Hello from Nebraska

[Spooky]

Hello,

Not much to me. I live in Nebraska, originally from SD. I'm apparently not broke enough from my other Hobbies (Knives, Guns, Watches, Ham Radio, Exotic Plants) so I've developed an interest in distilling my own liquor.

Watched a few shows on the subject, figured I could give it a shot. My neighbor is a trusted friend and interested in going for it as well. He's also quite handy in ways that I am not. Should work out pretty well.

I'm 37. Enlisted at 17, Honorable Discharge at 25, Married at 26. Plenty of taste experience with various spirits. Not particularly fond of beer in general, though I have favorites. (Guinness, Empyrean Nitro Porters).

Used to be all in on Scotch, until I discovered Bourbon. Most common bottles in the house are Bulleit Rye, or Knob Creek. Though I've tried and enjoyed others. Been trying to lose weight and get into better shape - gotta keep up with my 6 year old. Mostly successful. Recently ran a mile with her at our city's "Turkey Trot". Did well enough I think.

In the end, for me a gallon of whiskey is probably a 6 month supply or better. Couple months for the neighbor.

I hope the day and holiday season is going well for you.

-Michael

[Bradster68]

Welcome to the club . Great intro. Knives,gun and ham radio. Cool rabbit holes your into.
I got into this to make rum. I still make a lot of rum. But now I make lots of bourbon too.
If you want to lose weight, you just have to run everywhere that 6 years old goes. IV got some grandbabies three and five. Once I thought I could Tucker them out. Don't try it.
Also a salute for your contribution .
Stay safe.

[Spooky]

Welcome to the club . Great intro. Knives,gun and ham radio. Cool rabbit holes your into.
I got into this to make rum. I still make a lot of rum. But now I make lots of bourbon too.
If you want to lose weight, you just have to run everywhere that 6 years old goes. IV got some grandbabies three and five. Once I thought I could Tucker them out. Don't try it.
Also a salute for your contribution .
Stay safe.

Appreciate it. I actually dropped my drinking down a lot as part of that effort. Down about 45 pounds since June. Still have the occasional bottle of bourbon, but now it lasts longer. That is when I'm not sharing, which I always do.

I think today we're going to try our hands at some basic apple jack. Also I've got several books on the way. Going to do some studying before I actually acquire a still. The one I'm looking at is 5 gallons, copper, for 500'ish. Seems average and priced fair.

My goal will be bourbon, or close to it. My other goal will be to get my mile run under 10 minutes.

[Bradster68]

If it were me,I would absolutely think about getting a 10 gallon. 5 seems big,but you'll outgrown it very fast. If you do plan on buying, I'm sure upgrading to a 10 gallon won't be much more. All your cost is usually in the copper condenser and design itself.
Nothing wrong with a little self-control.

[Rusty Ole Bucket]

My neighbor is a trusted friend and interested in going for it as well. He's also quite handy in ways that I am not. Should work out pretty well.

Welcome to HD Spooky! I'm a proponent of building not buying, it's a great way to learn your equipment and there's nothing like the satisfaction of doing it yourself. You can also build a lot more than buy for the same money. It's much easier than it looks with just a little practice.

Whatever you decide, welcome and HD can answer 99.99% of your questions, just gotta look around a little.

Rusty

[Wooday]

Go bigger. I've been there, done that with a 5 gallon stovetop still.

Recipes were more expensive because I couldn't buy in bulk.

I had to run every weekend to keep up with a UJSSM fermentation, and it turned to vinegar because I had to skip a couple weeks.
No real chance to experiment with aging methods with only a half gallon of whiskey per run to play with.
Spirit runs took a full day regardless.

$500 will get you a keg, burner and enough copper to make 3 still heads and condensers. One of them will be good enough to run

I built a full stripping rig for <$50
viewtopic.php?t=76043

[Spooky]

My neighbor and I are considering splitting the cost of one of these. I'm a touch more bookish than him, so was planning on doing more reading first.

[metalsmith]

Welcome Spooky! Nebraska seems rather rural, can you get corn there?

[Bradster68]

I don't think they've heard of corn in Nebraska.
But I bet he knows where to get some.

[quadra]

Welcome!