Hi from New Zealand's West Island

[Roo]

Hi all, been reading for a bit and started slowly acquiring gear.

I have been AG brewing beer for a bit and thought I'd extend that having a crack at trying to make some Vodka for cocktails and infusions etc. and try to make a good Gin. If I can get that right, I might look to having a go at Rum, but the initial focus is Gin and Vodka.

I am planning on a modular still, I have a reasonable size shed and could go as high 4m (but most likely won't). Essentially enough height for 6 plates and 500mm packed reflux section or variation thereof.

I am somewhat time poor, so I am most likely going with 100l jacketed boiler and 6" column, I have friends/family that can help. As the boiler is jacketed I should be able to do smaller runs for Gin but larger runs for neutral (at least that is my thinking).

I have also got a 2l lab glass still, with biomass flask for vapour infusions. The idea is to use this to refine recipes for making batches or to do one offs like a special one or two bottles.

[sadie33]

Hello and welcome!!

[Pure Old Possum Piss]

Howdy!

[MooseMan]

Welcome to the forum Roo, you're starting out right.

The big still for neutrals and the little 2l one for gin will make a perfect combo. You can make a lot of gin from 1l of spirit, distilled with a high botanical bill.

I look forward to hearing your progress!

Moose

[metalsmith]

You will find you have to really put the heat to a 6 inch still to keep plates full. Hard to finesse with that much heat. Maybe 4 inch is more practical. Modular is the way to go.

[SW_Shiner]

Welcome to the forum. Sounds like you've got a good plan for what you are wanting.

[BlackStrap]

Welcome to the forum Roo

You'll find your brewing experiences will be similar, and at the same time challenging. If you are like me (hopefully you are not...LOL) those skills come in handy... My hope would be that you have all the success in those goals you have set for yourself...
Nice to have you on board.

Stay Safe & Have Fun
BlackStrap

[Roo]

You will find you have to really put the heat to a 6 inch still to keep plates full. Hard to finesse with that much heat. Maybe 4 inch is more practical. Modular is the way to go.

While the 6" route is more $$$, I had decided I would take the extra time to acquire what I need as the decreased run times seem important to being able to find the time to actually use it.

I am a fair way down the 6" rabbit hole, I guess far enough to see it through now... I was taking the "buy once, cry once" approach, which I hope I don't regret.

[Yummyrum]

Welcome to the forum Roo .
Where about are you ?
How many kw is the boiler out of curiosity ?

[Saltbush Bill]

Welcome aboard Roo.
Here is my six inch build , if you have any questions just ask in that thread, or start a new one if you want.
viewtopic.php?p=7581256

[Roo]

Welcome to the forum Roo .
Where about are you ?
How many kw is the boiler out of curiosity ?

I'm in Australia, the post title was a bit tongue in cheek.

I will be able to run up to 3x 3000W elements, hoping to get away with a being able to switch 1 or 2 3000W elements on/off and having power controller on a third 2400W.

[Roo]

Welcome aboard Roo.
Here is my six inch build , if you have any questions just ask in that thread, or start a new one if you want.
viewtopic.php?p=7581256

Thanks mate, will read up there. I thought I searched pretty hard for 6" builds but somehow missed that.

Thanks for everyone's kind welcome. Looking forward making something I can be happy with.