very easy, taste great. I use a pot still. Make sure to read the post thatguy suggested it will really help!

[th3d00dj03]

Yeah I like some flavor. I do like drinking white also. I think I'll start with a basic potstill as the wife likes flavors as well. I'm a very confident person and can't wait to get started. But I don't want to get to apprehensive. So I think I'll hold off on building a reflux for a while.

[Bigbob]

Just take your time and read the post thatguy suggested. I have been oaking my sweet feed but I'm thinking to leave some white on my next run.

[th3d00dj03]

Thanks Bob
I've done lots of reading on here the past week. Mostly on sf. And pot stills. But most of the beginner stuff too. I find if I read for to long I quit absorbing information. So I'm pacing myself a bit.
Think I'm going to go with a stockpot still. Looking at 5 gallon copper lota. Price made my skin crawl.

The one question I have that I couldn't find anywhere or figure out on my own. It's also completely of the subject. How in the world do I Edit my signature?

[Bigbob]

Go to user control panel at top of page. There's a spot to edit your profile.

[th3d00dj03]

OK thanks again Bob only legitimate quails from now I promise.

[Twinrivers]

I will give you one piece of advice that will help you with whatever Type of still you decide on. Get a beer keg for a boiler. Get a 20 gallon brute from tractor supply for a fermenter. I wish I had half the money And time I spent on small stills and 6 gallon fermenter pails all of which I don't use anymore.

[Bigbob]

No worries, it's part of being new. You also might check out the faq at the top right hand corner, it helps with a lot of the skills to navigate this site.


Posted same as Twinrivers

[th3d00dj03]

I have 3, 55 gal and 4, 30 gal food safe drums with lids For fermenting. Also already have a 30 qt (7.5 gal) stainless stockpot and rods for welding stainless. With an idea of how to modify the lid to accept my tower. I also have airlocks from my previous wine and Mead adventures. I have a lot to learn yet. And lots of reading to do before I get my hands wet, but I've been gradually preparing myself.

[HDNB]

I have 3, 55 gal and 4, 30 gal food safe drums with lids For fermenting.

wow. make rum, you'll be able to recruit your own Navy.

welcome, have some fun!

[th3d00dj03]

Lol thanks man

[ohio]

"The dood abides!" Welcome from another new distiller. This site is awesome!

[Cav Scout]

Welcome Dood!

Before you decide on what still design to go with, I suggest reading about DAD300's still. There's a link to his build in his signature. Lots of good information- I learn something new each time I read the thread. I have a pot still but will soon be building something based off of his design. Look at Rad's too. Both gentlemen have designed easy to build high performing stills and have shared their designs with us in their signatures. Lots of other designs are to be found here as well- those are just two of my favorites. Enjoy, safe stillin', and don't forget to read, read, read!

[th3d00dj03]

Lol Ohio
I just moved from Ohio.

And thanks fir the info cav I have yet to slow down on my reading. As I've said before I'm ready to dive in head first. But I'm being patient and waiting for the pool to fill and the water to warm a little.

[th3d00dj03]

Would an 80qt stockpot be overdoing it fir potstill? I mean fewer runs of the still fir the same mash seems logical.

[Cav Scout]

Hell no! Go for it! That's a great size. I like to run bigger batches like you mentioned. Easier for me to make my cuts with more jars available to compare to one another. I have 13 and 25 gallon pots.