A Band Of Brothers, and a Sister or two

[ga flatwoods]

I had tried researching everything I could find on the internet. Read a lot of it, especially wine and beer related articles. The distillation of alcohol seemed more elusive and what was there I found no satisfaction in. The videos on you tube gave me no feeling of comfort either as most appeared similar to back yard shenanigans with no level of professionalism higher than those posted by company spokesmen attempting to sale a product, or products, that would constitute sale of more products. The lack of quality research material was disappointing to say the least. Why is it that "A world class distilling apparatus" gets so many hits from first time seekers of building how-to's? How many hundreds or thousands have been built of of that model? It is not the best of designs by today's standards. The net was still a disappointment for lack of information. The thoughts weighed heavily on my mind that the reason being is because of the taboo ideas of "moonshining" and the obvious oversight of such things by various law enforcent agencies throughout the world with not enough other things of high value to be concerned with. I certainly didnt want to be on any more lists than I might have been otherwise already. I was to the point of trying to seek those that may have the knowledge I was seeking and begging for a chance of obtaining a mentor and they a pupil. Imfound a few good stories of such things but with a lot of disclaimers of no personal knowledge. In fact I received warnings of pursuing such an endeavor as being a dangerously illegal past time with potential dire consequences. Again, I was dissatisfied but nit dissuaded. Then, one day.....
Somehow I followed a thread, off a thread, off a thread, you know-old school surfing, and came across a discussion forum. The topic was of interest and the folks involved seemed knowledgeable and helpful. I then checked out some of the other topics being discussed. To my amazement, the quality of materials I had been looking for appeared to be here. I went to the home site and read it all, several times, and did not involve myself into the time required to dip into the forums for a long time. When I did start checking into them, I realized that there was much more to this site than the mandatory, repetitive told "go-to" reading and research. The most of the knowledge here was in the membership and what they had to share and contribute to any who would ask. There was no longer a choice for me , I had to join Home Distiller if they would have me. From that time forward things have never been the same for me, or Home Distiller! Today makes two years to the date I joined and am proud to be here still. I have learned much, been able to channel thought and ideas here otherwise untapped, been touched by some members and maybe touched some others, shared some laughs and tears, shared personal experiences -some more real than others, and perhaps help inspire a few newbies or curious visitors to take up the craft. I have met folks here I would never otherwise had the pleasure to. My few personal meetings, and the occasional telephone conversations with other members are among my favorite things.
Thank you members, old and new, for making this site a good place to pull up a chair and either listen or share.
Georgia Flatwoods

[S-Cackalacky]

Welcome to the forums. To start, read the links in my signature. I mean ...

Well said flatwoods. You and I and a few others came here around the same time and it's been my pleasure to share the jouney with you all. Thanks for posting this GA. You have expressed my sentiments along with your own.

Good luck to you and stay safe.

[Bigbob]

Thank you brother! I have never participated in any on line forum. And now I consider most of you as my friends. It's amazing to me.

[Fastill]

I started searching for info much the same way as you, and built one of those world class stills, and then built the second design because I found this place and found out that the first design sucked...( and I do love my Nixon Stone)
I read for months mostly on the parent site before joining, and now find myself here almost every day. I don't post alot because when questions are answered correctly and many wise answers have been given, I don't feel the need to repeat what has already been said, but I am still here, reading, always learning, and enjoying what goes on here.

[jedneck]

Mr. Flatwoods,
I have been enjoying reading your posts damn near from day one. And hope that you continue to post for many more years. If you ever stray north to the land of the cold my door is always open and the coffee pot hot. You sir a treasure.

[firewater69]

Well said flatwoods, i first found the parent site, then after distilling for a while finally joined HD. i had been an ag beer brewer for a long time & that helped me alot but the knowledge gained about distilling came from the good folks here. i owe alot to my fine friends here at HD. Cheers!

[Drunk-N-Smurf]

If this was Facebook I would be clicking the like button a million times. Well said ga.

[MichiganCornhusker]

I'm very happy to have found this forum as well, a place where so many characters of such character like to hang out.
You were one of the very first to welcome me, and encourage me here at HD. May the Band play on for a good long time.
Congrats on 2 years!

[HDNB]

hows that 2 yr old Muckalee creek water tasting these days?

ha, i just noticed i was 1 year, two days ago meself.

[Jimbo]

Well said brother. Its a personal honor and blessing I feel to have made friends with many of you here on HD. Shootin the shit some and helping folk find a little success in their spirits runs here on HD is a high point of the day.

[corene1]

A 2 year anniversary , time really seems to fly when you are around good friends. I have always admired your way with words, thanks for all the stories , they give the forum a sense of home and fellowship.

[goose eye]

Come here lookin answer to why. The way of the real world is
you can't get close. Let your guard down sn you got. Been my pleasure to read yalls words.
Good luck on yalls journey cause you never want to get to
your last charge. Enjoy the ride

So I'm tole

[Rastus]

it is an amazingly spiritual journey in more ways than one.

i see now i have just passed 3 years here myself.... I spent a great deal reading and researching, when i got stuck i finally asked questions ... and then when i needed clarification to make sure i did got it right.
I love Some of the jokes, and the music we shared... hell man, here is where i found out about unknown Hinson... and now my kids listen to him too hahaha and my womern dont give me no flack about it...
i always watch to see what some of the elders have to say at times also... my mind wanders into imagining the personality and how would be the person themselves based on how they seem to be it is always a surprise when you think you knew what someone would be like and what they really are.
We have diverse topics, variety of personalities, varying levels of complexity of the various debates, and discussions,
and we all love our COPPER PORN!!!!
this site is truly a great resource, Because of everyone who puts their heart into it and is diligent about making sure the safety rules and "hobby " guidelines are adhered to.

All of this does bring a humble sincere appreciation.

Dang, almost feel poetic about this place, a sanctuary, I dont dare talk about the given topics with people in my community because of the nature of our craft, this is our safe harbor.

just adding my thoughts to the collective here

best wishes to all

[T-Pee]

Oh dear. I just realized that I joined two years ago yesterday myself just a day before you, Flatwoods. I didn't get involved much at first as other parts of life got in the way shortly after joining but I came back and found a close-knit community of rugged individualists with all the knowledge that I'd ever need to be successful. I've met some truly great and sharing people in that time and even managed to earn my stripes getting my chops busted by Rad and Tater for stupid moves all in the name of personal development.

Here's to you, amigo. I always enjoy hearing what you have to say.

tp ("still" learning)

[Tater]

You only have so much time in life .I have always felt my time well spent here.

[apdb]

What the ...???
I'm coming up on my two year myself. Where does the time go.
Always a pleasure following your well thought out posts. Your one funny MF.

Aaron

[Bushman]

It's been a great ride, meeting some members and communicating both on the forum and through PM's. It's amazing how much knowledge has been gained through sharing. It was a pleasure meeting up with you but it is your turn to come out west!

[cuddy-boozer]

Welcome to HD!

[Danespirit]

Well written GA Flatwoods..
I have an almost identical story.
All those crappy You tube videos and the so called "World class distillation apparatus". were almost killing my hope for some decent information on the internet. Hell, even the thought of government agencies or Google was censoring the subject came to my mind.
Like you, following a link of a link of a link, was the way i stumbled across HD.
After "lurking" for some weeks ,checking this place out..i joined in. It was the best decision i could ever make.
The aboundance of information and the professional approach to distilling, was overwhelming...so were the helpfullness of the members around here.
I soon learned this is not a place for careless people to hang around and make "russiastills" with galvanized milkcans and plastichose.
The seriousness about pursuing the goal off clean quality spirits and a safe still, were indeed the main reason for me to join in.
I own you all a big THANK YOU! for sharing your knowledge with me.. It would have been a long journey with lots of failures without the HD community.
I sincerely hope we will get a lot of new members and gain a lot of new thoughts,ideas and inspiration to enrich this site further.
Cheers to all of you..

[SassyFrass]

Well Said GA Flatwoods. Happy anniversary.
I've always enjoyed my times around SE GA. I still get down there a couple times a year, visiting friends. Some real good folks down there.

SF

[Halfbaked]

Happy birthday GA. Your born on date is 2 years ago on this date. You know you might be a stiller if you give a play by play on a spirit run on the phone. That is first rate. Honestly it is better than a video. I am glad you found us. I am glad we all found each other. OK I am glad Uncle Jess gave us a site to find him. You are in my band of brothers and you make damn fine likker. Thanks for finding us Ga Flat.