blackjack

Hello All,

Since joing the site, I have heard so much about Bill's book, but like a lot of folks I have been watching my finances (every penny counts these days!). Although I wanted a hardback, I found it was more cost effective to buy the paperback. I ordered it a couple of weeks ago and got it in the mail in 2 days. I read it the very next day. It has been an awesome help, with lots of info for folks that are starting out like me. Thanks Bill.

George Jackson

Six Flags Distilling Company

quote name='billowens' date='Feb 4 2009, 08:37 PM' post='2725']

Craft Whiskey Distilling Bill Owens / American Distilling Institute,<br> Paper edition $65.00<br>

http://www.blurb.com/bookstore/detail/5264..._content=526429

<br>

Practical and prescient, those are the two words that come to mind in describing Bill Owen’s new book Craft Whiskey Distilling, published by the American Distilling Institute. Just like his book, How to Build a Small Brewery, Draft Beer in Ten Days, self-published almost thirty years ago, the author seems to anticipate the real-world questions, concerns and confusions of want-to-be craft distillers, most of whom having cut their teeth as home or craft brewers, desire to venture forth into the production of vodka, gin, whiskey, rum, etc. Distilling principles, styles, procedures, equipment, economics, licensing and even a three-year payback scheme called a “Down and Dirty Business Plan” are generously supported by resource lists, websites and recommended reading making this book the best single-stop shopping resource for all those interested in learning more about or diving into Craft Whiskey Distilling. The legendary craft brewing pioneer and father of pumpkin ale has again ‘lain across the wire’ for the rest of us to climb over into the spirits world.<br>

Review of Craft Whiskey Distilling by Dave Thomas beersleuth@earthlink.net

I just fell into a rather large building (15,000 sq. ft) I couldn't turn it down as the lease terms are just too good! Its about 5 times the space I was planning on starting with. The owners are going to take care of whatever is needed to bring it up to code. It was last used as a coffee plant. I only budgeted enough to start out small scale.- think 100 gallon still capacity. How easy is it to add more stills after I received my initial approval? Is it as simple as just registering the new still and making sure the bond requirements are met? Has anyone that's been around for a while had to deal with this?

Hello All. Its about that time. Everything is set to roll and I'm starting to freak out a bit. The more I research the more I feel that I am not adequately prepared for the task at hand. I am starting a small distillery in San Antonio, TX. Everything is just about in place to submit for our TTB permits. I am looking for someone that would be interested in coming on board as a consultant, and possibly the distiller if we can work out the right terms. We will initially be producing Rum, a tequila-like spirit, and possibly absinthe.

We can offer equity in the company for a full-time distiller, and assist with some relocation costs. However the starting salary would be a little low until the products starts to take off. If you can't work full-time, but would like to consult we would be interested in talking to you. If you are interested in this ground floor opportunity, please send a resume with salary requirements to:

George Jackson

sixflagsdistilling@gmail.com

We use electricity indirectly. We use a heater (3 phase, 440 volt) that cycles food-grade thermal oil through the jacket on our pot.

It's a more expensive solution than steam or a water bath, but it's codes-friendly, letting us exist downtown. As well, I'm a big fan of being able to control my pot's temperature down to one degree, and being able to pick a temperature from room temp to 350 degrees is dandy.

-A

What type of still are you working with? Was the jacket an aftermarkert add-on?

Hello All. I have a question. I have heard of folks on the mirco-brewery side of the house offering equity ownership stakes in the company for their brewing expertise/employment. Has anyone heard of exchanging an equity stake for equipment ? (i.e stills, holding tanks, barrels etc.) Just curious if anyone has dealt with this topic. Thanks

George

Blackjack,

There are a few options for the sizes of stills you are considering. The first I would recommend is a cartridge heater. This comes in several sizes and for short money is stainless steel and is easy to control. It comes in 120 volt and 220. It is also easy to remove and clean( to avoid any build up). the second is a high temp heat tape with insulation wrap. The advantage to wrapping the still with the tape is that it is completely outside the vessel. It is not as efficient or as fast as the cartridge heaters but both work well. Both can be controlled within a few degrees with a couple of relatively low cost additions to your still. An Omega controller and temperature transmitter with simple relay(icecube style) will do the job nicely. You can go a little more low tech with a voltage potentiometer. It just has to be cranked up for start up, then dialed down for the run. Just a little more manual. I am not saying its better than a gas boiler, quite the contrary, but tis will work and work well. Feel free to contact me directly for more details on the part numers..anyone may.

I appreciate all the information from everyone. Jester, I had a couple of questions about the cartridge heater- is it inserted inside the still, or vice versa. And as far as the tape goes, is it TTB approved for use? I guess my main concern is the possibility of altering the taste/quality of the final product. Thanks

Hello,

I'm still in the "research" phase, and I had a question about stills. I was wondering if anyone out there is using electric for heat as opposed to gas? The first two spirits I hope to produce are Rum & Absinthe. I was thinking of purchasing 2 stills a 100L for the rum & a 35-50L for the absinthe. The space I am looking to lease does not currently have gas, and I'm concerned that the local code folks might have an issue with having it installed. The building is an old autoshop, so its got water and 3 phase electric in place. In terms of the quality of the final product will going with electric make a difference. Thanks

George

I live down in Texas, and we are looking at tequila as one of our signature spirits. I sourced the agave nectar and it seems to be fairly cost effective. There are also some pretty good sized agave farms in south Texas as well. The folks down here really know their tequila so we are hoping to put our own Texas twist on it. Good luck and let us know how it goes.

Hello there everyone my name is Seth, I am 25 and from Illinois. I am starting my research for a feasibility study on opening a distillery. I look forward to being able to gain information from professionals such as yourselves.

Hi Seth!

It looks like we are in the same stages. I am fascinated with the prospect of having my own distillery, but from the posts I have been reading I know it will be a daunting and monumental task!-But I am totally up for it. Good luck.

George

BlackJack Distillery

Howdy, I am in the process of doing the same thing down in the Lufkin/Crockett area, but I will be making a cane based product. I know that there are very few distilleries in Texas. Have you already started the TABC process?

Thanks for your information. I live in Texas, and as far as I know there are currently two micro-distillers in the state. I have begun working on a business plan and I have also begun researching production methods for a couple of different spirits.

Well, you'll need a business plan.

Is this business to be just you? That will limit what you can do. This isn't a bad thing at all. If you'll have employees, you'll need to investigate the costs of things like workers comp, disability insurance, etc. for your employees.

Look into the liquor laws in the state in which you plan to operate. Presumably that is where you live now. Make very sure that state allows small distilleries. Investigate the costs of licensing. Are you allowed to self-distribute, or must you find a distributor? Will a distributor in your state be interested your product (eg rum) in the quantity you plan on producing?

If you don't know how rum is made, then I'd suggest learning all about it. Use the internet, books, visit the library.

Make sure the building you will use meets the Federal requirements as well as all state and local requirements. You'll want to become very familiar with the TTB web site. Click on the Distilled Spirits tab. Find the Regulations link which will take you to the regulations you'll have to follow as a professional distiller.

For me, starting a distillery, even as one as small as mine has taken over a year and I'm still not done.

It is the most difficult thing I've ever attempted to do.

Hello All,

I have just begun to start research on starting up a small distillery. Of course, like everything in my life, I think it will be super easy! ha ha ha. I want to get the basics. I am sure these questions have been answered many times before, but I want to know the ABCs of getting started. I lived in Puerto Rico for a number of years and fell in love with RUM! I would like to try my hand at it and hopefully pocket a little change. So where should I begin?