Carrying on the Tradition

[Charlie57]

Hello Everyone,
Thirty years ago, I used to sit with my Great Uncle Edgar, watching Silent Western movies of stars like Tom Mix, Ken Maynard, and Buck Jones. He always had some Kentucky moonshine that someone delivered in milk jugs. He would take a few gulps and pass it to me. I'd take a tiny sip and hand it back. Let me tell you, that crap was nasty! Edgar's brother, Carl, would make moonshine for himself and his friends until his 70's. After that, he started buying it.
Fast forward 30 years, and they have both passed. I have moved to Edgar's property in the tiny town of Pocahontas, VA. I plan to start making moonshine at the same place my uncle did to continue the tradition. But I want to make a quality product that does not taste like kerosene! I have much to learn, and after reading books and hundreds of hours of YouTube, I'm getting ready to purchase a Reflux still to produce flavored moonshine for family and friends.
I have much to learn, and I am happy I came across this forum!

Charlie

[Wildcats]

Welcome to HD man. Nice introduction. You wanting to carry on the family tradition is commendable. You're in the right place. Have a look at the Tried and True. Good luck Sir. Don't sell, don't tell. Have fun and stay safe.

[jonnys_spirit]

Welcome to HD Charlie!

Before you buy, i'd recommend reading more here and starting a thread about what you want to do. Most "Reflux Stills" available on the market cost too much and aren't that great. Plenty of experienced folks to help you understand your needs that aren't selling anything.

Not sure what you've been watching on youtube or elsewhere but HD is legit - You'll notice that there are no ads so there is no sales motive..

Cheers,
jonny

[OlympicMtDoo]

Welcome to HD Charlie57, you have found the right place to learn the art of making quality spirits. This forum is legit, youtube is fun but needs to be taken for what it is, entertainment and advertising. Carry on and stay safe. OMD

[Saltbush Bill]

Welcome to home distiller Charlie

and after reading books and hundreds of hours of YouTube, I'm getting ready to purchase a Reflux still to produce flavored moonshine

The are a lot of bad books and a few good ones out there from what I've seen.
The same applies to youtube, 2 or 3 good ones and a pile of idiots who don't know shit from coal about distilling.
For that reason you might already need to unlearn a lot of what you think you know.
You might have already been lead in the wrong direction by a book or youtube as your choice of stills looks wrong for the spirit that you want to make.
Reflux stills are used for removing flavour.....not for making flavoured spirits.
Asking folk here for advice before purchasing a still will get you pointed in the right direction saving you money, time and frustration.

[NZChris]

Welcome to the forum.

It sounds like you're about to make your first mistake by buying the wrong type of still. Slow down, decide what it is that you want to make, then research how to make it and what stills are best for the job.

[Bradster68]

Welcome and