Saxtons

Is anyone using load cells under tanks, stills, for grain? Love to know how they are working for you.

I use a "tank kit", 4 load cells and a readout, with a 2000 Liter Tank. I'm happy with the accuracy now, I do have a calibration weight. The tough part was the initial setup. You need ~60% of the total measured weight to setup the scale. I accomplished this with water, and having the tank on another calibrated scale. I zeroed the scale out with the tank on it, then added a bunch of water. In the end it did measure my calibration weight correctly, so good enough for what I needed.

I've been quite happy with my XpressFill 4 bottle Level filler. Very repeatable, fast enough for my setup.

Can anyone make some suggestions where to buy Shrink Tunnels and Shrink guns for applying shrink sleeves?

thanks,

kevin

I bought a cheap tunnel off Ebay. It works, but I regret it. I had to add insulation and modify it some, it got VERY hot. So far it works, but I expect it will have a short life and then I'll replace it with something better.

Thank you.

There is your problem. The digital printers are almost certainly outsourcing the stamping. They print the 4c digital, then send to a foil stamper.

Word to the wise on printers. Most printers will tell you they can print "anything." What this actually means is that they can send your job to someone else then mark it up. I'd suggest calling up some printers in your area, and begin the conversation by asking if they do foil stamping in house. If they say yes, visit and check out their work. Unless they are a small specialty shop, it's almost certain that anyone who does foil will be printing offset as well. Get their samples of that too.

For 8,000 sets, offset will almost certainly be cheaper than digital, and will look better too.

If you can't find a local printer, then a broker may be the best bet, but be aware they'll mark up the price. They may also provide some hand-holding and technical expertise, which may be worth the up charge.

My typical run for labels is ~8,000 sets. I guess I got started with digital printers due to my original orders of ~3,000 sets. The foil stamping has been the difficult part. So far I've had two printers commit to producing them, only to admit they can't hold the registration. So my gold foil is floating more than is acceptable. St. Louis is one who can no longer hold the tolerances. I'll look into the print broker, I've only dealt directly with label printers before. Thank you.

I am looking for a digital label printer who can also do foil stamping. I have been disappointed by the capabilities of a few. East Coast would be preferred to reduce time and shipping costs. Thank you.

Has anyone found a 1/4 oz pourer to make the sampling easier? Have done some searching on the net and can't find a measured pourer that small.

Our tastes are supposed to be 1/4 oz, but typically I'll give 1/8th oz. in a 1/2 oz disposable shot cup. I've made my own spouts using some brass barb fittings, 1/8" dia, so that the pour is much slower and more controlled. I had tried multiple standard pourers and they made a huge mess at the bar. They just weren't made for small shots.

Keith,

In Vermont we can sell our own products without going through the state distribution system. We got this law enacted ourselves a few years ago.

We can get up to 10 4th class licenses. This could be a retail store or a farmers market spot.

We can get up to 36 special event permits per year. These multi-day permits allow us to sell at festivals and shows, no limit on sales.

We are not limited to the amount we can sell either.

Bars/Restaurants still have to buy from the agency stores.

You all are going to need to work on getting the state to change the laws. Have you formed a Maine Distilled Spirits Council yet, so you can have a larger voice at the statehouse? That helps a lot.

While your at it, get Maine to relax their tasting laws too. ALL spirits sold in Vermont can conduct their own tasting events in the stores, and there isn't too much of a hassle. Every weekend the larger stores have these going on. You can remind them that YOU all are the best people to sell and represent your products among the 1000,s out there, you'll sell more, make more money, the state will make more money, stores will sell more and make more money. I can't believe ME is "anit-biz" more so than VT, but they changed these things once they heard from us and allowed us to explain how it will help. We now have a track record that these law changes work and have helped, and we're growing here. Good luck.

Have you been dealing with the same agent there? I understand your predicament. I likely would have been unable to start my business if I could not use my own property. You should also have an answer from your local zoning, since your property will be mixed use/home business. That can stop the process too. If they're OK with it, then you also have that on your side. If it comes down to it you could contact John Manfredda at the TTB and explain what's going on. Another option is to submit your paperwork with your address as it is. My map I submitted showed my house on it. Since they have this 'round robin' review process, it's unlikely you're app. will be this same agent who's telling you you cannot do it. You have precedent on your side, there are plenty of small DSP's on property with a residence.

My first distillery location, and still current until my change of address goes through, is in my barn adjacent (but not connected to) my house. Same property, not subdivided. Someone at the TTB is wrong in their interpretation.