Hewnspirits

Looks sweet VB... What's the capacity of the boiler and thumper? I'm guessing 150 and 50?

Hi Hedge......You are correct about a variance but in speaking to our zoning officer and attorney, they both agree that it might make more sense to amend the zoning regs so that the abilty to lawfully conduct both manufacturing and retail operations is allowed and clearly defined now that HB 242 has passed....More for those that follow and not just us. I guess it's also the "But the system is wrong...lets fix it" guy in me. We're still going to initially go the variance route out of a sense of observation to protocol but wanted to be ready should the powers at be not see it the same way we do.

I agree with my neighbor Ralph to the North. Our local municipality here in Pennsyltucky didn't really know from which direction to come at this because the fire code (IFC 2009) as it is written leaves a fair bit open to interpretation. We settled on the a F-1 classification based on us having a MAQ (maximum allowable quantity) of less than 120 gallons onsite which is fine for us....for now at least. Spirits aging in barrels also not counting against our 120 gallons. Of more importance to me is our Township's willingness or more likely and hopefully, unwillingness to fight our State's recent legislation (Pa HB 242) that allows for onsite sales. There is no provision for both the manufacture and retail sale of products in our Industrial Zone in our local zoning ordinance so I'm feeling as though I may be pushing for a local zoning regulation amendment based on the fact that the State now makes provisions for both manufacture and sale of spirits while our current zoning doesn't address this "Mixed use" type operation.

Looks good. Very similar to our 100 gallon all copper pot still that we're working on...ball and cone style... I'll post pictures soon once we have the top and bottom of the kettle joined together. After mucho reading I'm still not sure what the Lyne arm angle to condenser will be. Sloped up gives more reflux and sloped down allows for less and subsequently more tasty flavors. Hmmm...

Thanks. I've seen StPats gear and wondered if anyone else had their own nifty rig set up that would get my wheels turnin.

Hi Scott...Any chance you can let us know what the still sold for? It would be helpful for those of us in the market to know what we can expect to pay for a used stll with a respected name on it. Thanks!

Looking for reccomendations the best (Safest, most efficient and economical...in that order) barrel filling nozzle set up for smaller 5,10, 15 gallon barrels.

Hi Hedge I too am in Pa. (Eastern) working through my set up and licensing. I'd be interested in bouncing ideas, info and findings off each other to help expedite the learning curve. Drop me a line at HewnSpirits@Gmail.com if interested.....like the old Pa. license plate says..."You''ve got a friend"!!

Here in Pennsylvania we have to charge the same as our Pa. State Stores as to not upset the Pa. Liquor Control Board Gods.

As a soon to be fledgling entrant into the craft spirits movement, it is a bit concerning to see a newly licensed DSP advocate for regulation and oversight that would most certainly make it more difficult for people like myself to get a foot in the door while strengthing the credibilty and/or market share of those that have gone before me. I haven't seen if you've had any past posts regarding this topic John but I find it ironic that you posted your wish for a " true certification process organization......someone that we all recognize to certify that a distiller or distillery really does make a true wonderful product(s)..." on the very day that you opened your doors. Best of luck to you either way...I know it wasn't easy for you or any of the others to get to where you've gotten.