Mars

Thanks for all the responses. I will definitely make mixing and some resting as part of my procedure. As far as the hard to determine micro scale physio-chemistry goes, I want to also share another observation. I recently roughly proofed a few bottles from barrel strength to 40%. I blended the spirit and water in each bottle and did end up hitting my target pretty well. What I noticed though, is that the day after proofing, if I upended a bottle I could see mixing of the liquid inside indicating different refractive index for different liquid sitting in different parts of the bottle. That wouldn't be likely to happen if I had mixed well ahead of time, but I think it is evidence that there may be effects beyond the temperature and bubbles. I am not sure that this is of any practical importance for now, and it may be pedantic, but I like getting into these things because it will help someone someday. Thanks for answering my real question of how to blend properly.

Have you all noticed that when you proof your spirits there is a time needed to reach a final equilibrium? In my limited experience I found that the proof takes some time to reach its ultimate specific gravity. Using a hydrometer it seemed to me that my proof read differently right after blending compared to a reading made the next day. The proof would go down as compared to my initial read. I only have experience blending batches of a few gallons and not 100 or more like a lot of you. I am pretty sure I have read about this before, and it isn't a fabrication of my imagination. With that in mind, do you all have a minimum time you rest your proofed spirits before bottling? I'm not sure it matters assuming you know you will nail the proof you want, but I would imagine the volume changes a bit too and you need to get that right in the bottle also. Thank you, Mars

That looks very impressive. I have some questions about the specs. I am not sure what input volume means? Is that the volume that can be run between servicing? If that is the case is there an upper limit on acceptable solids content or particle size? Will you have any models that run on natural gas or steam? Thanks

I am not a lawyer, nor from Illinois, but my understanding is that in NY one cannot do anything that is not expressly permitted. Maybe you should ask your state government?

What is the problem with condensation? And when does it appear? Maybe the room you store in does not have a very consistent temperature?

It probably isn't worth the time/expense to do this for a 26 gallon still, but how do you control power now? And do you mean 240F? There shouldn't be any vapor or any vapor left at 140 F or C.

From what I have gathered the biggest concern is having the distillery in a structure connected to a residence. If the building is on its own parcel unconnected to a residence I think you should be fine, especially if there is a reasonable distance between the two.

I recommend The Practical Distiller by Samuel McHarry, 1809. He describes his effort to find best practices and what he came up with. He has a couple techniques to deal with scorching on his direct fired still. First he greases the pot before filling it. Next he heats it before putting the column on so he can stir while its heating. Once it is boiling he doesn't need to stir and the head is put on. http://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/21252

Bluestar, do you mind sharing what size pump you are using? I am curious what power rating the pump is, what size tubing you use and how many GPM you might be pumping. Thanks!

I would suggest doing some fermentations yourself and see how they go.

I am not an expert in FDA inspections, but my Mom worked for the FDA for years. From all of the stories she told me it seemed like the FDA will want to make sure that you have quality control procedures in place. The most important thing though is probably that you have done due diligence. If they know that you are trying to do your best but find a problem the worst that would probably happen is that they give you a warning letter. It gives you a chance to reply in a letter describing your corrective action. They will then come back a check later that you have followed your corrective action plan described in your reply to the FDA letter.

Hello everyone, I am interested to starting a microdistillery in New York State. I am purely in the fact finding stage and want to do all I can to develop an understanding of the realities of starting a microdistillery. Hopefully I can learn some things here and you all can learn a thing or two from me. ~Mars