CBDCo

I use both certified hydrometers and we have a Rudolph Research densitometer. Both have rewarding qualities. The densitometer has a proofing calculator which is very helpful, our distillery management software has one as well. We leased our densitometer so it didn't tie up a lot of capital. I do think it is worth the expense.

Yes. They also have a great tool to use for sales projections, determining mash bills, etc.

It has a section that has a template of the application. Donald also has a wealth of knowledge of the process and "held my hand" the whole way. We had issues with our DSP but it was with the TTB, not with WS, I don't think we would have gotten ours if it wasn't for WS and Donald's help.

We just got access to the production module and I have now been able to look at it and play around with it. It was very instrumental with us getting our DSP. Donald gave me a lot of guidance and helped us a ton.

we're practically neighbors. Donald has been great, he helped us a lot with our application. We had issues with our DSP because of the turnover and lack of training at the TTB. I wasn't expecting the flood of sales calls when you get your DSP. Be prepared. I have visited a lot of distilleries last year and most of them use WS and have had nothing bad to say with Donald. Nor do I. It's like a bride getting cold feet before the wedding. ha.

We received our DSP a month ago and just about to start the COLA process. We are currently using WS to help with our business plan, sales projection etc. I was recently contacted by Stillhouse and started looking at the information. I have some issues with WS and was thinking about switching before I start production in the next 10 months. Does anyone have any issues (good or bad) with either of these systems? I would be interested in hearing your thoughts. ** Update** Upon reading this again, I felt that I needed to give a little more background. We have been with WS for over a year and have had great support from the owner and staff. No program will ever be 100% perfect and I realize that. I have seen some other programs and it got me thinking. I have no plans to switch as of now, I'm just doing my research and make sure we find the right fit for us. Thanks Travis

Which model? I had been looking at the RLTC-DW

Hello, I am in the final process of ordering equipment and I am trying to decide on a good manual labeler, something that I could potentially but both labels (front and back) on at the same time. I had been looking at a Race labeler, but now I am not sure what I want. Any thoughts?

What type of set up do you have? We are in a small town and there is a Culligan location somewhat close by. I want to use them so that if we needed servicing or parts, they are close by? Do you have a reserve water tank? I have known others who leave the water on overnight or for a few hours and fill an IBC tote so they had enough to proof since the water was slow. Thoughts? Thanks.

Thanks, the site is back up and I spoke to a representative.

I tried to log in to see the status on my DSP and the site appears to be down for the last few days. Does anyone know of another way to check the status? Thanks - Travis

I assume this is the hand held unit. It is not TTB certified. We have decided to go with the full version unit. There is a craft model that is TTB certified. I have the model number somewhere. The customer service was great working with them

This was an issue that may be specific to Texas. The TCEQ (Texas Commission on Environmental Quality) had certain regulations with what we could do with our cleaning water. Even though the chemicals are all food grade, pose no threat to the environment, and are heavily diluted with water and posed no threat at all. The TCEQ in its infinite wisdom wanted us to build our million dollar facility and store our water until we could send them a sample, and then and only then they would tell us what we could do with it. We were trying to use a retention pond and reuse the water for irrigation or dust control. The threat was there that we would have to have it hauled off and disposed of like hazardous chemicals if the chemical composition contained certain things ( I am not sure what it was, they did not say). Simply put, we did not want to invest in the project without knowing what exactly we were going to have to do with the waste water, so we decided to purchase a property in the city where we could use city water, and sewer. And as an added bonus we can use natural gas instead of propane. We wasted a lot of time spinning our wheels and money. Hopefully this is something that you will not have to deal with. Many in Texas have not done this, and face fines and other regulatory issues. It wasn't until one of our engineers brought this up, that we knew it would even be an issues. Many do not have this luxury and build not knowing what they would have to do. The problem (that I see) is that the state is lumping us with any type of alcoholic producing firm, waste from wine, contains grape skins and do pose other issues. We were going to store our spent grain and sell or give it away to farmers. You could build your building and run the risk of not having issues with the TCEQ, we did not since the TCEQ was already aware of our project and would most likely come for a "surprise" inspection. I don't have any further details, but today I heard from another attorney there was another distillery that was able to get around all the red tape, but he did not have any specifics. I hope this helps and would be more than happy to discuss it more if you have more questions.

I had found a work around for the water issue, then we ran into waste water issues. We ended up purchasing another property within the city with municipal services and have been able to get started with demolition/ construction. Thanks for following up!

We ordered an Artisan. There are a lot of manufactures are there, you need to determine your needs and then anticipate what your long-term goals are and then find the right fit. One thing that was important to me was customer service. Knowing your sales rep and being able to go them for help and guidance is awesome. The company I went with uses others in the distilling industry as their sales reps. Mine told me the good, bad and the ugly and ultimately helped me choose the right system for us. People are going to throw out the brand they like (as I did, mildly) but at the end of the day it is a gut feeling, and whatever you are your team feel it is the best for you, that is what you need to go with. Hope this helps.