Advice on Buying a Pot Still?

[Pamulli]

I'm very new to this (first day of research) and need some advice on buying a pot still. My mother-in-law is planning on giving it to my father-in-law for Christmas and making it really isn't an option. I've looked at models by Brewhaus and Bob's Moonwater Still http://encode.com/exec/npage2.htm
I know that he wants to make Bourbon/Single Malt Scotch type whiskey and like me he has no experience with this. My understanding is that a Pot Still is best for this type of whiskey? I've also seen posts that say stainless steel is bad and it seems that a lot of the ones you can purchase are all stainless and the all copper ones I've seen have been out of her budget? If anyone can recommend a specific still for this type of whiskey I'd greatly appreciate it since Christmas is getting close and I need to get something ordered.

Thanks,

[LWTCS]

Recon I would prefer to choose my own socks and underware. And certainly my own still.

Running short on time now. Maybe he should research a bit and conclude for his self ?

Could always give him an IOU ONE POT STILL coupon in his stocking.

Maybe a member could help you with a purchase?

He should be on this site with you right now.IMHO

[astrangebrew]

what LWTCS said +1

If you really have to buy one my preference would be something from:
colonel Willson http://www.coppermoonshinestills.com/id1.html
or Iberian coppers http://www.copper-alembic.com/products_ ... &cat_id=11
If you are into stainless then maybe check out Brewhaus or Mile Hi.

Dude - half the fun is building your own. You are robbing yourself just running out and buying.
Also spend some time reading through the parent site to get your bearings.


SB

[Hack]

Dude - half the fun is building your own. You are robbing yourself just running out and buying.
Also spend some time reading through the parent site to get your bearings.

Definately.

How about a build your own pot still kit?

A 15 gallon keg, 5' of 2" copper pipe, 2 - 2" copper 90, reducers 2" down to 1/2" copper, a 20' coil of 5/8" copper tubing, a propane burner, a triclamp, and a bucket for a worm.

Things to look up on the site, how to solder, easy flange, cleaning run, UJSM, making cuts.

[Usge]

I would probably go with a soldered union alembic in 20L (around 5gal size) particularly if you think he will be working inside. If he's working outside and has space, etc., to deal with larger volume,...10-15 gallons is usually a decent size without making everything too unweidly. Unfortunately, with exchange rates and copper prices...they are a little pricey right now too. They also sell mock "whisky" still units...complete kits down to the flakestand and hotplate. But, they are "very" expensive. The alembics are basic, classic stills..wtih bucket coil condenser, etc. They are pretty straight forward to operate. You have to have a pay-pal full fully authorized (trusted member) account to buy from them...and they ship them quick (Fedex usually). Its a running joke as to how they mark/label them (ie., "decorative copper lawn ornament)

The colonel in Ark. does good work, very heavy duty, but some of his designs can be a little tricky to operate. I have a 5 gal version of the Ga Ridge model with an extra "gooseneck" head. Both of them have condensers that are too short....they work...just a little tricky to run. I solved that by adding additional liebig condensors I made to them. The Ga Ridge head...uses water cooling in the head, which raises the proof, but dramatically extends run times (expect about 12 hours a run for spirit runs). On the Ga Ridge head, the additional liebig bypasses the head cooling system and allows it to be run as a straight up potstill. It can be a little finicky to run otherwise. The waiting list for anything from the Colonel is usually 6months or longer. So, unless you are shopping for Xmas after next....there isn't much chance of getting something delivered by this Xmas (unless maybe he has something already made by chance ....you can always email him and ask.)

The important thing to remember is...this is just a start. You have to pick out a location that's going to be safe, have access to water (or a water barrel and pump), etc. Are you going to use LP gas or stove top, etc. All these things will change logistics and what you might need or not as well as safety issues, etc. you may not be aware of yet. (so don't go crazy buying stuff till you get your still, put it in the location you want to run it in to see where you are logistics wise...and then read up, as to avoid common mistakes and for safety). You'll need fermenting supplies as well. All this can be done very cheaply, or you can spend money on it. It all depends on your logistics, what you need, hook-ups, etc. And, there's this too....have you ever toted 5 or 6 gallon buckets full up with water? They get pretty dang heavy. And I'm not as spry as I used to be. It really is a lot of work...and getting the still is just the start. But, it's also very rewarding. Rule number one is ....be safe. So, make sure you've covered the basics, done your homework, etc., before firing it up.

[Pamulli]

Thanks for the posts.
After doing some more research I was thinking about buying a boiler such as the SS Milk Can version Mile High sells http://www.milehidistilling.com/Still_B ... ll_s/4.htm and then build the rest myself out of copper. We will be doing this outdoors and most likely with propane as a heat source although I'm open to electric as well, but definitely not on a stove. The stuff I've read seems to make the electric sound less desirable with the exception of safety?
If someone has other recommendations of where to get a boiler I'm open to that as well. I know the Milk Can is a little pricey, but I like the fact that it is easy to clean, has a clamp on lid and they will weld the connection you want on there.

Thanks,

[Usge]

Electric plates/eyes tend to cycle off-on without mods. The gas operates better, with good control, etc. Just make sure you are well ventilated and your collection point is well clear of the gas burner. Nothing wrong with using a stainless milk container vs keg or stainless pot if that's what tickles your fancy. But, you don't want to build a column/refluxing still like they sell if you want to make whiskey. Don't know about the milk containers construction, but hopefully one or more of the methods here for attaching your copper to it will work (or can be adapted somehow to work).

There are reasons why the sanke kegs are so popular...despite how things might look otherwise. There's lots of direct information on modding them, using them, etc. already here. They also are often picked up for a song. (ie, cheap). And because they are also used as mashtun/boilers in the beer community, there are even more mods and info available from that side.

[kiwistiller]

definite +1 on the keg. I love my kegs. dirt cheap (mine were $20), they come with a fitting that is compatible with tri-clamps, 50L (you don't have to fill it right up remember), and when he gets addicted to the hobby, you can get additional ones for low wines storage, and when they're full just use it as a boiler and clamp the still head on that one.

Did I mention I love my kegs?

[Pamulli]

Since I'm not paying for it and I have a limited amount of time until Christmas I went ahead and ordered the milk can from Mile High. Maybe I'll go the keg route if I decide to make one for myself.

Now I need to get a good understanding of how to actually make something that tastes good......

[LWTCS]

Now I need to get a good understanding of how to actually make something that tastes good......

Well in that case,,,,,, Welcome Pamulli glad to have you here.

It's all here somewhere.

Good luck
L.T.