Valley Spirits Lee

Absinthe Pete, Can you give us the contact information and item / part number of the wax and ribbon you are using now. What temperature does it melt at? The stuff I use is brittle and pieces fly everywhere when opening. Not fun. It melts at about 280 d F. I tried some other stuff but it was basically candle wax and it would melt if left in a car. Thanks, Lee

Yes, Valley Spirits in Modesto, California. We would be happy to talk to you. Lee 209-484-0311

I have been looking in the reg's (both California state and federal) and seem to be having a hard time figuring out if I can sell spirits in 1 liter bottles to on-sale and off-sale licensee's. I am sure I read it a year ago but can't find it now. Anybody know where it is and could point me in the right direction? I would appreciate it. I have been under the impression I can't sell 1 liter bottles to off-sale establishments, only on-sale. Am I wrong? Thanks, Lee

I am preparing to expand and trying to figure out if there is anyone intersted in premium unaged bulk whiskey. I am interested in setting up contracts to purchase my extra capacity starting in February / March. I should have the ablitiy to make a tote for sale in February. If you are intersted please respond to me with how much you would be intersted in and what grain you would like it made from. My plans are to produce from Corn, wheat, rye or any combination. I am also intersted in how much people would be willing to pay for a premium grain liquor for self aging. I need to figure out the going rate for this, the demand etc. Any help or intersted would be appreciated. Lee Palleschi MasterDistiller@DrinkValleySpirits.com

Some excellent insight is posted here. Thanks to all of you, especially those Artisans speaking of experience. Like you I only desire to make the best no matter how many sleepless nights I have. I really like this forum and the group of people on it are so knowledgable and forthcoming. Thanks again. Lee

I appreciate all of your responses. All very good information. I will admit I had an idea about this before posting but was not certain of it, and there are so many of you with far more experience than I that I would be a fool not to; 1. Ask, and 2. Listen. I take away from all the answers this Direct fired is certainly not the favorite but as long as; 1. No solids or sugars in any wash you are distilling. (a small amount might be ok if there is an agitator running the entire time of distillation to keep anything from sticking to the bottom - some experimentation may be in order). 2. You control the temperature well so you don’t get the bottom of the pot red hot. Everything should be fine. It would be wise to modify the still with a water bath or better yet a steam jacket if possible. As for the direct fired vs steam; unfortunately the cheapest entry into this craft is direct fired. I understand how dangerous this is but also do use a fired still with a water bath (built myself - but many others for sale are direct flame fired). Anyone who is a novice in this should really understand how even the smallest leak of vapor, or dripping of spirit near flame is not good in any way. If you have a flame fired still you should have a procedure that you do not leave the still even for a minute or you invite problems. Again, Thanks to all of you. Lee

I have been looking at new stills and have found a number of them are direct fired, (flame against the copper holding the distillate) instead of a water jacket. I have heard of scorched flavor from this but since there are a number of these out there... I am wondering how many are using these and is there a practice that avoids scorched flavor? Is scorched flavor an issue with direct flame? I would appreciate any opinions and very much appreciate hearing from those who are using direct fired stills. Thanks, Lee

I am interested in a bond to bond transfer. No middle man markup that way. give me a call. Lee2094840311

We are currently a small Vodka operation in California but looking to expand our Vodka and move into other products. We are intersted in a complete distillery or equipment. Prefer to purchase all equipment and ship to California. Want to produce Vodka and Whiskey from grain. Production of 10,000 cases per year on one shift operation. email me information at MasterDistiller@DrinkValleySpirits.com Thanks Lee

I would also like the information. I am also interested in tanks and other equipment. Lee Masterdistiller@drinkvalleyspirits.com

I have been asked by some bars for 1 liter bottles, maybe 25%. Most are used to purchasing the 750 ml. For some it really is about cost. I will never be able to compete with the mass produced spirits on cost, on quality however, that's another story. Quality is the sale for us, not dollars per once. Besides, most of us small guys are only able to buy one pallet of glass at a time. One item for off sale and one for on sale? If you have the money go for it. As you get bigger you will be asked to make a liter product. But by then you may be able to afford it.

I am looking for someone who has or makes the stand up display racks that most wines are in at grocery stores. Not looking for a lot of them to start with (maybe 5-20 - depending on price). Specifically looking for one that is two bottles wide, with the bottles laying down and on the top shelf has maybe 6 bottles standing up for display, with a plate over them for a brand placard. Let me know if anyone has anything like this or where to get them. I would appreciate it. Lee Valley Spirits Modesto, CA. MasterDistiller@DrinkValleySpirits.com 209-484-0311

Are there any others out there who truly stock bottles (because some say they do, then can't deliver), willing to sell to us little guys one or two pallets, and the price isn't crazy. I am looking for a supplier who will do what they say. I want to build a relationship with a supplier where I don't feel the need to constantly worry about their price and can pick up the phone and get glass in a week. I keep hearing people say you should be able to get a bottle for under (or about) a dollar and frosted for a less than $2.00. Is this accurate or am I in left field. Lee Palleschi Valley Spirits Modesto, CA MasterDistiller@DrinkValleySpirits.com 209-484-0311

Paul, This is excellent advice. I wish it had been posted 4 years ago. But in the end it is almost exactly what I have done (only money was really out of my own pocket so I built my own equipment). All you California folks thinking of starting a distillery, do me and a few other people here a favor and don't read this... JK - well, maybe not. My advice to add would be; Don't get in a hurry this takes 3-5 years. Licensing alone can take 6 - 12 months. Reiterating the advice of one wise old codger (Bill Owens) don't quit your day job!!! SELL, SELL, SELL, marketing and brand development can't be emphasized enough and will consume a good deal more of your time and money than you think.(thanks Bill Smith) Distributors - wow, GREAT ADVICE COOP - thanks - I needed it. You are your brand - clean up, speak well, get as much publicity as you can, figure out who you are marketing to and figure out how to market to them on a shoestring budget (unless you have gobs of money - if you do, we would all like to talk to you -but me first!) Without good planning you are guaranteed to fail and with it you only have a chance of not failing - work hard and prepare yourself young padwan. May the force be with you. Lee

I have been looking at this patent and lawsuit (won - I don't get it). I have some issues and concerns. (anyone from Makers Mark want to reply and help clarify, this would be great) I don't want to infringe on a legitimate Trademark. I am doing Vodka with white wax and free form dripping. Patent Reg. No. 1,370,465 states FOR: WHISKY, IN CLASS 33. THE MARK CONSISTE OF A WAX-LIKE COATING COVERING THE CAP OF THE BOTTLE AND TRICKLING DOWN THE NECK OF THE BOTTLE IN A FREEFORM IRREGULAR PATTERN. How does Tequila or red come into play? For that matter is my Vodka with white an issue? Will you (Makers Mark) send me a nasty letter for White on Vodka? Trademarks are supposed to be specific, arent they? Lee

Paul, This may help your shoestring budget. This glass distillation unit may be what you need. http://unitednuclear.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=25_26&products_id=518 Lee

We have received out DSP. It took 126 days.... but we finally got it. Valley Spirits will start by producing Premium Vodka. Wish us luck! www.DrinkValleySpirits.com Lee

You should have had contact with them for you to get many things they will want changed, corrected, added, etc. I am at 100 days since them receiving my application and have had much contact with them. They had told me for three weeks in a row that I would have an approved application. I called today and now the rep I have is going to have to get her supervisor to have someone else do it because she is too busy. Meantime here I sit. So, I guess I am saying expect 100 to 120 days and many revisions, additions etc. Good luck.

Mick, Congratulations!!! I am glad to see so many of the people from that class are getting their DSP's. I am expecting mine any day. Hopefully we will meet again sometime. Lee Palleschi Valley Spirits Modesto, CA www.DrinkValleySpirits.com

Congratualations Scott. I also self filed and had my phone interview a couple weeks ago. Lee

Thank you. Anybody have a line on colored glass in small orders?

I am finding it reasonably easy to get a bottle in single pallet quantities. I am after a certain type of look and found that style bottle with three manufacturers who will sell it in single pallet quantities delivered to my door for varying prices ranging from good and delivered to about $2.50 each delivered (no color or coating). I want the bottle color coated and here comes the problem. At only 1200 to 1400 bottles the decorators will charge an unacceptable cost since I am paying for everything out of pocket. I understand the reasons why, setup time, small quantities, etc. I have packaging experience and also understand how to keep those costs down combining orders, running the order first thing in the morning, or at the end of the shift, etc. I would appreciate any suggestions, information on decorators that will do small quantities for a resonable price. Lee

Listen to Coop. All very accurate. I can attest first hand to horrible things happening when you mix energy, equipment and flesh. 15 psi can take a 1200 lb steel boiler and launch it over a hundred feet, killing the mechanic near it. Maybe I do take my experience for granted and unwittingly place a too positive opinion of "try things" that goes, without the investigation of cleanup after explosions and injuries and the learning that has come from them. Thank you Coop. Respectfully, Lee

Hold the bus. Coop - too far, too personal and too public. You don't even know me. My comment of- "I am a bit shocked at the responses. Where is the American ingenuity in these answers? The Backwoods Moonshiner, I am going to do it attitude? Just because we want to enjoy the fruits of our labor of love in the open sunlight and make it legal does not mean we should stop trying to be innovative." SIMPLY SAYS "from a group of people who spend their lives figuring out how to do something most other people can't even understand, and do it well, I would have expected that most people would have said something more encouraging and not - don't do it - it is a still, not the space shuttle" I would expect everyone here to encourage people to learn and try things. Isn't that the intent of this forum? UL - Underwriters Laboratories - "requires" equipment manufacturers to use "UNION LABOR" _"BE UNIONIZED" in the manufacturing of equipment if it carries the UL label. O.S.H.A. Yes, on the job safety, including the design and safety features on equipment, including boilers, pressure vessels etc... As for automating the process of making Vodka. Before one can program a computer controlled system to do the process with precision, the person writing the code to control the program must first have intimate knowledge and experience performing that process to be able to write scenarios of control for all the possible problems that can happen during the process. As for the person this was all originally intended for. Don't let this keep you from posting questions. If you are willing to learn, dig, ask, try, then do so. Good Luck! Lee

I am a bit shocked at the responses. Where is the American ingenuity in these answers? The Backwoods Moonshiner, I am going to do it attitude? Just because we want to enjoy the fruits of our labor of love in the open sunlight and make it legal does not mean we should stop trying to be innovative. I will admit that I don't know everything (maybe not even that much). I have nearly 30 years experience in the equipment industry. UL - this is required if you have a contract with the Federal Government and it is in your contract (most do not require it). Other than that it is a preference and truly under all the regulations is saying you buy equipment that was made by "Union Labor" to specific standards (does not stand for Union Labor - I believe it is United Laboratories, and is regarding electrical equipment). Pressure Vessel and Certified Welders. Yes if you are building a pressure vessel you need to have the welding done by a P.V. Cert welder. My still (yes I am building my own 45 gallon still) is not a pressure vessel. The end is always open and has no way of sealing it to allow pressure to build up. I am going to seal it up and pressure test it while I am building it simply to make sure there are no leaks. Also just for safety's sake I am going to put a 5 p.s.i. pop off valve on it. You don't need ( this is not legal advice ) any approvals affixed to any equipment you build. Go to a factory and find one on any piece of equipment in it. I can't and I have been working in food manufacturing my whole adult life. I purchased equipment from many companies for many years. O.S.H.A. is all that is required. (again, don't put a valve on the end of your condenser and it is not a pressure vessel - to me- I would argue it with any inspector and have argued with armed inspectors onsite, if it is not in the reg's they can't enforce their opinion). You must build something to meet codes, yes. Or if you have a problem you will really have a problem. It is called Negligence. Since it is not pressure vessel there are no codes / C.F.R.'s I know of. Your issue (to me) comes not from the still itself but the ventilation system, and sprinkler system you will need to pass the Fire Marshall. Call one of the still manufacturers and see if their stills come standard U.L. approved or anything else. Ask what safety codes do they follow in still manufacturing and look them up. I believe you will find, if you can do it, do it. You should check with the local Fire Marshall so you know what they are going to require. Lee