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Rmorenc

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Rmorenc last won the day on July 24 2016

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  1. After taking a step back and thinking about what's next for our growth, I am looking forward to providing a first hand report on iStill's next generation still soon. As I've said, I'm happy with what I have, but looking at adding existing capabilities or going another way I came to the conclusion that it's iStill that continues to offer innovation. Thats how I come out on this. Not to disparage anyone or other equipment choices, but I think the history lines up with present day offerings. If anyone wants my Intel after working with their new i500; check with me late this year after I've had some time.
  2. Odin mentioned your facility as a place to see the iStill 50?

    I'm looking for a relatively small still for R&D efforts on rum, trying different yeasts, types of molasses, head cuts, etc. His 50 Base unit is quoted at around $3k - which seems pretty reasonable for a complete unit. But maybe I'm missing something, or maybe the shipping is outrageous, or maybe the unit is unreliable (there seem to be a number os messages on the board, etc, etc).

    What light are you willing to shed on the iStill and is it possible to arrange a visit?

    thanks

  3. I run pretty much all his equipment. It's great. It does as advertised, and IMO, is a great value. Anytime I've run into a question Odin has been a great resource. If anyone wants more detailed informaiton feel free to ask on this thread or in PM. Oh, and as noted, he's opened a new distillery and kept new innovations rolling out. On top of it, from what I've seen on his media sites, he's pushing new equipment out all over. The market response alone is a sorta endorsement. Yeah, I think the website and blogs are a good way to check in on the progression of iStill.
  4. We are in an MU-1 zone, or mixed use. It covers everything from light manufacturing, retail, or even residential. In that category, though, all of our product needed to be sold on-site. We had to enter Craft Distilleries (along with small wineries and breweries) into the Land Development Code in a way that created more rights (distribution in particular) for that and similar zoning. The city was supportive as they wanted us there and it helped them make a better code (at our modest cost). If they want you, they will find a way to help you alter the code. Ask them what paths there are and go from there.
  5. Are any of you (where allowed) engaged with multiple distributors for the same region/area? If not, have you made the decision to stick with one relationship as a way to deepen the value of that marketing partner? Did / does it work?
  6. Steve, I'm just seeing this now and would like to ask you to show some dignity and grace on the forum. I understand that you have a bad experience with one of the 2 iStills you purchased. You've started your own thread on it and have continued to add to it, to the point of demonstrating your dated and prejudice disposition over who and what Polish manufactures are capable of. I have to say after meeting Odin's chief Engineer (from Poland) I was extremely offended by that last post of yours and the aspersion you lay against him and his group of workers with absolutely zero direct foundation or personal context. That guy is sharp, kind, *highly* energetic with a work ethic of 10 men and honestly, is just a good dude. To hear you generalize his efforts (and Odin's) into the failed efforts of a Yugoslavian company of 30 years ago is exactly the kind of uninformed expression that makes the rest of the world look at America and shake their heads with the sadness that comes from realizing too many of us know too little about the world. For what its worth, Poland is a different nation with a different history and different culture than the former Yugoslavia. Poland is a member of the EU and carries a higher than average OCED raking in terms of education. I don't know where your animus will end for a $3000 still, but the next time you want to spew some more please 1) check yourself on far/over reaching statements that offend people you don't know (or apparently even know about), and 2) DON'T DO IT ON MY POST. You're entitled to your opinion. I've not offered any commentary even though I know both parties and more detail on the disagreement. Please, though, recognize I'm entitled to my opinion as well. I had a GREAT experience with Odin from start 'til now. For you to walk over to my yard to make a mess is uncalled for and I'll ask you to show some dignity and not do it again. Roger
  7. Many of you know this story. You have your own. Some of you are starting to make up that story and will go through the same process. I share this for all of us who pursue craft as a testament to how we, the little guy, can find something good. 11 months ago I stepped off a flight in a cold and misty weekend in Amsterdam. I went to spend an afternoon with the founder of iStill, Odin. In the middle of a lot of decisions, I had to settle on one of the cornerstones of the business; the still. Really I was also interviewing for something more than that. I wanted a business relationship--not just the sales veneer that can come with a tool that can look as seductive as those beautiful stills that are out there. Prior to meeting Odin, I was running into some measure of "we have the perfect tool, but we're so busy...", and then I became a number. Meeting Odin and seeing first hand the technology--and care--put into his products was a turning point for our business. Fast forward to this past weekend and I couldn't be any more pleased to tell you that we have the first iOne still, an i250 still, as well as a rocket ship that is the iStill Pump up and running in our distillery. Moreover, Odin and his Engineer came over to assemble and run the rigs. To say that is an understatement actually. They came and poured themselves into our situation--into the rigs, the first runs, the whole business. As a team we set it all up, processed two 1000 l of fermentations into rum and one 250 l of vodka. It was an experience that I couldn't ask any more of. While we have our Federal and State permits, we're not quite ready for the grand opening. Still, with the help of the tools I now have in place and the support of the iStill team I feel like I have a headstart. This missive is my public thanks and strong endorsement for their products. The runs we did with them at scale were great. Not only is the support there, but the quality of the runs, the automation and control, the efficiency and for sure the value will knock your socks off. I won't belabor it anymore as I'm sure you'll see more information on the iStill blogs if you want--except to say that its all true. It all works as promised. Thank you Odin. Thank you iStill.
  8. Rmorenc

    istill?

    Bob, I'm actually a little confused. It sounds like you're not a customer, but are looking to gripe about a vendor ... who you're not a customer of. I think it's one thing to come on the board and solicit feedback, but to represent some nefarious voices of doubt and concern seems bad form. I thought we were done with negative reviews on the board (which most disagreed with--including me)?? This isn't even a first hand complaint. I think if you had this much unwavering doubt over this vendor that you should move on to another choice. I don't know why you have such hard feelings with a business you don't do business with. Good luck.
  9. Rmorenc

    istill?

    He has said it was 450+ internationally. IStill is located in Europe and I think until recently Europe-Middle East-Asia has been his market. If you go to his website and blog they talk about two things around this post. 1) they just set up a help desk line and procedures around when/how to get parts or more SPP and 2) there have been cases where people don't know what they're doing and damage the equipment, but never has that happened when someone took 4 hours of his training. I thought the blog said that might now come with the i250s going forward to avoid this. Prior to this you had to reach Odin and workout what went wrong and a part replacement. I think if you look at the combination of iStill pricing and automation then it makes sense to me that those product lend themselves to more .....ah.... entry level distillers (not exclusively, but disproportionately). I mean, his slogan is Distilling Made Easy (not full proof). So when someone burns up a heating element because they ran it without anything in the tank, it makes sense that it can void the warrantee. Even still, I know Odin to be reasonable and fair. I think you should call Odin and see for yourself what's what. Maybe think through the costs of one, two or three of his products and some worse case scenario parts and compare that to the other offerings out there in terms of size, automation and training on the equipment. We'd love to hear more feedback I'm sure.
  10. Mega Congrats! Do you mind sharing how long the Fed and State process took?
  11. Please clarify 12 or 6 pack case for better response.
  12. +1 on all the voices calling for this to remain an open forum (with professionalism as the only censor). Are positive reviews still allowed? What about mediocre ones? Where's the line? "Yes, I like the design of product X very much, the installation was ok and I'd like to comment on how well it has worked for me but am prohibited by this forum's rules" <-- is this where we're headed?
  13. Well, at the risk of succumbing to the use of technology to communicate and thus having to get over my own angst over the lost art of letter writing, I think the continuous still option is brilliant. Maybe the market only will reward those who market making their own cuts one run at a time; but maybe some portion of the market place will reward something that is tech-savvy also. Either way, the work here to bring a product to market on a production basis is commendable and I look forward to learning more about it. Jim--I sent you an email if you could kindly take a look at it. Cheers.
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