No longer messing around

[Shark_Sugar]

Hello all,
I am a retired military grandfather about to be 50. I've done a lot in my time but I was retired from the military sooner than I hoped. I tried to fill the time I had with hobbies, but I only know how to go "ALL IN" so every hobby became a small business or a lifestyle. Through all of it, I learned that the first time you take an order for something, IT IS NO LONGER A HOBBY. Well it has come to this, I love distilling spirits. From the science of it to the lessons of the backwoods and all the way to the imbibing. The research is unlimited and the methods are as abundant as the flavors. The time I have for it is ample and I have patience in spades.
Let me say, I already understand that there is more that I don't know than I will ever know so coming at it from that angle, I'm just looking to get my all grain (corn only) consistent. I have already made a Peach Brandy, Rum and a Gin, but they were barely drinkable. After following the Required Reading, I decided that focusing on cracked corn would be cheap enough that I could try and replicate it until I get it the way I want it.
My current system is a 1 gallon pot with condenser, but I already have a condenser made for a much larger still and plan on making a 5 gal pot with Mason Jar thumpers or a reflux column. I'm glad I found you guys and I look forward to having a place to look for answers. I saw how old the forum was, and figured most questions have already been asked so I might not be asking anything for a while, but I did want to introduce myself first.

"If at first you don't succeed, get your shit together and blow the second time away." Shark_Sugar

[Corn Cracker]

Welcome, it is an addictive, semi time consuming hobby. I'm a lot like yourself, I go all in on hobbies as well, I really enjoy this one, I just upgraded to a 15g keg. There is plenty of info for you, it takes some time to dig but, you'll find what your looking for and get any questions answered. Folks are pretty helpful around here

[SW_Shiner]

Welcome to the forum. There's plenty of info to stuck into. You'll be making quality liquor in no time.

My current system is a 1 gallon pot with condenser, but I already have a condenser made for a much larger still and plan on making a 5 gal pot with Mason Jar thumpers or a reflux column.

NO, no, no. Get that out of your head right away. Safety is number one, and boiling flammable liquid in an easily broken container is a big safety issue. Stainless or copper only

[Shark_Sugar]

Welcome to the forum. There's plenty of info to stuck into. You'll be making quality liquor in no time.

My current system is a 1 gallon pot with condenser, but I already have a condenser made for a much larger still and plan on making a 5 gal pot with Mason Jar thumpers or a reflux column.

NO, no, no. Get that out of your head right away. Safety is number one, and boiling flammable liquid in an easily broken container is a big safety issue. Stainless or copper only

Thanks for the information.

[Stonecutter]

Welcome aboard. This forum offers tons of information but the members draw a firm line in the sand regarding safety. It may come off as pretentious or a clique but I assure you we just want to give safe and effective information which usually comes by destroying methods learned from YouTube channels. As you have already figured out almost every question has already been asked ad nauseam. So read till yer eyes bleed. Looking forward to sharing information and hopefully some laughs.
Stay safe and have fun Shark _Sugar

[BlackStrap]

Welcome Shark_Sugar

Good to have you here.
If you follow the advice and wisdom from the members here, You'll stay safe ...Like Stonecutter mentioned

read till your eyes bleed

Stay Safe & Have Fun
BlackStrap

[Saltbush Bill]

Welcome aboard Shark Sugar.
If you've been getting your information on Gin , Peach brandy and Rum making from the same sources that recommend mason jar thumpers, then I'm not surprised that the end results are almost undrinkable.
Those jars are a big No No

[Shark_Sugar]

Welcome aboard Shark Sugar.
If you've been getting your information on Gin , Peach brandy and Rum making from the same sources that recommend mason jar thumpers, then I'm not surprised that the end results are almost undrinkable.
Those jars are a big No No

Thank you Saltbush, that was extremely helpful and encouraging.

[MooseMan]

Hello all,
I am a retired military grandfather about to be 50. I've done a lot in my time but I was retired from the military sooner than I hoped. I tried to fill the time I had with hobbies, but I only know how to go "ALL IN" so every hobby became a small business or a lifestyle. Through all of it, I learned that the first time you take an order for something, IT IS NO LONGER A HOBBY. Well it has come to this, I love distilling spirits. From the science of it to the lessons of the backwoods and all the way to the imbibing. The research is unlimited and the methods are as abundant as the flavors. The time I have for it is ample and I have patience in spades.
Let me say, I already understand that there is more that I don't know than I will ever know so coming at it from that angle, I'm just looking to get my all grain (corn only) consistent. I have already made a Peach Brandy, Rum and a Gin, but they were barely drinkable. After following the Required Reading, I decided that focusing on cracked corn would be cheap enough that I could try and replicate it until I get it the way I want it.
My current system is a 1 gallon pot with condenser, but I already have a condenser made for a much larger still and plan on making a 5 gal pot with Mason Jar thumpers or a reflux column. I'm glad I found you guys and I look forward to having a place to look for answers. I saw how old the forum was, and figured most questions have already been asked so I might not be asking anything for a while, but I did want to introduce myself first.

"If at first you don't succeed, get your shit together and blow the second time away." Shark_Sugar

Welcome to the forum Shark_Sugar, you've found the final and only place you'll need to go looking for trusted information on distilling.

We're of a similar age and I'm totally envious that you are retired already. Respect to you for serving your country until retirement.

Have a good read through all of the links at the bottom of this page, absorb the info and then, start asking for a steer, you'll get it.

I'll give you your first one, forget the 5 gal pot and look for something 15-20. (Cough, Stainless beer kegs are usually 15.5!)

Enjoy

Moose

[sadie33]

Hello and welcome!! There is so much to learn and read, but it's all good. You mind find yourself falling down a couple rabbit holes one you get reading. Enjoy the ride!!

[Shark_Sugar]

It may come off as pretentious or a clique but I assure you we just want to give safe and effective information which usually comes by destroying methods learned from YouTube channels.

I'm guessing no one on this forum has a YouTube channel if everything learned on there needs to be destroyed. That doesn't sound pretentious at all. Thanks for the advice.

[SW_Shiner]

The problem with a lot of YouTube channels is that they lose focus on giving accurate and safe information and drift more towards getting clicks for ad revenue and product sales. Much better for their pocket if rather than telling you that bakers yeast is cheap and good, they direct you to a link to turbo yeast that they get a cut of when you buy it.

[Saltbush Bill]

Shark Sugar as above, you will notice that this forum is completely advertising free, it is purposely kept that way.
None of the members or Mods here are payed for the advice that they give, unlike most Youtubers.
It is also worth noting that the combined experiencec and knowledge of past and present members and Mods of the forum outweighs by far anything that can be found on youtube or elsewhere.

[PalCabral]

Shark Sugar as above, you will notice that this forum is completely advertising free, it is purposely kept that way.
None of the members or Mods here are payed for the advice that they give, unlike most Youtubers.
It is also worth noting that the combined experiencec and knowledge of past and present members and Mods of the forum outweighs by far anything that can be found on youtube or elsewhere.

+1

The better Youtubers acknowledge that they got the information they are sharing from this forum. Jessie from Still It is a member and has on numerous occasions mentioned homedistillers in his videos. And he should.

[Pure Old Possum Piss]

Just my opinion but I think everyone should start with a 15.5 gallon keg. Small 5 gal stills are really hard to make cuts from and a 1gal is almost impossible. With those tiny stills the cuts come so fast and are easily missed unless catching product in shot glasses. A keg will give you enough volume to make it easier. And if you're doing test batches you can always use less mash/wash in it.
PS stay the hell away from glass jars, they're dangerous. The you tube guy that made them popular nearly burned his house down and has since quit pushing them. But others have jumped on the bandwagon and are building/promoting/selling those fire traps.

[Stonecutter]

It may come off as pretentious or a clique but I assure you we just want to give safe and effective information which usually comes by destroying methods learned from YouTube channels.

I'm guessing no one on this forum has a YouTube channel if everything learned on there needs to be destroyed. That doesn't sound pretentious at all. Thanks for the advice.

I appreciate sarcasm as much as the next guy but you’re acting as if I’ve spoken in absolutes. Let’s not get off on the wrong foot here Friend. It’s been a while since I’ve bothered to post and I’m not looking to come off awkward.