Notable and quotable

[Yummyrum]

LOL Normandie , that ones pretty hard to beat .

WTF Salty I’d like to see that one on stamp collecting forum

[Saltbush Bill]

Its just the truth Yummy, Ive wanted to type that for a very long time, but haven't ......every single time I see a newb saying they want to buy a super cheap still ........just to see how the hobby works.
I can see how/what they are thinking , but in reality it makes no sense at all.
You and I both started out with store bought stills that where far from perfect.....but they were a hell of a lot better to learn on than this current crop of cheap shit.
Would we have gone the same route had we been warned by people who knew good from bad? Or might it have scared us away from the hobby totally .......its a fine line I guess.

[Yummyrum]

You and I both started out with store bought stills that where far from perfect.....but they were a hell of a lot better to learn on than this current crop of cheap shit.

Haa haa , I’d almost put this up for N&Q too Salty , but its surely unfair to double dip

But I totally agree .These cheap arse Chinese shit boxes are an embarrassment to the hobby .

[NormandieStill]

You and I both started out with store bought stills that where far from perfect.....but they were a hell of a lot better to learn on than this current crop of cheap shit.

It's funny. I nearly bought one (well, an unbadged one direct from China) and the fact that it was a possibility and that I had a price gave me a budget. Then I read a little here (which I found via a site which is a translation of HD into French) and discovered I could build a keg still and liebig for around the same price as a crappy vevor.

So I was one of the lucky ones!

[cob]

If a there's any other questions that I should be asking then please add them. Thanks in advance for the insights!

I think the one question you should be asking yourself is…. “Now where the hell is that search function?”

[Saltbush Bill]

Its a long one but I think it belongs here. Well put Yummy.


Laredo7mm wrote: ↑Mon May 01, 2023 10:52 am
It is interesting that some people here have no problem using a hydrometer, but shun the use of a thermometer.

That kinda implies that “Some People here” would have a black and white approach to using anything that takes measurements .

That is far from the truth .
Those people have spent real time in their sheds doing many more fermentations and distillations than I bet you have done .

They have watched thermometers for countless hours and realised , they give no useful info that running a hand over their still can provide .

They have realised that a hydrometer is a useful tool for calculating potential Alc and watching fermentation progression .

They have realised that an Alc meter is far more accurate than throwing a teaspoon of liquor in a fire . ….. and safer .

They have worked out that using a thermometer to keep a fermentation at an optimum temp will produce a better product .

They have realised that using a thermometer to monitor mashing temp is vital to getting optimum conversion when mashing .
They have realised that checking pH before adding Enzymes and adjusting has helped conversion .

They have realised that a drop of fruit juice in a Refractometer gives a more accurate reading than measuring the pulp in a hydrometer .

They have realised that collecting spirit at a particular l/hr gets them the results they like .

Point is that advice such as “Thermometers are pointless” is not just a flippant comment but rather a real statement based on thousands of Home distillers that have been members here over the last almost 20 years that have personally experienced the same results .

If it works , we use it . If its pointless crap , we’ll tell you .

[Wildcats]

Its a long one but I think it belongs here. Well put Yummy.


Laredo7mm wrote: ↑Mon May 01, 2023 10:52 am
It is interesting that some people here have no problem using a hydrometer, but shun the use of a thermometer.

That kinda implies that “Some People here” would have a black and white approach to using anything that takes measurements .

That is far from the truth .
Those people have spent real time in their sheds doing many more fermentations and distillations than I bet you have done .

They have watched thermometers for countless hours and realised , they give no useful info that running a hand over their still can provide .

They have realised that a hydrometer is a useful tool for calculating potential Alc and watching fermentation progression .

They have realised that an Alc meter is far more accurate than throwing a teaspoon of liquor in a fire . ….. and safer .

They have worked out that using a thermometer to keep a fermentation at an optimum temp will produce a better product .

They have realised that using a thermometer to monitor mashing temp is vital to getting optimum conversion when mashing .
They have realised that checking pH before adding Enzymes and adjusting has helped conversion .

They have realised that a drop of fruit juice in a Refractometer gives a more accurate reading than measuring the pulp in a hydrometer .

They have realised that collecting spirit at a particular l/hr gets them the results they like .

Point is that advice such as “Thermometers are pointless” is not just a flippant comment but rather a real statement based on thousands of Home distillers that have been members here over the last almost 20 years that have personally experienced the same results .

If it works , we use it . If its pointless crap , we’ll tell you .

Well said.feeling the pipe for the vapor rise is all the thermostat I have in my still. Works for me.

[LWTCS]

Goose once (or maybe more?) commented how "ole boys" can't even see the thermometer at night. Naturally, I'm paraphrasing.
I would imagine a well lit work space could have been asking for trouble to some of those "ole boys"?

[juana_b]

Re: Badmotivator

He was a master innovator indeed. I watched the video tour of his workshop. A lot of time and thought went into making his life just a little bit easier and more efficient. And generous to a fault with his knowledge. I couldn't justify the shipping cost of a barrel, or the cost of buying multiple ones. And one day I'll probably end up making some, but he's one of two innovative people I've encountered who intuitively understood that those who wanted to just buy one, would, and those who wanted to try and build one probably would too, so rather than hold back your secrets, best to provide a little help.

Here's to you Ben, and your legacy of making the world (and some spirits) just a little bit better.

[Twisted Brick]

But, if appearances will help you “drop the panties”, then it may be worth it. Obviously the best answer is always serve fresh panty droppers.

[GrumbleStill]

People ask me all the time if I make "traditional shine". The reply is always the same. "FUCK NO! There is no sugar in my shed. All Grain, all the time."

Love this one

[Oldvine Zin]

This whole thread
viewtopic.php?t=56356

Stay safe
OVZ

[Wildcats]

Been a while since I've read that. He was a hell of a craftsman . Rip Ben

[bunny]

"This discussion is interesting and thus far has been moving along with enthusiastic participation.
But please be mindful not to declare perceived or expected still behavior as a matter of fact. If you don't have first hand experience or
a documented example to bring to the table to make your point, then it would be best to frame one's thoughts in the form of a
question rather than a practical observation." -LWTCS

[shadylane]

Don't silence the voice of dissent, listen.
Before deciding if their making mountains out of mole hills.

[Wildcats]

Folks can toss out advice until the cows come home, or the Buffalo Bills win the Superbowl, but what you need is consistent practice...
Mr. Rad

Bump

[Steve Broady]

The real education begins when you want to learn for yourself

[Wildcats]

"When I started this hobby I had no idea there were so many rabbit holes to fall into."

From our good friend Twisted Brick

[MichiganCornhusker]

Since time and gravity are against me.
It's nice when I can use both to my advantage.

[still_stirrin]

i'm not great with navigating this old school page

Distilling is an old school art/ craft.....best get used to doing it the old school way.

Ain’t that the truth!

[Saltbush Bill]

don't worry about them. adds flavour, what doesn't get stuck in your teeth will get filtered out by your liver.

[NorthWoodsAb]

"There's a lot of good info coated in snark and smart-assery headed your way, don't let it get you down. Lots to learn in this hobby and lots of ways to learn it, experience being one of the best!

TwoSheds"

Just read this one in a thread on stalled sugar wash.
Classic.

[8Ball]

Nah for scotch I only strip once, for Irish potstilled I strip the same spirit twice then spirit run.
Fill the boiler with low wines if you can, makes for best chance of making good cuts.
Air or the side of caution on heads, with tails be brave, it'll age out, especially in a barrel

Epic!

[Twisted Brick]

Sometimes the forum is like being in a room with ten guys who have had a whisky or three...

True dat. Over time, one learns from others' posts when they're a few rounds in...

[Setsumi]

Now ya just have to have a bit of patience before sampling

Now that’s where I keep failing! That and the ‘plan ahead’ part.

[kiwi Bruce]

Shadylane wrote..."the mods have taken a "moderate" balanced approach.
Kinda like herding thousands of drunken cats"

[Twisted Brick]

In the beginning I was consuming way too much. It's hard to cut back when it's tasty and cheap.

True dat.

[shadylane]

thanks for posting- there are never enough pictures of how we all do what we do.

That's a fact, we love pictures and videos.
Store bought stuff is nice, but seeing how folks build with ingenuity is better.

[kiwi Bruce]

but seeing how folks build with ingenuity is better.

+1 to that shady!

[Yummyrum]

. Best Tequila I’ve had is store bought anjeo, by far! So smooth ‘n mellow makes mine seem coarse as 60 grit.

I love that