 Rank: Newbie Groups: Registered
Joined: 2/17/2010(UTC)
Posts: 3
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"I'm thinking about buying a still, but frankly I'm sort of intimidated by the whole process of 'distillation'. I don't even know where to start to understand the technique, pitfalls, terminology, things to be aware of, etc.
Any tips would be appreciated,
Heather"
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 Rank: Senior Member Groups: Registered
Joined: 10/22/2005(UTC)
Posts: 817
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" Originally Posted by: Heather  I'm thinking about buying a still, but frankly I'm sort of intimidated by the whole process of 'distillation'. I don't even know where to start to understand the technique, pitfalls, terminology, things to be aware of, etc.
Any tips would be appreciated,
Heather Hi Heather. We all start off this way. The most important thing is to start off with a good still. I highly reccomend the Brewhaus ps II hi capacity. It will last forever and make a good result easy. You will have lots of help here, and soon be makeing much better than anything you can purchase. Its an art and great hobby. You will make many things if you want, that are not availiable anywhere except in your own home. Don't be afraid, you will have plenty of help. Women down here in the South were always the quality distillers for their own home and medicinals, the men made it for money and hard drinking. Go for it. You will have plenty of help."
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Rank: Senior Member Groups: Registered
Joined: 12/10/2009(UTC)
Posts: 519
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"U can do it Heather. Making likker is easy. Making good likker is hard. Gotta start some where and move forward from there. I think women have an excellant pallet, good nose and a good eye for detail. Already genetically a step ahead. Do your research and ask questions. Good luck We need more women.............(to help me convince my misuss I am not making poison)  "
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Rank: Senior Member Groups: Registered
Joined: 10/22/2005(UTC)
Posts: 817
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"Aye! and just for fun, check out at the library ""More Mounain Spirits"" Joseph Earl Dabney. Many women made special brandies for family and tonics. Just as now many women are makeing specialty beers in some artisan beer shops.
Have fun. jp"
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Rank: Newbie Groups: Registered
Joined: 2/17/2010(UTC)
Posts: 3
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"Thanks so much for the encouragement. I'm feeling better about it already. Ya'll have stated many reasons precisely why I want to start distilling. The quality I hope to acheive along with my herbal tinctures, etc.
I really appreciate it.
I don't mean to sound like a hick but I live in a fairly remote area and power outages are frequent, particularly in winter. When I look at stills for sale, I often cannot tell what they are using for a power source. I do have a generator (and propane for cooking and a woodstove), but I'm thinking the 'draw' off a still might be excessive for a generator.
I need to check out that book as well.
Heather"
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Rank: Senior Member Groups: Registered
Joined: 12/10/2009(UTC)
Posts: 519
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"How big is your generator?
I use a 4500 watt element and pull 9.5 amps on a spirit run and 18.6 amps on a strip run.
Propane may be a better option (as it is for a lot of stillers).
You will get really good control of your heat input, which will be really important when doing a spirit run."
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Rank: Senior Member Groups: Registered
Joined: 10/22/2005(UTC)
Posts: 817
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" Originally Posted by: Heather Thanks so much for the encouragement. I'm feeling better about it already. Ya'll have stated many reasons precisely why I want to start distilling. The quality I hope to acheive along with my herbal tinctures, etc.
I really appreciate it.
I don't mean to sound like a hick but I live in a fairly remote area and power outages are frequent, particularly in winter. When I look at stills for sale, I often cannot tell what they are using for a power source. I do have a generator (and propane for cooking and a woodstove), but I'm thinking the 'draw' off a still might be excessive for a generator.
I need to check out that book as well.
Heather[/QUO
In your situation I would go propane. I do it here as I have the same problems, and if doing brandies or others this is the best choice.
If you have access to berries and fruits, you might put us all to shame and teach us a bit. I make a lot of tinctures also."
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Rank: Advanced Member Groups: Registered
Joined: 1/16/2010(UTC)
Posts: 453
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Heather, join the crowd, it's fun and rewarding. Once you get past the initial vocabulary shock it is a pretty basic principle. There are a number of variations that you can apply once you get settled in. By all means though take previous advise and get the Brewhaus High Capacity still. It will make everything much more enjoyable and it is user friendly. I use the 1500 watt hot plate and I've had to modify the thermostat control to get satisfactory function from it. I also have to watch the weather in the winter so I don't get caught with a power outage in the middle of a run. If that is a concern for you start out with a propane heater with enough BTU's to get the job done, and be careful not to catch the house/garage/shed on fire. Keep us up on your progress :) There are some pretty knowledgable people here that will gladly give you tips and share in your rewards when you are up and running.
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Rank: Newbie Groups: Registered
Joined: 2/17/2010(UTC)
Posts: 3
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"OK, that's decided. I am going with the Bruhaus High Capacity. I'll be hangin' around and asking a lot of questions I'm sure. For now, I'll start reading the archives.
Thanks!
Heather"
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 Rank: Junior Member Groups: Registered
Joined: 1/14/2010(UTC)
Posts: 19
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You have made a wise choice and will love this hobby! You will find yourself constantly workin to improve what you make. I have been doin it about 4 months and have had a blast. I am by far no expert and am still lurnin but these guys will lead you in the right direction and some great recipes. Good luck and if I can help just ask!!!:)
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Rank: Newbie Groups: Registered
Joined: 12/8/2010(UTC)
Posts: 8
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Question about the EE2, if I buy the regular capacity one, can I upgrade to a HC version later on if I want? Isn't the only difference the column size and connector to the boiler?
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Rank: Junior Member Groups: Registered
Joined: 3/24/2009(UTC)
Posts: 39
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"Heather
More info found at homedistiller.org. thais org not com !
MJ"
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Rank: Senior Member Groups: Registered
Joined: 10/22/2005(UTC)
Posts: 817
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" Originally Posted by: bjjfiter Question about the EE2, if I buy the regular capacity one, can I upgrade to a HC version later on if I want? Isn't the only difference the column size and connector to the boiler? Not even close. I have had both and gave my smaller one away. Took 3 times longer to make a run, shorter column so less quality, and the condenser size limits the speed even for just makeing a pot or stripping run. Better than none though."
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Rank: Junior Member Groups: Registered
Joined: 11/25/2009(UTC)
Posts: 143
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Heather all I use is a turkey frier burner with a 15 gallion keg boiler.
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Rank: Senior Member Groups: Registered, Moderator
Joined: 7/25/2009(UTC)
Posts: 2,209
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"you wont be sorry by starting with the better setup. many of us have spent the money over and over byupgrading from too small a rig to start with.
good luck:)"
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