Distillers 101 Class @ Local Homebrew Shop

[Still Life]

One of the main downsides to this hobby is the solitude. HD being my only social stillin' network for birds of a feather.

But, we're going to have our own first St. Peters, Missouri "Truckorama" stilling class at the local brew shop next Saturday.

I'm curious if it's going to be an enlightening adventure, or a live You Tube pressure-cooker-and-rubber crap-a-thon.

Haven't met the instructor (one of you local guys, maybe?) but did get to sample his wares that they keep on hand at the shop.
Fine stuff.

Can't wait to see. I'm still too new and am at that "dangerous" state of knowing some things, and being dumb as shit at most the rest of it.
Will review any questionable methods here afterwards if something smells wrong.

I am going to name drop HD and pose an open invitation to sign up, so maybe we'll get some new members out of this.

Cheers, y'all.

[Bushman]

I wonder if the class is being taught by Zymurgy Bob? He does a class in California at NorCal brewing solutions and tours the states promoting his book. I am guessing not as he and his wife opened a distillery last year.

[Still Life]

...I wonder if the class is being taught by Zymurgy Bob? ... I am guessing not ...

Wouldn't THAT be a treat!
No. He's just a local who makes copper pot stills (and thumpers, flakes, etc.) who is promoting the hobby.

Love the shop. Over 115 grains. All the amenities. Beer focus primarily, but a good place to buy, peruse, learn, and sample free homemade beers & moonshines.
Hope this place never closes. In fact, they're expanding into their 3rd storefront.

[kiwi Bruce]

Any fear of the "Men in Black" inviting themselves ?

[Klein]

Any fear of the "Men in Black" inviting themselves ?

This would be my concern, a small but realistic risk.

[Still Life]

Any fear of the "Men in Black" inviting themselves ?

Doesn't seem to be any concern over that. Stills are plainly in sight for sale.
Don't know how hands-on the class will be --if there'll be distilling going on or what.

Missouri is as kind to distillers as Colorado is to pot heads. "Damn the Feds" seems to preside as Missouri has made it legal
to run a still if you're 18 & up, and don't make over 100 gallons annually, and don't sell.

Now watch the place get raided by Feds.... does HD have a bond agent on retainer?

[Jif]

When and where is this class? Another MO resident here.

[Still Life]

When and where is this class? Another MO resident here.

PM'ed you. Don't want to tempt HD advertising rules.

[Bushman]

Report back about the results from the class. I think this method is becoming more popular as home brew shops are starting to carry more distilling equipment. I was asked to give a presentation a few years ago at NorCal Brewing Supplies in Redding California along with Zymurgy Bob. ZB is a pot stiller and he sent me his PowerPoint presentation he gives at these seminars (great PowerPoint with graphics). I was asked to do the reflux portion of the seminar.

[Still Life]

Report back about the results from the class...

Will do, Bushman.

[SloMo]

See you there.

Looking forward to it as well.

Cheers

[Still Life]

See you there.
Looking forward to it as well.
Cheers

My name's Don.
I'll be the one who invites everyone to this forum --unless someone beats me to it.
Regardless, I'll search you out and formally introduce myself.

[Still Life]

Well the class was really Distilling 050.

Very basic: What's a still? What's a thumper? etc.
Covered sugar heads and only mentioned grains.

Have to give the instructor props. There were green noobs that I'm sure he helped out.
He volunteered his time and was a friendly sort.

Got to meet new HD member SloMo there.
And of course, I invited everyone to visit HD and check us out.

[SloMo]

Agreed, very basic. That said, for a first go as a completely volunteer event, I am not sure we could expect more. They are open to feedback for improvement and would like it to be a recurring thing. Cheers to that, though I am always concerned about drawing unwanted attention.

Personally, I would have liked a bit more structure in terms of overall process flow, do's/don'ts, options with associated benefits/consequences, common pitfalls, and trouble-shooting (e.g. How to troubleshoot and salvage a stalled AG fermentation, best way to recover from a pH crash, ways to avoid it, etc)... but that sounds more like a workshop/seminar.

It was nice to see people openly sharing. We'll see where this goes.

Great meeting you. Re-reading Honey Bear and a few of Jimbo's things at the moment.

Cheers

[Bushman]

Through years of attending conferences if I came away with one or two new things I thought it was worth it especially if the seminar was free or I didn't pay for it. Making contacts is also important. Sorry you felt it was too basic. Maybe more detail about what would be covered at the seminar would be helpful.

[Jif]

Was there any discussion of following up with a more advanced seminar? I was unable to make this one.

[Still Life]

Was there any discussion of following up with a more advanced seminar? I was unable to make this one.

I did not hear of any more meetings, and don't see anything on their calendar.

[SloMo]

Was told Sept 30th when I stopped in to pick up Rye.

Not posted yet. Should be soon.

Format will change to mimic process flow.

They seem to be keen on improvements, which is great to see.