You should call your local boiler inspector and see what requirements are for your state as they vary. I have trained on a still in Washington state that had the low pressure 399,000 BTU gas boiler next to the still without separation. Here in Oregon state I can install the exact same still and boiler set up in the same room without separation. In Maryland it is the same thing.
Note the still pot location in the attached photo.
We are currently building up to our Grand Opening. One thing we have been doing is trying to build the hype machine locally to get people excited and educate them on what a Distillery is.
We recently had a Still raising party. Kind of like an Amish barn raising, but without the beards and a lot more fun. We had about 100 people show up throughout the day and they got to be a part of fun. We basically had most of the still built and people got to see how it worked and add a nut or washer here and there. It was a huge success. We had a T-Shirt and food for them also.
We have roughly 13K Square Feet. As we are adding equipment, tasting room/bar, etc. We are slowly chipping away at our once large space. If you can afford it, go big if you have big dreams of growing.
We are signed up for our local farmers market. We won't be able to sell product until July, but the licensing is straight forward and the hype is through the roof. Don't hesitate to begin advertising for it once you know you are locked in.
I have researched and cannot find a definitive yes or no or maybe so for using a state name in your brand? I understand you can't claim to be the official Gin of Rhode Island but can you use the state name?
Thoughts?
Long time listener first time caller.
We are starting our distillery here in Pendleton Oregon which will focus and celebrate the local agriculture. We are busy currently getting our building up and running while we wait for our permits and equipment. We look forward to joining the group. Thanks!
You can follow in on the fun here for now: https://www.facebook.com/oregongrain/
Thanks again!