Ready to graduate to a copper pot: what size to target?
Posted: Thu Jun 22, 2023 6:22 pm
Disclaimer for mods and the like: I am not trying to break any rules, I’m actually trying really hard to follow them (reread rules we live by before posting), but I am but a newb and though I have read extensively and used the search function I have not read all, and in case I accidentally run afoul of the rules of the road, please have mercy. If this oughta go somewhere else please let me know.
Alright. Here’s the deal chaps. I’ve successfully distilled exactly 3 runs on the POS vevor pot and thumper setup I bought on Amazon before finding this site. My first attempt at a funky rum turned out ok, first gen UJSM I saved and tossed in with the second gen wash to make both technically sour mash/ wash (after ensure mix was below 40% abv of course), and then that second generation turned out fuggin delicious. Which validates why I bought the vevor in the first place- to validate that I could make better than store bought liquor at home as a craft, before going balls deep and spending money on a craftsman built still without attaining a modicum of success first. I am now aware of the error of my ways in that department bc I compromised safety.
I am ready to graduate to something safer and purpose built to make even better likker. I’m also aware of my limitations and based on some limited soldering I had to do to make the vevor setup work for me I know I’m not building my own copper pot anytime soon.
I’m also of the buy once cry once variety (leading to an infatuation with an all copper setup) and have a little coin from a bonus burning a hole in my pocket. I’ve found a local ish coppersmith whose work looks fabulous to me and I’d like to support that local business.
Here’s where I’m conflicted: will a 10 gallon primary/ 5 gallon thumper suffice, or should I bite the bullet and spend to reach for a 20 gallon/ 5 or 10 gallon thumper setup? I ferment in a pair of 7 gallon buckets that have been yielding 5 gals of UJSM wash each per batch thus far.
I’m torn between the relative portability of a 10/5 gal, the inherent cost savings, and lack of need to install a 220v outlet to support a larger primary boiler, vs the need to spend 2 hrs draining reloading and reheating if I decide I want to start running 4 fermenters for 20 gals of wash. I’m worried that if I go for the 10/5 setup I’ll inevitably wish I’d gone with a 20/5 or 20/10 setup in the near future and want to spend MORE money and upgrade.
And thus I plead for the wisdom of my distilling elders. What say you?
Alright. Here’s the deal chaps. I’ve successfully distilled exactly 3 runs on the POS vevor pot and thumper setup I bought on Amazon before finding this site. My first attempt at a funky rum turned out ok, first gen UJSM I saved and tossed in with the second gen wash to make both technically sour mash/ wash (after ensure mix was below 40% abv of course), and then that second generation turned out fuggin delicious. Which validates why I bought the vevor in the first place- to validate that I could make better than store bought liquor at home as a craft, before going balls deep and spending money on a craftsman built still without attaining a modicum of success first. I am now aware of the error of my ways in that department bc I compromised safety.
I am ready to graduate to something safer and purpose built to make even better likker. I’m also aware of my limitations and based on some limited soldering I had to do to make the vevor setup work for me I know I’m not building my own copper pot anytime soon.
I’m also of the buy once cry once variety (leading to an infatuation with an all copper setup) and have a little coin from a bonus burning a hole in my pocket. I’ve found a local ish coppersmith whose work looks fabulous to me and I’d like to support that local business.
Here’s where I’m conflicted: will a 10 gallon primary/ 5 gallon thumper suffice, or should I bite the bullet and spend to reach for a 20 gallon/ 5 or 10 gallon thumper setup? I ferment in a pair of 7 gallon buckets that have been yielding 5 gals of UJSM wash each per batch thus far.
I’m torn between the relative portability of a 10/5 gal, the inherent cost savings, and lack of need to install a 220v outlet to support a larger primary boiler, vs the need to spend 2 hrs draining reloading and reheating if I decide I want to start running 4 fermenters for 20 gals of wash. I’m worried that if I go for the 10/5 setup I’ll inevitably wish I’d gone with a 20/5 or 20/10 setup in the near future and want to spend MORE money and upgrade.
And thus I plead for the wisdom of my distilling elders. What say you?