Spirit of Texas Brad

Without automatic I updates, I really forget to view the board. Is there any way for the admins to send an update blast via email once a week or so? Have you seen a significant decrease of traffic on the board? Cheers, Brad

As stated above, you never pay taxes on the barrels until product leaves bond. But you must increase your bond to cover increased tax liablilty if you have a large amount of storage.

Quite funny!! I have many more snarky comments but will try to remain civil!! Phosphoric can passivate stainless, however you need an elevated temperature and to air dry the metal to achieve passivation. I've only had one materials engineering class years ago and learned from experience on my equip, I would definitely contact the experts as Eric recommends. Thanks for the contact info Eric. I will definitely consult with them in the future. I'm going to be building more equipment soon and have some questions about cleaning up some of my welding mess chemically rather than physically!

So if I put an award in my still, I'll never have to clean it??? Scott, I hope you consider learning a little more about long term maintenance soon. I use acid no. 5 from Star San with very good results. It can be used as a rinse, cleaner and passivation.

There is no minimum production. You must have the minimum bond coverage even if you aren't producing it.

Great advice, but look out for latex allergies. I've had to get nitrile backups. I'm curious about good cleaning methods for 'recycled' bottles. I had a run that got fully bottled and labeled but had pour the batch back to filtering when I found bottling tank was wiped with a paper towel and left little fibers in the liquor, Grr. What is the best way to remove moisture after rinsing?

You just need to allow for enough vapor to pass through the tray so pressure doesn't build up. I put multiple smaller caps just for peace of mind that my one cap would not get plugged and create a pressure build up. It is less expensive for me to build multiple cap trays as well. I'm going to build some single big cap trays very soon and test the differences. My calculations say it should all be the same, but reality is far different from theory quite often.

Most engineering experts say you need 10,000 repititions to master anything, so I'll be keeping my title at president/head distiller for quite a while. I don't think I have the ego to call myself the master of anything even after the 10k level, but will accept the praise if thrown my way.

Meant to type love, haha

You can pump your next batch through a coil in your column into a insulated tank waiting paitiently to cook. Yes, yes you can! I've seen and done and live the concept.

Interesting project. Maybe it will have a Soju taste.

I have no problems with scorching my rum wash. I use 390k btu's directly on a 1/8" stainless steel bottomed pot. It is 130 gallons of wash. I'm building a second pot with a 1/4" thick copper bottom. I'll reportback after I fire it up.

DesNaz, Great topic, I've had some issues in this dept as well. Are you using only essential oils only or the nuts and seeds as well? I've found that water issues don't lead to precipitate but more to cloudiness. The best way i've found so far is decanting and filtering, but would love to improve on this.

That looks awesome! How long does it take to get 100 gallons up to a boil? Cheers, Brad Haden Spirit of Texas

Consult brewing texts on stuck mashes. You can use techniques like rice hulls, etc. The rye plugs the holes in equipment designed for barley mashes.

The proof coming off of your still with a dephlegmator is easily tuned because you can decrease the flow of distillate while only bringing over the highest alcohol possible. It is all about reflux ratio. The Compleat Distiller is a great reference on the subject. I've built a 'helmet' with a double coil inside to control my reflux ratio. Cheers, Brad Spirit of Texas

It depends on the level of heat utilized when joining the metals. You can change the chromium levels in the immediate vicinity of a weld and stainless will corrode. There are non-heated flange approaches that will never have a problem. A good welder with the appropriate thickness materials can make it happen. I've got copper welded on stainless now and will not let wash set in the joints between processing runs. I just want to make sure corrosion can't get a foot hold. Cleanliness is next to ... Cheers! Brad Haden Spirit of Texas

Spirit of Texas has received a federal permit. Sent in the paperwork Dec 18, 2009 and received the permit March 22, 2010. Self filed. It is not an easy process, but really shows what is important to get approved. The ability to provide tax money!! Cheers! Brad Haden Spirit of Texas

Will, Awesome details on proofing! What is 'required' for the proofing vessels and scales? I'm looking to purchase a vessel for proofing and a scale, but don't want to waste time and money purchasing 'non-approved' items. It is very well detailed what is required for the hydrometers and thermometers, but I can't find much about vessels and scales. Thanks! Brad

Is the rule for disclosure of flavoring on the label less than 2.5% by weight? This of course applies to brandy, rum, etc. Not whisky.

Congratulations! We are part of a therapy session, getting over the pain. My name is Brad and I'm a self filer.

Thanks for the equations! Can you touch more on moisture control? I haven't heard any discussion on issues related to moisture. Thanks again, Brad

When you say, "straightforward" did you have any discrepancies on the TTB forms? Did you work with anyone at TTB while filling out the forms? We just got our state permits last week and have been signed off on City, County, and our zoning. All we have left is our fire marshall signature as well after our federal permits come in. What state are you in? Cheers, Shaun Spirit of Texas

Hello from Austin, TX. Got registered in time for the conference and am looking for to meeting some of you. Regards, bRad