I'm new to distilling but have many years brewing experience. Yes, I'm aware that expertise in one doesn't translate to guaranteed success in the other but I do have a skillset and very good equipment that allows a head start on the fermentation side of things, at least.
I had been toying with the idea of distilling for a long time and a few months ago finally got around to reconfiguring some brewing equipment into a rudimentary set up capable of safely producing a proper distillate. My first runs of old beer batches and homemade wine supplemented with store-bought jug wine were made with simple tri-clamp pipe and fittings and cooling coil as a vapor path but actually produced very palatable and pleasant spirits. That was all I needed to get me hooked.
I've refined my set up and made runs of all-malt (barley) and sugar heads. I've used some first-run hearts to experiment with "aging" and have been very pleased with the results. I recently did my first spirit run from malt/sugarhead low wines and that was an exciting new experience and an opportunity to start delving into longer-term aging of higher proof distillate.
As I progress and produce more volume ( hopefully of increasingly higher quality spirits), I'm looking into different ways of storing/aging. I like the idea of small barrels (probably minimum 10 liter) but there are drawbacks. I have woodworking skills and equipment and can produce oak inserts for Bad-Mo style bain-marie containers. And, of course I can experiment with various store-bought and home-made cubes and sticks in jugs and jars.
My current set up is 12-gallon(+) boiler with adjustable 5500W, 220V element into a 2" column consisting of a single bubble plate, riser and copper-packed reducer going into a downward-angled stainless tube and into a copper worm. Strips and spirit runs are very efficient and seem to produce well defined cuts and clean, flavorful distillate.
I look forward to exploring the site and interacting with folks with more experience. It's always exciting to find a new "square one" in life to provide challenge and the opportunity to strive for excellence in a new pursuit.