Anyway, I am a Louisianaian by birth who married a Mississippi girl and breed some Texas youngins. Been living in Texas my entire working life. Currently hanging out north of the Bayou City.Except for the past 2 years, I have been a homebrewer since 1993 when I turned 21. I brewed beer and mead. Started with extract like most people, but progressed to all grain. Although I did not make wine, I studied it to apply to mead and cider brewing. Therefore, I have an extensive knowledge of fermentation, yeast, grains, etc. I was really amazed at the age of 21 that one could make beer. Little did I know, but I quickly learned. I have experienced the ups and downs of most brewers. From the infected batch to the spilled batch (5 gallons sure makes a mess) to the broken carboy (I have the scars on my hand from the stitches. Do NOT…I repeat…Do NOT ever try to catch a falling carboy. It brings a new meaning to glass grenade). My wife has laughed at me many times, even when I sliced open my hand, but that is all part of the fun of homebrewing.
So why did I stop homebrewing. Although I thoroughly enjoyed the process and I have a fine appreciation for beer, beer is really not my favorite beverage. I did it because it was legal. My interest was really with likker, but I did not consider it because 1. It was illegal and 2. Propaganda made it sound dangerous. Since 2000, it crossed my mind a couple of times to do it anyway, but I just never charged forward. Well, during my homebrewing hiatus, I continued to yearn for my yeasty friends and the process of creation. And so when I finally decided to charge ahead, I quickly discovered this forum. How relieved I was to find others like me who were willing to follow their heart for a hobby despite the illegality. I remember reading about homebrewers in the 1970’s who were brewing beer with the tools and ingredients they had at hand despite the illegality of it. I guess I envision myself as one of these past homebrewers, who in this modern age as a hobby distiller, is willing to forge forward with the hope that one day the hobby distiller will be able to come out of the shadows. Maybe I can be part of that movement so that one day when I am called grandpa, I can look back and say I was there. Maybe one day we will be able to have likker competitions much like wine makers and beer brewers. I may be arriving late to the rodeo, but at least I am willing to ride the bull.
My interest is mostly with rum. I hate vodka, tolerate gin, appreciate bourbon and brandy, enjoy Tennessee whiskey, but really love rum. So this is what I will focus on mostly. I currently do not have a still. I learned from my homebrewing days not to rush. Learn first, then make the commitment. It avoids costly mistakes. I think kiwistiller may agree.
So I am content with studying the hobby for a few months. My feelings are leaning towards a pot still although I am still considering the reflux. I know rum can be made with both but still confused as to whether one would be better. I am still leaning towards the pot still because in my older age I am learning that “simple” tends to be better. Aiming to do 5 to 10 gallon batches. Whichever path I take, I will definitely be buying a still, not making one. I know this upsets some of you, but I have no gift as a handyman. My natural talents are math, chemistry, and other sciences (not my profession, but probably should have been; unfortunately, I also have a talent for adrenaline). During my homebrewing days, I did build many items, even impressing myself, but I did not enjoy it. I did it out of necessity aka having little money. I am a little better off money wise now so I try to enjoy it. My wife can attest to the cussin’ and fussin’ I do when I build something.So I have no distilling experience other than what I did in chemistry class, but I learn quickly and am willing to accept mistakes. I am very appreciative for this forum and I am sure it will serve me well. I look forward to hanging out with y’all.
