Kindred Spirits

That's interesting to learn, most major providers I deal with as ethanol bulk suppliers stop at 192. I'm assuming the 200 is anhydrous?

Once you cross the 40% ABV threshold your potential for fire goes way up. 200 proof ethanol has in incredibly low flash point and burns nearly invisibly so I am always extra cautious when dealing with any higher proof ethanol. If possible make sure your containers are grounded to prevent any static electricity from sparking and ruining your day. I also as a precaution make sure to discharge on a piece of metal at least 5 feet away from the ethanol as an extra safety measure. The saying goes "better safe than sorry" so if working with mixing the spirit at all when putting your botanicals in I would also wear a respirator and goggles.

No offense taken. You are 100% right about the difference between the Azeotrope and Anhydrous alcohol solutions being different in their ability in what they extract. I definitely was not saying that the results would be the same flavor profile at a lower proofing, but giving him an idea of a place to start his small batches. Since he was looking to "increase his yields" yet not increase the overall amount produced, which I will admit did not make too much sense to me, I just figured he was looking for a base point from which to start. The 1.6x would put him at the same amount of botanicals for a higher proof run which would yield 60% more finished product per 1.75L batch, but this once again was just an idea for a base point. The best recommendation for what I would do, would be to do a series of small scale trials in which the individual botanical amounts are varied from the original amount for 120 proof in 10% increments up to the 60% mark and possibly even down to 20% per botanical to see how each one extracts at the higher proof. Depending on the recipe this could be a lot of work, but as Sickfloss mentioned this business requires "Thorough Research"

The highest proof Neutral you are most likely to find is 192 proof. Since your botanical bill is set at 120 I would try increasing the botanical amounts by 192/120 which equals 1.6x the original amount. In terms of extraction times, you might want to try a couple smaller batches to see what amount of time works best for you to achieve your flavor goals.

I know each state has their own codes, I might have been misunderstood. I was saying that hopefully they update your state's code to reflect the new code soon.

Sorry to hear that your AHJ isn't open to accepting the newer code right away. Hopefully they accept the new codes soon and you can make the changes you want.

According to the new code, an argument can be made to have a F-1 space that exceeds the MAQ of 240 Gallons. 307.1.1 States "An occupancy that stores, uses or handles hazardous materials as described in one or more of the following items shall not be classified as Group H, but shall be classified as the occupancy that it most nearly resembles" This does not talk about trying to use dual occupancies. You are a F-1 space, but with the new wording of the code you could reason in the following manner to store a reasonable amount of barrels over your MAQ, especially since you are already sprinklered. Since your distillery is already A F-1 space as long as you are in compliance with the 2021 IBC, which states to follow the 2021 IFC guidelines, you can handle a larger amount than designated by the MAQ, because the new 2021 IFC clearly states in its new chapter that barrels are exempt. Following these guidelines as set out in the new codes, a distillery that has 5-10 barrels filled with spirits "most nearly resembles" an F-1 space a factory space with some storage, vs a S-1 storage area which could have hundreds of barrels according to the new regulations, but no production space.

The 2021 IBC 307.1.1 notes 18 &19 state that distilleries should follow the 2021 IFC regulations. Chapter 40 of the 2021 IFC is a new chapter that was added. It clearly states the rules that distilleries should follow. In this chapter it states, that the chapters 50 and 57 of the 2021 IFC do not apply to spirits stored in barrels. Distilleries can house barrels, provided that they follow all of the rules laid out in the 2021 IFC and be considered a S-1 Space. They are no longer considered a H-Space if they exceed the MAQ, because they are exempt from the MAQ as laid out in Chapter 50.

Looks like the 2021 IBC finally addressed the confusion with the storage of alcohol in a space. Sections 307.1.1 Note 18 & 307.1.1 Note 19 No longer mandates that distilleries in compliance with the international fire code be relegated to a H designation, this is in regards to spirit production and storage in casks. Thus 2021 IFC section 5701.2 Nonapplicability applies to spirits housed in casks.

How many uses has the barrel had? Were they recharred before using them for your rum? Second use barrels typically need more time than new charred and their color will never be as strong.

Just curious, what proof are you aging at?

NEW 2021 IBC clarifies that distilleries no longer will be classified as H-Spaces provided they conform to the 2021 IFC

2018 NC Fire Code "5001.1 ScopePrevention, control and mitigation of dangerous conditions related to storage, dispensing, use and handling of hazardous materials shall be in accordance with this chapter.This chapter shall apply to all hazardous materials, including those materials regulated elsewhere in this code, except that where specific requirements are provided in other chapters, those specific requirements shall apply in accordance with the applicable chapter. Where a material has multiple hazards, all hazards shall be addressed.Exceptions: In retail or wholesale sales occupancies, the quantities of medicines, foodstuff or consumer products and cosmetics containing not more than 50 percent by volume of water-miscible liquids and with the remainder of the solutions not being flammable shall not be limited, provided such materials are packaged in individual containers not exceeding 1.3 gallons (5 L). Quantities of alcoholic beverages in retail or wholesale sales occupancies shall not be limited providing the liquids are packaged in individual containers not exceeding 1.3 gallons (5 L). Application and release of pesticide and agricultural products and materials intended for use in weed abatement, erosion control, soil amendment or similar applications where applied in accordance with the manufacturers' instructions and label directions. The off-site transportation of hazardous materials where in accordance with Department of Transportation (DOTn) regulations. Building materials not otherwise regulated by this code. Refrigeration systems (see Section 606). Stationary storage battery systems regulated by Section 608. The display, storage, sale or use of fireworks and explosives in accordance with Chapter 56. Corrosives utilized in personal and household products in the manufacturers' original consumer packaging in Group M occupancies. The storage of distilled spirits and wines in wooden barrels and casks. The use of wall-mounted dispensers containing alcohol-based hand rubs classified as Class I or II liquids where in accordance with Section 5705.5."

For Bulk spirits if you want to legally store more than 240 Gallons in your distillery you would need to have a talk with your local fire marshal to see if they would be willing to consider the container a "separate" designated space for storage if it is inside, outside you can store in properly locked, UL rated containers, with no issues.

Are you looking to just store barrels in the container or bulk spirits as well?