Oak Stills 26gallon Still

[KegStand]

Well, after two years with a keg still, I’m thinking of upgrading to a 26 gallon jacketed boiler & plated column from Oak Stills. Could count the number of reviews on their stills on 1 hand, including this site. Only looking to make bourbon!

Anyone have any feedback on these jokers?

Thanks yall!

https://oakstills.com/products/100l-26g ... 2843832613

[Bolverk]

Oakstill is pretty ok, my bigger concern is that you need 2 4500/5500w elements to drive a still that big... if thats not a concern then go for it

[KegStand]

Oakstill is pretty ok, my bigger concern is that you need 2 4500/5500w elements to drive a still that big... if thats not a concern then go for it

No concern at all! My wife and I just built a house and had the electrician wire in a separate 60amp plug in the garage and the plumber add a spigot inside the garage for water too!

Is there a better alternative that you’d recommend in the same size/price etc?

[tjsc5f]

I have the 100L all stainless potbelly version from them, very happy with the quality.
I would recommend you contact them and see about some larger elements, I don't think you'd be happy with the 2x 3kw option. Like Bolverk said your going to want 2x 5500w.

[KegStand]

Great recommendation from both of yall! I’ll make that happen.

With the double jacketed, do you think I need an agitator? My goal is to distill on grain.

[shadylane]

Extra power is nice during heat up.
Running power will be decided by what the 4" plates need.

[shadylane]

Great recommendation from both of yall! I’ll make that happen.

With the double jacketed, do you think I need an agitator? My goal is to distill on grain.

Plus 1 on getting an agitator.

[KegStand]

Great recommendation from both of yall! I’ll make that happen.

With the double jacketed, do you think I need an agitator? My goal is to distill on grain.

Plus 1 on getting an agitator.

Hell ya! Going to order it all in the next couple days. Because why not?!

[Copperhead road]

With the double jacketed, do you think I need an agitator?

Also if you ever decide to do fruit brandy’s you will have the perfect set up to distill on the pulp.

[Bolverk]

Id get the pot belly over the milk can if you can swing the extra cash, being raised off the floor will make it easier to dump when youre done... plus the pot belly just looks cool.

[Born_Free]

Anyone have any feedback on these jokers?

I've had good luck with these guys, they will also modify to suit your needs for a very reasonable price. For example I had them lower the element port to minimize the fluid level required.

Triclamps are not top quality, but at the prices they charge it is hard to justify spending elsewhere.

The only issue I have is I would not buy any of their electrical components, even the electrical elements are a bit off.

[PalCabral]

I've had good luck with these guys, they will also modify to suit your needs for a very reasonable price. For example I had them lower the element port to minimize the fluid level required.

Triclamps are not top quality, but at the prices they charge it is hard to justify spending elsewhere.

The only issue I have is I would not buy any of their electrical components, even the electrical elements are a bit off.

+1

I am very happy with Oakstills. Peter is a good customer rep, and as Born_Free is saying, he will be happy to make a deal where you can pick a few things in place of something else. Oakstill have much better prices than what you'd find on Ali and with Peter you can have discussion in English that make sense. The boiler looks awesome, me want. I've got their 50L/13g milk can boiler, which I am happy with, but this boiler would be my pick if I ever upgraded. Or one from the Ukraine boys.

I'd think twice about their Electrical Controller. It's really nothing special, I've heard - many have complained. You'd do better swapping it for an agitator, or keep the money and buy a controller in the US (if that's where you are located). There are a lot of threads about good electric controllers on the forum.

[KegStand]

I've had good luck with these guys, they will also modify to suit your needs for a very reasonable price. For example I had them lower the element port to minimize the fluid level required.

Triclamps are not top quality, but at the prices they charge it is hard to justify spending elsewhere.

The only issue I have is I would not buy any of their electrical components, even the electrical elements are a bit off.

+1

I am very happy with Oakstills. Peter is a good customer rep, and as Born_Free is saying, he will be happy to make a deal where you can pick a few things in place of something else. Oakstill have much better prices than what you'd find on Ali and with Peter you can have discussion in English that make sense. The boiler looks awesome, me want. I've got their 50L/13g milk can boiler, which I am happy with, but this boiler would be my pick if I ever upgraded. Or one from the Ukraine boys.

I'd think twice about their Electrical Controller. It's really nothing special, I've heard - many have complained. You'd do better swapping it for an agitator, or keep the money and buy a controller in the US (if that's where you are located). There are a lot of threads about good electric controllers on the forum.

Thanks for the words of wisdom fellas. I built my current keg boiler’s controller so probably wouldn’t be too difficult to replicate/double the build (would obviously do my own research prior to building).

Great advice on the heating elements. I was kind of thinking the same thing anyways being as how they’re coming from China..

The wife has given me a budget and Peter has given me an 8% discount code so I’m about to pull the trigger likely by end of week on the whole kit and caboodle including the agitator.

[Powder Monkey]

I have their agitator. It’s a game changer, though I wish the shaft was a bit longer as some thick mashes the grain piles up in “the corner” a bit. I also wish the drain port was a larger diameter as it plugs for some thicker grain mashes. I have a hodgepodge from Mile high and oak stills for a steam set up and overall very pleased. I’d likely consider the jacketed approach if I had to do it all again. I think it is a good choice.

[Homebrewer11777]

Looks like a great setup and looking forward to seeing your final configuration.

What types of spirits do you plan to make?

[KegStand]

Looks like a great setup and looking forward to seeing your final configuration.

What types of spirits do you plan to make?

I’m a bourbon guy myself. Been chasing the perfect setup to do larger batches, distill on the grain, and try to eliminate the need to do stripping runs followed by spirit runs!

But of course, I don’t discriminate when it comes to making booze and would be open to making other types!

[Homebrewer11777]

Gotcha - also bourbon guy interested in distilling on the grain. Don't really mind spirit runs after stripping runs though so while I like the boiler+agitator on that still a lot I am not sure I'd actually use the flute.

[tjsc5f]

I’m a bourbon guy myself. Been chasing the perfect setup to do larger batches, distill on the grain, and try to eliminate the need to do stripping runs followed by spirit runs!

Higgins has a great thread on the same beer distilled 4 different ways, check it out if you haven't already.
It's been a while since I read through it, but from memory I think the one and done was the lowest ranked product. That doesn't mean you shouldn't try it, you may have different preferences, but definitely experiment and see what works best for you. With the setup you're looking at, you'll have plenty of options.

[KegStand]

Gotcha - also bourbon guy interested in distilling on the grain. Don't really mind spirit runs after stripping runs though so while I like the boiler+agitator on that still a lot I am not sure I'd actually use the flute.

Fair enough and to each their own! I know Oak Stills makes a number of different columns without plates so could be a cheaper option for you down the road!

[KegStand]

I’m a bourbon guy myself. Been chasing the perfect setup to do larger batches, distill on the grain, and try to eliminate the need to do stripping runs followed by spirit runs!

Higgins has a great thread on the same beer distilled 4 different ways, check it out if you haven't already.
It's been a while since I read through it, but from memory I think the one and done was the lowest ranked product. That doesn't mean you shouldn't try it, you may have different preferences, but definitely experiment and see what works best for you. With the setup you're looking at, you'll have plenty of options.

Just got done reading the whole thread. 2x plate column and 2x pot still were the highest ranked. Great thread suggestion!

I just wonder if distilling on the grain may have better results than Higgins got with a plated column one and done.

[MooseMan]

I’m a bourbon guy myself. Been chasing the perfect setup to do larger batches, distill on the grain, and try to eliminate the need to do stripping runs followed by spirit runs!

Higgins has a great thread on the same beer distilled 4 different ways, check it out if you haven't already.
It's been a while since I read through it, but from memory I think the one and done was the lowest ranked product. That doesn't mean you shouldn't try it, you may have different preferences, but definitely experiment and see what works best for you. With the setup you're looking at, you'll have plenty of options.

Just got done reading the whole thread. 2x plate column and 2x pot still were the highest ranked. Great thread suggestion!

I just wonder if distilling on the grain may have better results than Higgins got with a plated column one and done.

Just consider that when doing a one and done spirit run, you will be boiling the grain slop, and all the live and dead yeast that's in it, for several hours.

[KegStand]

I’m a bourbon guy myself. Been chasing the perfect setup to do larger batches, distill on the grain, and try to eliminate the need to do stripping runs followed by spirit runs!

Higgins has a great thread on the same beer distilled 4 different ways, check it out if you haven't already.
It's been a while since I read through it, but from memory I think the one and done was the lowest ranked product. That doesn't mean you shouldn't try it, you may have different preferences, but definitely experiment and see what works best for you. With the setup you're looking at, you'll have plenty of options.

Just got done reading the whole thread. 2x plate column and 2x pot still were the highest ranked. Great thread suggestion!

I just wonder if distilling on the grain may have better results than Higgins got with a plated column one and done.

Just consider that when doing a one and done spirit run, you will be boiling the grain slop, and all the live and dead yeast that's in it, for several hours.

I get your point about distilling the grains and yeast along with the wash. But plenty of top distilleries run on-the-grain through plated columns too—Buffalo Trace and Heaven Hill, for example.

I’m not trying to debate you, just saying that this approach works really well for a lot of respected producers.

Excited to give it a go on not a pot still and see my own results!

[MooseMan]

Hey man, debate is welcomed from my side, that's how we all get to learn right!

I think, and this is only my opinion, that the big guys are doing what you propose, and eventually ending up with decent liquor, because they are doing things such as filtering, blending and aging in barrel for a very long time.

At hobby level I'm not sure that's as realistic.
Several very experienced distillers on here have tried it and gone back to double pot runs.

I'm already looking forward to your experiments, please take meticulous notes and keep us all in the loop?

[Bolverk]

Id agree that a lot of us at the hobby level many have moved away from the short column hybrid pot to double pot... me included, but dont think for a second the hybrid is inferior. There are plenty of award winning spirits made this way... Garrison Bros pot still line and Whistle Pig are two that immediately come to mind.

Its all in how you drive the still, make your cuts, what you put into the ferment, and how you age it. The best whiskey I've ever made was on grain and yeast and i will always strive to recreate it.

[KegStand]

Id agree that a lot of us at the hobby level many have moved away from the short column hybrid pot to double pot... me included, but dont think for a second the hybrid is inferior. There are plenty of award winning spirits made this way... Garrison Bros pot still line and Whistle Pig are two that immediately come to mind.

Its all in how you drive the still, make your cuts, what you put into the ferment, and how you age it. The best whiskey I've ever made was on grain and yeast and i will always strive to recreate it.

Y’all think I should just go with the 26 gallon jacketed pot still with a dome?!

I’m not against continuing to double pot still. Just kind of got excited for a way to not have to do multiple runs to get a finished product. But I agree with yall, quality over quantity.

https://oakstills.com/products/26-gallo ... distillery

[Homebrewer11777]

I do like that one. I am thinking about that still head on top of this boiler
https://oakstills.com/products/100lt-26 ... ill-boiler

[Bolverk]

Y’all think I should just go with the 26 gallon jacketed pot still with a dome?!

I’m not against continuing to double pot still. Just kind of got excited for a way to not have to do multiple runs to get a finished product. But I agree with yall, quality over quantity.

https://oakstills.com/products/26-gallo ... distillery

The onion/helmet will still require multiple runs unless you run very slow. If your goal is one and done, then the plated hybrid is the right call. Its up to you to decide if you want to pull plates out of it and say only run 1 or 2 plates.

[KegStand]

Y’all think I should just go with the 26 gallon jacketed pot still with a dome?!

I’m not against continuing to double pot still. Just kind of got excited for a way to not have to do multiple runs to get a finished product. But I agree with yall, quality over quantity.

https://oakstills.com/products/26-gallo ... distillery

The onion/helmet will still require multiple runs unless you run very slow. If your goal is one and done, then the plated hybrid is the right call. Its up to you to decide if you want to pull plates out of it and say only run 1 or 2 plates.

I’m almost thinking I could go with the 26 gallon jacketed pot still for now and in the future, buy 2 bubble plates+a dephlag and call it a day!

Again, I don’t mind doing double pot distillation (I’ve been doing it for almost 2 years now). Being able to distill on the grain would eliminate the mop bucket method and clearing a 58 gallon wash before distilling..

Thoughts?

[MooseMan]

Y’all think I should just go with the 26 gallon jacketed pot still with a dome?!

I’m not against continuing to double pot still. Just kind of got excited for a way to not have to do multiple runs to get a finished product. But I agree with yall, quality over quantity.

https://oakstills.com/products/26-gallo ... distillery

The onion/helmet will still require multiple runs unless you run very slow. If your goal is one and done, then the plated hybrid is the right call. Its up to you to decide if you want to pull plates out of it and say only run 1 or 2 plates.

I’m almost thinking I could go with the 26 gallon jacketed pot still for now and in the future, buy 2 bubble plates+a dephlag and call it a day!

Again, I don’t mind doing double pot distillation (I’ve been doing it for almost 2 years now). Being able to distill on the grain would eliminate the mop bucket method and clearing a 58 gallon wash before distilling..

Thoughts?

Oh, I would totally move to a jacked boiler (As long as it's not a backwards step in power/efficiency) if I could.
I love my 26 gal keg boiler but if I could strip grain slop I'd be even happier.
One day, maybe...

Do you know anyone who runs one of these KegStand?
What is the heat up time like?
I'd imagine, that 20 something gallons of liquid containing a fair amount of solids, would take well over an hour to heat up with a pair of 3kw elements?

[KegStand]

Y’all think I should just go with the 26 gallon jacketed pot still with a dome?!

I’m not against continuing to double pot still. Just kind of got excited for a way to not have to do multiple runs to get a finished product. But I agree with yall, quality over quantity.

https://oakstills.com/products/26-gallo ... distillery

The onion/helmet will still require multiple runs unless you run very slow. If your goal is one and done, then the plated hybrid is the right call. Its up to you to decide if you want to pull plates out of it and say only run 1 or 2 plates.

I’m almost thinking I could go with the 26 gallon jacketed pot still for now and in the future, buy 2 bubble plates+a dephlag and call it a day!

Again, I don’t mind doing double pot distillation (I’ve been doing it for almost 2 years now). Being able to distill on the grain would eliminate the mop bucket method and clearing a 58 gallon wash before distilling..

Thoughts?

Oh, I would totally move to a jacked boiler (As long as it's not a backwards step in power/efficiency) if I could.
I love my 26 gal keg boiler but if I could strip grain slop I'd be even happier.
One day, maybe...

Do you know anyone who runs one of these KegStand?
What is the heat up time like?
I'd imagine, that 20 something gallons of liquid containing a fair amount of solids, would take well over an hour to heat up with a pair of 3kw elements?

Unfortunately, I don’t know anyone with this setup. But I plan to ditch the 3kw elements for a pair of 4,500kw or 5,500kw elements which should heat up the mash no problem!