Hello to you all...

[AdeMills]

Hello, let me introduce myself. My name is Ade and I live in the UK. I have enjoyed whisky since I was allowed to drink it. Having bought some corn whiskey on-line and after having watched serveral series of Moonshiners, I thought I'd give it a go. Not wanting to shell out loads of cash I purchased an Airstill on line and all the accompanying tools prior to hopefully, progressing onto a bigger still and a better product. I have done a lot of research on line for recipes for traditional moonshine (we can't get much of this in the UK), and hope to be able to produce some decent stuff for my own consumption and possibly sharing with friends. I'm super enthusiastic and somewhat impatient to start producing some quality spirits. I've read a lot of threads on here and you all seem super talented / knowledgeable. You possible won't approve of the equipment I've started with, but hopefully a little guidance, I'll be able to liquor that y'all be happy to drink. Here's to a good start to UK distilling

[Bushman]

Welcome to HD, we have some great recipes here in the Tried and True recipe section. You are right about the airstill and will probably grow out of it soon. Your comment:

I'm super enthusiastic and somewhat impatient to start producing some quality spirits.

does not work in this hobby, if you want quality patients is the name of the game. Good luck and be safe.

[HDNB]

Welcome Ade,
You have found the place to be for a compendium of information on moonshine. There is a link in Bushmans signature line in his post that will give you a central jumping off point for the things youn need to know. It is quite a read, but your spirits will be all the better for it.
good luck, stay safe and have some fun!

[AdeMills]

Thank you for the nice welcome. I see that patience and knowledge are key to producing a quality end product. So I guess I've got some reading and learning and failing and succeeding to do. Cheers.

[fyfo]

Hey Ade, best of luck with the brewing. If you're anything like me then you'll soon be addicted to reading and reading all the amazing info on this forum!

[Mikey-moo]

Always pleased to see more UK folks. Welcome aboard!

There are some threads on here by other airstill users that should help you get the best out of that small unit. And when you're ready to upgrade there's plenty of advice on how to go about that too.

This is truly a most satisfying hobby

[sltm1]

Welcome aboard. T-Y-T...Take your Time, this is gonna be a lifetime of fun so be patient, learn and enjoy !

[AdeMills]

Well it's been a month since I posted anything. So what have I been doing? Well a WHOLE lot of reading that's for sure! I guess like many people, I saw 'Moonshiners' on the tv and thought "I can do that!".... I got a recipe from the internet and followed it to the letter, then couldn't understand why it had turned into blancmange. I then came on this forum looking for some instant help, but the Uncle Jesse and you guys put me on track. I apologise for my disrescpect to you all. So, I followed UJ's sourmash recipe and what do you know? I got me some tasty liquor, so I'm a very happy man. My friends like it too. You're right though, that Airstill is not that good, but it'll do for now whilst I refine my skills. I've just kicked off another wash and have added demerara sugar to see what that does to the flavour profile..... Thanks again guys, this is now a lifetime of possibilities. Cheers! Ade

[HDNB]

now you have done it. You're hooked now.

what kind of rig are you going to build now?

[AdeMills]

You mean what type of still am I going to build HDNB? To be honest, I've been looking around a buying a pot or reflux still. I haven't really thought about building one.... Any suggestions? The Airstill (now don't laugh), runs off 700ml in two hours....

[HDNB]

You mean what type of still am I going to build HDNB? To be honest, I've been looking around a buying a pot or reflux still. I haven't really thought about building one.... Any suggestions? The Airstill (now don't laugh), runs off 700ml in two hours....

I think i would build Dad300's CCVM if i was starting out again. easy and inexpensive, you would barely have to solder anything. for a boiler i have read that 15 gal beer kegs are available in the UK fairly readily. ask a few of the other UK members here... internal electric heater like jimbo's electric conversion thread.

I'd bet you could do the whole thing under 150 pounds (i don't have the funky "L" sign on my keyboard) if you did some careful shopping.

[AdeMills]

Thanks HDNB, I better do some research.... I really appreciate your advice and for helping me out. My regards to you and your family.