Palmetto Coast

Congrats! Not sure if I can help or not, but feel free to PM me and I'll see what I can do. Todd Weiss Striped Pig Distillery

Sorry for the full inbox. Will try to clean it up later today. I can also be reached at todd@stripedpigdistillery.com Todd

We have 15-20 new charred barrels that we are looking to sell or trade for smaller barrels. We overbought and aren't able to fill them with our production levels. Hoping to find folks in the Southeast region that will can pick up, but will ship if necessary (FOB: Charleston, SC). Price is negotiable, we are looking to cover our costs, not make a profit. They do have our logo on one end, but feel free to turn them around. The alcohol will still taste the same. In fact, it might even taste better, and the logo IS pretty cool. The specs: 53 gallons Made by Independent Stave Co. Level 3 char Please PM me if interested or feel free to post questions. Thanks, Todd Weiss Striped Pig Distillery

We buy molasses in totes. They have a handy valve on them. Then we just let gravity do it's thing. Todd

As you mentioned, a lot a possible variants exist. To make it simple, I tell folks 10% are heads, 65% hearts, and 25% tails. Again, this is super-simple without taking into account many of the variables. Todd

dhdunbar, Just looking for the companies. Thanks.

Does anyone know of independent bottling companies on the east coast? If we developed a product for a business is there somewhere we could ship it to have the bottling/labeling done? We are located in South Carolina. Thanks, Todd Weiss Striped Pig Distillery

We have gotten the same inquiry, regarding our product for the same film, from the same Legacy Entertainment. While it may seem like a decent opportunity, my thinking is this... We are currently only distributed in one state. One of my partners wants to divert money from another marketing avenue, to this "film project." While it does have a certain "cool" factor to it, how well does it address our demographic? Should we spend funds on something just because it fuels our ego, or market our product more locally and work on converting those near us that have yet to try our products? You can probably tell my vote. Todd Weiss Striped Pig Distillery

When I give folks a tour of the distillery, I tell them this about the low wines, "They don't look good, taste good or smell good. It's not something you would buy in a store." Then I have them see, smell, and taste some low wines. Next, we taste a finished run to compare. Finished run always looks, tastes, and smells better. Todd

Thanks guys. Appreciate your help! Todd

It'll pasteurize when you distill it, I'd imagine. Is it just pressed apple juice, or is it fortified with sugar? My understanding is fresh juice has a brix around 10-12. Might be a bit low for you. I'd love to hear from some of the other apple cider/brandy folks on here. Todd

I just heard of a distiller recently that was getting positive reviews for a "whiskey" using spirals. Heard they were using a SS tank with the spirals. I'll see if I can find more info. Todd

I think I know the answer to this, I'm just looking for validation. Is it possible to do custom labels for events such as weddings and birthdays? Say we were selling out of our gift/retail space? You would still need to go through TTB approval, correct? Thanks, Todd

I think I know the answer to this, I'm just looking for validation. Is it possible to do custom labels for events such as weddings and birthdays? Say we were selling out of our gift/retail space? You would still need to go through TTB approval, correct? Thanks, Todd

Where are you located? I know many of us got started the same way as you. I think there are a few options for you. First, visit as many distilleries as you can, and ask questions. Identify yourself accordingly prior to the visit. You'll find that a lot of us, while busy, as excited about the industry and happy to talk about it. Some of us are grouchy though. Just read folks and know when not to push your luck. Second, read and research. A lot. This forum is fantastic. There are also books and other forums online that will teach you more than you can imagine. Use them. Third, attend a class or conference (or both). They are not only helpful for the material presented, but for the networking as well. I have met so many great folks from all of the above methods. Get to know them. Personally, as well as professionally. It's easier to ask a friend for help than a stranger. You'll be able to determine who would better address different questions. Some questions might be better suited for TTB folks than distillers, suppliers might better address others. Last, know when to stop asking. As we both mentioned, small business owners can get super-busy. If you hit up the same person time and again, they may begin to feel taken advantage of. At some point, it is time to stop asking and start doing. You won't get experience without making mistakes. My best advice for those is a squeegee and a hose! Good luck and hope to meet you on the road! Todd

Glad to hear about all of the activity from our northern neighbors! I drive through Wilmington and Jacksonville to visit my parents. Looks like I'll be able to write off those trips now! Also, I would love to vouch for Carol and Wright Labels. She goes way above and beyond to make sure you get what you want, need and deserve. If Any of you make it to Charleston, we'd love to have you stop in. Todd

It will be different for everyone. Your distributor will likely define it for you, as ours did. They wanted 6, but I've heard others wanted 12. Part of it may depend on how many products you have. We have 3 and our distributor wanted to be able to offer a mixed intro case of each product. Todd

We use HDPE fermenters. Our corn mashes ferment out fairly quickly and temps don't play too much of an issue. Unfortunately, our molasses isn't fermenting all the way, as temps drop. What are some economical options folks are using to keep temps warm? I've heard electric blankets and building a tent and using space heaters. I'm worried about leaving these unattended over night. We could use a coil and run water, but I'm curious to find other tricks or tips. Thanks, Todd

I'd definitely suggest an broker. We are in SC. PM me and I'll check with ours if you want. Todd

If you purchase gns, add botanicals and re distill, you should be able to skip the chiller. If you are planning on making it from grains and producing everything, you'dbe better off with it though.

Maybe I missed it, but what type of spirits are you hoping to produce? - Todd

So Peter, you say you need a comical flask? Now that's funny (pun intended)!

Thanks Swede, We are looking at switching the gearbox or having the coil redone. A VFD would have allowed us to slow it down. It was geared crappy to begin with. Todd

Thanks for your help. We are looking at switching the gearbox or having the coil redone. A VFD would have allowed us to slow it down. It was geared crappy to begin with.

What speeds are you looking at as optimal for your mash agitator? We received agitators that only spun at 40rpm (WAY too slow). We are looking to purchase one or two new motors now. We are using a 600g mash tun. Thanks, Todd