Hello!

[tonyaj]

I'm excited to officially be here! I've lurked to glean info, but finally decided to join.

I'm located in the Blue Ridge Mountains, and have been making meat and cider for about 8 years. Last summer, a friend who had been taught by his grandpa at 14 let me help him with several batches of fruit brandy.
In December, my friend decided to "retire" and gave me his 5 gallon N Georgia still. While I'm fairly confident in his process, I know that I know nothing in the science or real terminology. His grandpa worked in a "mix this much of this with this much of that, and do this" kind of system, so that's what I learned too.
I'm hoping to learn here, to be more successful in my successes and know the why's of any failures.
Thanks, for letting me be here!
T

[tonyaj]

Haha! MEAD, not meat. I do raise and butcher meat chickens, but don't think that applies here.

[subbrew]

Welcome. You have a great start. I personally think getting the fermentation right is the hardest part. Although making cuts is a close second. All I can say is read, and read, and read.... Then ask as needed.

[Wildcats]

Welcome aboard man. On a side note. I've seen and heard some hang a raw chicken in the vapor path. But seriously. A lot of great recipes in the Tried and True. Have fun and stay safe

[sadie33]

hello and welcome! It's funny how many people lurk first, glad you joined. Cool you got gifted a still and you already know how to use it. there are sooooo many recipes here!!

[tonyaj]

Thanks!

@sadie33, I figured lurking to find answers was better than jumping in without looking first?
I'm excited about this, and learning new things!

@subbrew, you just have a perfect example of what I do not know! I know fermentation, but you lost me after that!

@Wildcats, thanks for the laugh.

[still_stirrin]

Welcome aboard.

Curious tho … is it “Tony AJ”, or “Tonya J” … not that it really matters.

If it’s the latter, then a “special welcome” to you because most of our members are guys (of all ages). However, we do have a few women distillers on the site and they bring a valuable perspective to the hobby.
ss

[sadie33]

Thanks!

@sadie33, I figured lurking to find answers was better than jumping in without looking first?
I'm excited about this, and learning new things!

@subbrew, you just have a perfect example of what I do not know! I know fermentation, but you lost me after that!

@Wildcats, thanks for the laugh.

honestly, I wish I had lurked first, but I started before finding this site and my first mash, though wrong, taught me how to use my still and get used to the whole process. It is exciting learning about this process and sooooo many things, I had no idea! It's all fun.

[Bradster68]

Welcome and

[Hoosier Shine9]

welcome to the group

hs9