rmacvarish

JQ, I overlooked that your question was specific to pot stills. Sorry about that. You are correct vodka comes from column stills with enough plates to hit 190 proof. I would also be interested in hearing how others have overcome the start up hurdle. //Rich

JQ, I'm just starting the planning stage but I think the general model is to make some percentage of aged whiskey and some percentage of unaged spirits (usually gin or vodka) for the first few years. Those percentages depend on your business plan as a whole. Personally I plan to start small enough that I can wait it out if I need to. That said, I don't think crafting an unaged spirit is the same as producing "low-quality hooch". Vodka can be a great product if you have the plates to get to 190 proof (otherwise it ain't vodka per the TTB) and I've had some really nice white whiskeys over the years. Just my opinion, YMMV =) Regards, Rich

Hello all, I am at the VERY beginning of starting a distillery. Currently I am collecting data on the permitting process, start up costs and also looking into training/education. I'm realistically 3+ years out from being able to start my own distillery but I'm not letting the dream go. In the meantime I'm hoping to build my knowledge base and eventually get a job distilling =) I have a strong all grain home brewing background and have been reading a LOT for the last year or so on distillation hitting all the internet spots and pretty much every book I can find. This forum is the only internet resource I've found for larger scale (and legal) operations. I'm planning to apply for an American Distilling institute internship with a focus on distillation and/or aging as those are my two areas of interest. Eventually I hope to meet business partners to handle marketing and sales side of the house. I appreciate you all sharing and hope I can eventually ask some intelligent questions. In the meantime have a safe and bountiful new year. //Rich