Old guy in a new hobby/endeaver

[Old one-eye Joe]

Well, as the title says, I am fairly old (70) and have made wine before. I am finding out this is a whole lot more complex. That will be part of the intrigue. I would like to try to make a standard Bourbon style whisky with the twist of aging it with different woods. First, I have to get it in the jar. As a retired director of a small state agency dealing with driving under the influence, I am familiar with the final product(s). I have a healthy respect for avoiding methanol, perhaps bordering on paranoia. The one eye in my screen name is true. Last October, I lost my left eye in a different hobby and am alive by the grace of God. Made a pact with my self not to do anything else stupid. I am just finding out this is trickier than making wine.

[Stonecutter]

Welcome in Brother. See you down the rabbit hole

[OtisT]

Welcome old guy, from another old(ish) guy.

I’ll save you some time and tell you that you can forget about methanol all together and not worry about it again. You won’t create enough methanol to concern yourself over, even when making Brandy, which is the type of spirit that produces the most. (Comes from fermenting Pectin found in fruit). Methanol so not isolated easily (likes to cling to water) so what little methanol you do produce will be spread throughout the run. I hear there is more methanol in a glass of OJ than there is in brandy drink. All the reports I have read about methanol poisoning comes from adulterated spirits, where someone intentionally adds methanol to spirits to boost ABV so they can make more money.

Trying different wood can be fun. What types of wood are you thinking of trying.

[cob]

Yes this is the welcome center, and welcome. but everyone new and old should read this.

search.php?keywords=methanol+myth

[acfixer69]

Welcome to HD.

[Wildcats]

Welcome aboard man. You're in the right place. Have fun and stay safe.

[Deplorable]

Welcome to the forums. There is much to read here. Have fun and be safe.

[Old one-eye Joe]

Welcome old guy, from another old(ish) guy.

I’ll save you some time and tell you that you can forget about methanol all together and not worry about it again. You won’t create enough methanol to concern yourself over, even when making Brandy, which is the type of spirit that produces the most. (Comes from fermenting Pectin found in fruit). Methanol so not isolated easily (likes to cling to water) so what little methanol you do produce will be spread throughout the run. I hear there is more methanol in a glass of OJ than there is in brandy drink. All the reports I have read about methanol poisoning comes from adulterated spirits, where someone intentionally adds methanol to spirits to boost ABV so they can make more money.

Trying different wood can be fun. What types of wood are you thinking of trying.

Well, I feel better about the methanol thing. It surprised me that there was any at all. Still going to throw out (burn) the first half cup of any run. I have all manner of trees growing on my acreage. I'm starting with charred wild cherry. But I have red and white oaks, pecan, hickory, sassafras, and a few that I won't ever try. If it stinks to smoke food with it, there's no point. That lets out black walnut, locusts of all kinds and any soft woods like pine. I would appreciate your experiences with various woods. Thanks,