ghreef

Check your DSP application tracking number and compare it to the one in your e-mail notification. I found that they don't match. There seems to be another record created that the original application record ties to (can't remember where off the top of my head). Essentially I could see that my original tracking number record tied to the new one that the e-mail notifications were based on, but I didn't have rights to "see" or "read" (in computer lingo) the new record number. I had to have my TTB agent email me all my documents as I still can't access my completed application record. The agent I worked with said I'm the 4th person to report this problem and IT can't seem to get it fixed yet.

We submitted ours May 2, 2016. State June 3, 2016. TTB approved on 9/27, 2016. Ahead of schedule. They had one round of questions in late Aug which we turned around in a day. Unfortunately, it was lost in the shuffle and I eventually called them to check in and they processed it that afternoon. State has also been very quick. The biggest challenge is the local municipality. They didn't know what to do with us, so we got conflicting direction which they had to sort out. That has extended everything since the State needs a valid CO. Some insight for those starting or going through the process... Definitely spend the money to have a lawyer (with experience in the industry) look over applications. They caught a few changes which made things easier with TTB. Wait a few months, then give the TTB a call. It takes time to get through to someone, but once you have a direct connection, and can show that you won't be a nuisance asking for daily updates - but you do want communication open and regular, they seem to really appreciate that. See what you can do to simplify their effort which will have them more willing to work with you. On the town level - if you're the first distillery in town, engage the building/fire/electrical/plumbing and zoning offices asap. They will most likely be challenged to know how to give you the inspections and oks you need. I ended up pulling OPRAs on other towns with distilleries for any CO/building subcode documentation on record. This gives you a baseline to present to your town to help them with their approvals. Good luck all and stop by if you're in NJ!

As some added insight - the off the shelf RO (only) systems can be around 2:1 or 3:1. 4:1 or higher is usually only seen in the off the shelf RO/DI (reverse osmosis/De-ionization) systems. Like everything - quality goes with price (and quality of original water). The commercial systems will pump out RO/DI closer to 2:1 or 3:1 but they are more money. (FWIW - I was big into salt water reef husbandry years ago so I have done my homework on creating near-pure water to reconstitute into near-ocean saltwater) If I can extend the topic - what do those of you who do not have access to city water do? I'm guessing my town may be resistant to pulling 1000+ gallons (per week) from the water table from a pump.

ok - I lit a lighter just inside my collection container to ensure it's not flammable vapor - so I think I'm safe there. (just kidding - that is stupidity at it's finest) I'll either just deal with the huffing or insert something in the condenser tube to limit the effect. I even notice during spirit runs that the whole condenser has a certain resonation that causes the whole thing to gently vibrate. I'm guessing (at least in part) it's due to huffing resonation exacerbated by the stack of bricks the condenser is on. Thanks all!

Hi all, My first post past introduction - so be kind to the newbie. When performing a run, I often hear a puffing sound coming out of the condenser, sometimes while having dripping product, sometime in place of it. I don't see much about this in literature or online posts. Is this normal? The condenser water is cold (around 60F). Let me know what other info you need to help provide insight. I do find it occurs more at the end of hearts and through the rest of the run until I shut my heat off. Thanks!

Cris, Thanks - that's a great idea. My hesitation is that I might be perceived as "competition" in another Distiller's space. Is that not more prevalent in our "hobby/business" since there isn't really space for a hobbyist distiller?

Hi all, recently joined ADI and am starting my crawl through the forum Me and a partner are starting up effort to open a Distillery here in NJ. We've gotten the LLP and the USPTO submission done. Going through the start up funding effort (already past 1/6 of our need and we are only 2 weeks in) - yay. Then on to securing a location and hiring the lawyer to submit the TTB and State applications. Will look forward to posting more as we progress - and probably asking lots of questions! (BWT - targeting spicy Vodka & Rums. Have a Rye got ready for the summer harvest - by then I hope to be up and running)