Kindred Spirits

Typically supply spiral ductwork is either lined or wrapped to prevent condensation from forming and dripping on what's below. I wouldn't worry about static electricity from metal ductwork because it is typically attached to structure with metal hangers which would ground it. I would recommend terminating the HVAC run earlier if can be done, so as not to get in the way of all of the piping (Steam/Water/CIP) associated with a still. That just keeps things simple, looks cleaner, and then you won't have to worry about anything dripping on the equipment either which would be a pain to keep looking shiny.

That's what I specialize in! We do comprehensive distillery layouts with focus on productivity, safety and aesthetics. We can help guide you through the process of getting started, sourcing and setting up equipment, all the way to training you to distill and bottle your spirits.

That's a super cool design I haven't seen that one before. I have some ideas for designing a custom gin basket for client to use, I would love to talk with you sometime to discuss. Maybe come up with something great for future use.

Sometimes it seems people just want to tout that the "vapor infuse" their botanicals as some magic method of making Gin. What I have found to be true is that vapor infusions have their place with certain botanicals that "stew easily" like florals cucumber and other similar botanicals. A properly designed gin basket will allow the lighter, more desirable flavor compounds to be brought into your final product while sending the heavier less desirable ones back to the still boiler. But you will have to play with your ratios, as the extraction rates can vary based on the size and design of your gin basket and also the how long you are running your equipment. For a majority of clients though, a boiler charge delivers a good amount of flavor and simplicity and with careful cuts can deliver a great gin.

You can generate your own serial number, it can be really any format you want. The main thing is that whatever you put on the DSP permit, you also have on the still. It can be as simple as having a small plate made up, or scribing/marking the equipment with number and letter stamps. It just needs to be "permanently" attached to the equipment.

Yeah they decided to put the chiller over at the tasting space. Did the still assembly and hookup at the production space though.

I also help clients assemble and tie in equipment. I help with the electric/plumbing/welded connections too if needed.

I have a couple of clients in NY, I might be able to give you a hand with what you need.

If you could send me a PM with your contact info and ill make sure he gets it. I know he was away for a much needed vacation, so that might explain the delay.

Jeff Stone @ resource label has always done right by my clients.

SOLD

Depending on what you are running you can do a normal distillation, just take your heads cut and discard them. Or if you want to do a small sacrificial run that works too, just be sure the boiler is charged enough so as not to run dry.

A vinegar run would be a good idea especially if you take it apart for cleaning its more like a finishing process for cleaning. I like to use them for leak detection as well because does get in all the cracks an crevices and the smell alerts you to any potential leaks. Depending on the buildup you see during single spirit type runs you can typically get away with a good CIP cleaning process. If the buildup is significant due to wash crusting on the sides of the boiler you might have to get in there and scrub it off.

How much buildup is there on the inside? Typically its recommended to use some mild chemicals like PBW and hot water, followed by a light citric rinse if you are looking for that shine, however with copper there is such a thing as "too much" cleaning with acids as they will eventually eat away the copper. In terms of the condensers, you can soak them by capping the bottom inlets/outlet and filling from the top. Usually for most clients I recommend a light cleaning between spirit types, or when you can notice the effectiveness of the copper starting to fade. If going to lets say a vodka from a Gin, it would be recommended to do a more thorough cleaning to get rid of the oils from the gin run, but even then, most of the time a 140 degree PBW will clean it out pretty well.

My first question to any client that has any sort of sediment or flaking issue is What kind of proofing water do you use? Second is what's your filtration process for bottling?