NateKThompson

Hey JustStillin,

Might want to look into an iStill mini. They're a little on the expensive side, but I might be able to get you a lead on a used one stateside. Let me know!

On 3/4/2022 at 1:48 PM, JustStillin said:

Hello All,

I'm seeking a small still for R&D; it would need to be capable of generating neutral spirits.  I have tooled around with the Turbo 500 packed column (https://stillspirits.com/products/turbo-500-still); their literature states upper limits of 186 proof, which I was able to reach (188-189, in fact).  I wasn't able to get to 190 proof, which I'll need for compliance.

I've contemplated fitting the Turbo 500 with a 2" TC adapter and adding a different or taller plated or packed column.  However, I'm not sure of the Turbo's heat output (1600 W) being sufficient.

So, my questions for the community:

1. Are there columns I could fit on the Turbo 500 that could generate >190 proof spirits with its existing heat output?
   or
2. Are there other small stills that could get me >190 proof?

Some other considerations:

• The wash would be free from solids, so direct heating elements are fine
• I don't have access to steam
• Cost and space are considerations - I'm looking for something less than 15 gallon capacity.

Thanks in advance!

 

 

Hey, old post, but wanted to see if you got the information you were looking for. I've worked with iStill for about four years at a few different companies. Happy to talk shop.

On 7/10/2018 at 7:08 AM, Silk City Distillers said:

Frankly, there should be zero tolerance here for unattended distillation, including unattended still pre-heating.

Sorry, but accidents impact all of us with additional regulatory burden, scrutiny, and avoidable overhead.

I'm all for automation that helps an operator focus on the more important tasks, but I feel I must speak out on the topic.

It's a bad idea, someone will get hurt, someone will die, and it will hurt all of us.  Anyone condoning this is being reckless.

I know and love you guys but I have to disagree. I've worked at over a dozen iStill sites and managed one for years. If you're a small distillery, you'd be absolutely insane to consider another still producer. Cost is one thing, but time is another. I have regularly run a still from my phone and been able to be out doing sales calls or getting time off. I've made basically every possible mistake on that equipment and the system has responded as advertised. Every problem has inevitably come from the biggest issue in distilling--human error.

Hi Kristian:

Site says you have your profile set so you don't receive private messages. I'm interested in getting a sample. Please shoot me an email at nate [at] corgispirits [dot] com or reply with your email address. Thanks.

NT

Have you moved these barrels yet? I'm interested in a sample of the early 2015 run. If it's still available, shoot me an email at nate [at] corgispirits [dot] com for DSP and address. Thanks, best of luck at Nordeast.

To Whom It May Concern:

My name is Nate Thompson. I recently finished an MBA program at the University of Southern California. My long-term career goal is to open my own distillery. In the meantime, I am looking for an opportunity to work full-time as a production operator and work toward becoming an operations manager to further hone my skillset and continue my education in the industry.

My experience in spirits to date includes a work-study exchange with Hakkaisan Sake Brewery in Niigata, Japan, where my team reviewed the company’s struggling U.S. strategy, ultimately encouraging them to break ties with their current distributor, target fine-dining on-premise accounts, and invest heavily in exporting their shochu portfolio. I then worked for Castle Brands in New York as a summer intern, ostensibly acting as the assistant brand manager for Knappogue Castle and Jefferson’s Bourbon. I primarily worked to create a long-term brand plan for Knappogue 1951, retarget on-premise accounts, establish a sales incentive program, and pitch unorthodox marketing events. Following graduation from USC, I spent several weeks as a production intern at Smooth Ambler Spirits and PA Pure Distilleries to compliment several years of experience as a hobbyist. I have also recently started taking courses in thermodynamics, microbiology, and process mecahnics. Coupled with my graduate coursework and experience as a data analyst, I can assist with everything from mash cooks to sales reporting.

Please take a look at my resume attached, and feel free to reach me at the contact info below if you have any questions. I am temporarily living in Portland, Maine, but willing to relocate. Thank you very much for your time and consideration.

Sincerely,

Nate Thompson

natekthompson@gmail.com

M: (207) 669-2687

Thompson Resume 10-6-2017.docx