Home Distiller

I suppose!

Didn't see a "say hello here" type forum (if I'm just a blind twat, some kind moderator will have to move it).

Only been at this lark for a couple of months, not really taken it that seriously, mainly been making wine for about 18 months (well mainly mead actually).

So far, it's all been idiot proof stuff like making alcobase from sugar wash and then commercial flavourings - still trying different flavours/brands and at the moment the "Prestige" brand Calvados is tops.Though given the time/space/materials I'd like to have a crack at a proper Calvados/Apple Brandy.

Looking forward to giving the various forums a good reading!

regards

fatbloke

Welcome aboard. Take plenty of time to read, there is a wealth of information here.

You will get addicted to this forum.

Howdy!

fatbloke wrote:I suppose!

Didn't see a "say hello here" type forum (if I'm just a blind twat, some kind moderator will have to move it).

Only been at this lark for a couple of months, not really taken it that seriously, mainly been making wine for about 18 months (well mainly mead actually).

So far, it's all been idiot proof stuff like making alcobase from sugar wash and then commercial flavourings - still trying different flavours/brands and at the moment the "Prestige" brand Calvados is tops.Though given the time/space/materials I'd like to have a crack at a proper Calvados/Apple Brandy.

Looking forward to giving the various forums a good reading!

regards

fatbloke

Welcome fat,
Most of us are just a little blind - blind drunk of course drinking fine, home made likker.
Read all the stuff here. make some and ask questions, and you could also finish up like us.

This is just the greatest hobby

blanik

blanikdog wrote: This is just the greatest hobby blanik

Yeah, except now you can't walk into a likker shop without scoffing at the prices. When I'm at a pinch (ie, unexpected BBQ) and I can't get home to get any shine it pisses me off no end having to buy my booze, plus the purchased bottle comes with a free hangover.

Brion James (R.I.P.) was my favorite actor.

This is a fun hobby, but it's more in depth then beer and wine brewing. I'd advise you to think seriously when making your distilling decisions. It's fun if you're safe and do it right.

cheers

~r~

bronzdragon wrote:it's more in depth then beer and wine brewing.

I don't know about that, some of those beer guys are pretty full on. You should check out some of the lengths they go to on beer brewing forums.

Well in that light I can agree. I've been brewing for 15 years or so and have many friends that get very into it. You should see their miniature breweries in their garages.

My point was more along the lines of ... be careful what you do so you don't poison someone.

It can be the foulest tasting beer there is and still really not hurt someone. A jar of shine made the wrong way on the other hand ...

Anyway, I like doing both and I think my brewing knowledge has helped me in my current endeavors (i.e. sourmash).

~r~

!

Thanks for the welcome everyone.

The "Brian James" icon is because I've been told that there's similarity to me and him, though I've also been told that I look like a cross between him and this bloke.

Take yer pick!

I don't think I'm as adventurous as most hereabouts. I only got into this "game" because I started making wine (mainly mead) and was surprised how "cheap" the kit was (a "stillspirits" table top unit).

Making sugar wash from commercial ingredients has been very rewarding - not because it's "good quality" - it probably isn't but I don't know any better. The commercial flavourings seem to be about "average", well the ones I've tried so far.

Drinkable but not what you might call "top drawer" stuff (prestige brand calvados has been my fav' so far).

I've recently invested in a still spirits super reflux still - not because I'm that flushed with cash - I'm not, more because the table top device only does 4 liters at a time, and at about 2 and a half hours per run, made me very impatient at taking 12 to 15 hours to run a 25 liter wash.

I ran the super reflux yesterday as a bit of an experiment and was very pleased to find that I got 3 liters of distillate in about 4 hours - so that's the kit for me.

I'd like to have a go at making my own set up, but that's a long way away, as getting some of the materials might be problematic. I can manage the soldering, but getting a set of gas bottles would be too expensive (they've got some at work so I'll be asking if I can use them).

I haven't the faintest idea where I might get my hands on silver solder or larger bore copper tubing but I've got the rest of my life to work out where I get that kind of stuff - I'm just "chuffed as f**k" to be able to have a go at this whether it's commercially available kit or stuff I make myself.

Again, thanks for the excellent welcome.

i dont know about planet zarg but you can get a propane torch and silver solder at home depot or lowes. or your local hardware store. thats all i use along with a good salvage yard. contimplating my 5th still right now. might have to add in my local a/c man for some copper sheet.

fatbloke: Is that avatar "Time To Die"?

Butch50 wrote:fatbloke: Is that avatar "Time To Die"?

Nah, I think it might be Bladerunner, not sure.

It looks like the scene where he had Decker by the throat and slaps him then says "Wake up! Time to Die!". Could be some other part though.