Yarbles here, love what you have all done with the place. Super amateur distiller here, only 1 pot still run under my belt and 2 cleaning runs (Vinegar and then hard liquor). Couldn't have done it without your resources and pooled knowledge. Everything pointed to investing in a reflux variation... but I went cheap and old school for my first still and once I gain enough experience, then build a modular still some day. Purchased a 5 gallon stove top type still, but converted it to electric (water heater element) with an SRC controller. Then realized I still need an induction plate to get the temperatures dialed in right haha. Every step of the way has been interesting and a great learning experience!
Even with very conservative cuts on my first run, I decided to add some of the first tails to my final first blend and I'm glad I did. (I have a big nose so picking up on off scents comes naturally) Flavour is amazing!
My first ferment was about 27 lbs of apples liquefied then shot for a 1.075 SG. Dady, etc, etc. Was really happy with the results. So far adding some ice tea extract is my favourite, tastes like delicious tequila!
2nd and 3rd new ferments on the go! Take that LCBO! If you live in Ontario then you know what I mean!
Cheers team.