VikingCanuck checking in from Ontario

[VikingCanuck]

Hey everyone,

I'm thrilled to finally join this community and wanted to introduce myself. I go by VikingCanuck, blending my Norwegian roots with my new life in Canada.

I've always been fascinated by distilling. My grandfather had a still, and even though I wasn't allowed near it as a kid, his passion made a big impact on me. When I was in my early teens, he surprised me by taking a mason jar with a piece of tape and blue marker reading “93” and diluting it down to 40% so I could take some to my first party. That "93" has always stuck with me, both for its potency and because it's a significant number in my life.

These days, I’m gearing up to start my own distilling journey. I’m busy gathering equipment and planning to share my progress in a build post soon. I'm excited to get into the details of using a reflux still, making precise cuts, and ensuring everything is done safely and meticulously.

Coming from a very rural part of Norway, homemade spirits, or "hjemmebrent," are a significant part of our culture. Although it’s technically illegal, it’s a tradition similar to moonshine in North America.

I grew up drinking moonshine mixed with orange juice, so I’m definitely not a spirits expert. But I do enjoy a variety of drinks—whether it's natural spirits with a mixer, a gin and tonic when I’m feeling fancy, or a nice glass of wine every now and then. Honestly, though, I probably reach for a cold beer most often.

I'm here to learn from the wealth of knowledge in this community and share my experiences along the way. Any tips, resources, or advice for a relative newbie would be greatly appreciated!

Excited to join such an engaging and knowledgeable community.

Cheers,
VikingCanuck

[acfixer69]

Welcome to HD. We are here to help you when your search results confuse you.

[VikingCanuck]

Welcome to HD. We are here to help you when your search results confuse you.

Thanks, the search button and I are best friends now, hehe. And I appreciate the offer for help— I’ll definitely be using it.

[NorthWoodsAb]

Welcome VC. It's funny how life can take us full circle later in life to become interested in things we experience in our formative years. Good luck in your journey and make GrsndFather proud.
Cheers

[VikingCanuck]

Welcome VC. It's funny how life can take us full circle later in life to become interested in things we experience in our formative years. Good luck in your journey and make GrsndFather proud.
Cheers

I appreciate the welcome NorthWoods. My grandfather’s influence was immense, teaching me nearly everything except distilling—he kept that a mystery. Understanding its risks now makes me respect his caution and secrecy even more. Thanks for the encouragement.
Cheers(or skål, as we say in Norway)

[Bradster68]

Welcome neighbor and .

[VikingCanuck]

Welcome neighbor and .

Thanks, cool to hear from a neighbour! Cheers!

[zed255]

Welcome from another Ontarian.

[VikingCanuck]

Welcome from another Ontarian.

Hey Zed, love to see all the Canadians here. I am born and raised in Norway but I’ve think I’ve blended in well, maybe except for my accent. Thanks for saying hi!