Het All

[gholl3214]

You folks are great. This forum re-inforces the old "there are many ways up the mountain". I'm totally new to distilling, brewing etc. but since I love machines,cooking and drinking, it seems like a good fit. Also living in the Pacific Northwest(USA), a little liquid sunshine helps on the gray days.

I dithered around for a couple of months unsure of which still design to use. Finally decided with my copper skill set, simpler would be better and a new(to me) pot still is born:

Boiler is a 7.5gal keg, Sanke adapter, 2" col. reduced to 1" then 1/2". Liebig is a typical 1/2" inside 3/4". Propane turkey fryer until I can upgrade the heat source.
Found a couple of leaks on the first water & vinegar run, fixed those and it now runs great. Soldering 2" copper is a lot different than the small plumbing repairs I've done around the house.

I think I'll use some CAV(cheap a** vodka) for a cleaning run this weekend. $26US for a gal. and I won't have to wait for a wash to finish.

I'm starting a batch of All Bran soon for my first run after cleaning. Quick question, my fermenting resources are going to be limited. I won't be able to have multiple batches to strip for low wines. Will I be able to do a strip run then add some water back in for a spirit run?

The build was fairly easy. As I understand it now comes the challenge, learning to run this critter and make some shine. I figure I'll fall on my face a few times but it's nice to know you folks are here to pick people like me back up.

Thanks for everything, I'll be in touch

[rad14701]

I'm starting a batch of All Bran soon for my first run after cleaning. Quick question, my fermenting resources are going to be limited. I won't be able to have multiple batches to strip for low wines. Will I be able to do a strip run then add some water back in for a spirit run?

Yes, you can simply dilute the low wines to under 40% and re-distill as a spirit run... You can also save up your low wines over several washes and do the same... Your choice, depending on how patient you are for final product...

[WalkingWolf]

Welcome to ya' gholl3214 ,

I figure I'll fall on my face a few times but it's nice to know you folks are here to pick people like me back up.

That's a nice looking rig you went an built yourself. If you stay on the path for a cup'la miles you shouldn't hit yer face a single time. Stumble once or twice maybe. As you've obviously figured out, there's a whole bunch of info here, in one form or another. Take the time to learn your craft and the trip can be quite enjoyable right from the start. Dig around in the Tried and True Recipes (here) for variety (if your so inclined) while you are learning how to drive. Even though you're just getting started, those recipes will create some good "fixins" to enjoy as you learn.

Tell us a little about what you like to drink? How'd you come across the site, etc.??

Welcome Aboard
WalkingWolf

[blanikdog]

Welcome Gholl. As WW said, you should only stumble, not fall. Lots of help here and tons of answered questions in the body of the forum.

blanik