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$100 in MICHIGAN. Also took legislative action to get it down to $100 from $1,000. Just passed this year. I believe it was even higher 5 years ago. ($10,000?)

We're looking for a flow meter that will work well running wash and spirit through it. Can anyone recommend a good brand? It would be best if it's nice, durable and ACCURATE, I know that's asking a lot when talking about flow meters, but it doesn't hurt to ask. Thanks in advance

We've done gin both ways, soaking and with a basket. A gentle maceration or crush seems to work best with both techniques. Your just exposing more of the berry so you can use less and get the same results of using more un-macerated berries. Either way will work. Let us know what you decide on and how that works for you. Good luck and cheers! Ben

Loss of alcohol is normally around 2-3 percent annually per barrel due to evaporation through the wood. The evaporation rate is going to vary depending on your humidity level; (low humidity level -> more water evaporation; High humidity level -> More alcohol evaporation) Cheers!

I agree with both points here. I think that the biggest thing is, are you being true to yourself, the consumer and the craft? If you are using GNS to make something like Gin or infused vodkas or something of that nature that you can say "hey I hand crafted this" then great, use GNS. If you are using GNS immorally, as a shortcut or as a way to just flip it, put it in a "fancy bottle", and make money, I say shame on you and that is NOT distilling. I'm sorry but it's not. It may be in a literal sense but definitely not by what I, personally, think of when I think of distilling. I'm sure most people would love to make their own GNS, but the fact is some of us strictly run pot stills and are unable to do so. We OURSELVES are the only ones that can keep the integrity of the industry strong. If you believe that what you are doing has some craft to it, then myself nor Chuck nor anyone else can tell you you are or are not a distiller. (although Chuck's going to tell you anyways...) That being said I think it's important to have conversation like this in order to make people take a long hard look at themselves and what they are doing and how they are doing it. You need to love what you're doing and how your doing it or else... WHY DO IT??? my two cents

Hey All. I'm looking for a good place to purchase Capsules. I'm looking for 5 different colors and sizes and good minimum quantities at a decent price. Who are you using? Any information is much appreciated! Thanks in advance. Ben

Josh Heintz or Scott Morris, both are Vitro salesman. Josh is our rep here in Michigan he works with a lot wineries/distilleries in the midwest. Great guy, willing to give you his all. Is happy to work with you until you find something you want and then was real good at staying in touch. email: jheintz@vitro.com Scott Morris is the regional rep for the eastern US I believe..? He, most likely, would be good to get in contact with to figure out who the rep is in your area. He directed us to Josh. Email: smorris@vitro.com We've also worked with Pascal at United. Great guy and great company as well. Good Luck

We here at New Holland Brewing Co. and Artisan Spirits are in FULL support of this proposal. We shall begin speaking with our legislators now. Thanks for the leg work on this. Cheers!

We do a light caustic 1-2% then rinse and follow with a heavier Acid wash (phosphoric) 3-5 %, Then a really good rinse before distilling. Works well for us. We use an Acid Metal Polish, from our chemical guys, for the outside. It's a powder you mix with water and it's AMAZING for polishing the outside. We follow that with Turtle wax to preserve the shine a little longer.

We are going to market with our spirits soon and wondered what others are using for appreciation numbers for barrel aged products. I have a cost sheet which we've created to track all cost of goods, expenses, etc. that go into a bottle of spirit, but I would also like to add an appreciation value for spirit that has sat in wood for the last several years. What are other producers doing? Is there an appropriate calculation or is it just a "what do you think it's worth" type number? Just want to get a sense of where we're at! Any input is much appreciated! Thanks in advance! Ben

For what it's worth. The amendment to the current law in Michigan has included a definition of a "small distiller" as a producer of less than 60,000 proof gallons per year. Just FYI

I Forgot to mention how great it is to see a Craft Distillers forum. Probrewer.com and the BA forum are and have been incredible resources for the craft brewing scene, and I think this forum, as well as the ADI has the potential to do the same thing for the Craft Distilling industry. Many thanks to those who made it happen! Best, Ben Fris New Holland Brewing Co. and Artisan Spirits ben@newhollandbrew.com www.newhollandbrew.com Creative People ~ Remarkable Results

Hello All. Have been registered for a few weeks now and thought I should probably say a quick hello. My name is Ben Fris and I run the distillery here at New Holland Brewing Co. We just got legislation passed to be able to sell grain based spirits over our bar so we will soon be releasing our Knickerbocker Gin, Line of Freshwater Rums (Huron- White, Michigan- Amber, Superior- Single Barrel) , and Zeppelin Bend Whiskey. Currently we sell a line of flavored Brandies. Before this law passed (Bill #5925) we were only able to serve fruit based spirit in our "tasting room"(which is our bar). This was do to the fact that the first distilleries in Michigan were wineries and therefore the laws were written to protect their agricultural standpoint. Now, after a lot of hard work from a lot of people around the state, including Kris Berglund (MSU artisan distillers program) and our very own Brett Vanderkamp (president New Holland), we are finally able to sell grain (as well as other fermentable sugar) based spirit. A very big victory for Michigan Distillers! Look forward to being a contributor on the forum, and don't hesitate to give me shout or, if you're in the area, stop by and see us! Best, Ben Fris New Holland Brewing Co. and Artisan Spirits ben@newhollandbrew.com www.newhollandbrew.com Creative People ~ Remarkable Results