kelbor

Hello, Im trying to get a business plan going and could use some help from any operating distillery. Basically what Im wondering is how much finished product can one expect off a certain size run (and I know it will 'vary'). In other words, Im trying to figure out how big of a still to price out (which will lead to how many/big my mash tuns/fermenter/etc. equipment needs to be). I know each distillery makes different cuts on different mashes of different strength washes so I am really just looking for ballpark figures. So the question comes down to "If I load a 100 gallons of 40% wash into my pot still how many gallons of "keeping" whiskey will go into a barrel?" (I know there is 40 gallons of 100% but it will come out ranging from mid 80's% on down). I guess I would like to know the same for neutral spirits as well (Vodka). I assume you could keep a larger hearts cut on Vodka because of the ability to filter the jebezous out of it? Like I stated earlier, I realize that every singe distillery will have a different number - but is there industry standards? Am I going at still and equipment sizing all wrong? Is there another way to figure the balance sheets for production and costs/profits on my biz plan without this data? Thanks! K

We use Argon at our winery....its not the safest of gases but is the best at displacing air. Just don't breath it. It is so heavy that it can and will fill your lungs and you will asphyxiate before you can get it out. We kid around about have a pair of those gravity boots near the eyewash station in case of accidental inhalation....

Im at the same place you are and have found that if you visit distilleries just dont come off as an ass. There are a number of ways to do this..... Feel them out and ask appropriate questions. Throw some compliments their way (" I really like how you built your still" or " You really did a good job with this...." etc. ) Buy a few of their bottles, let them know that you are insanely interested in opening a distillery, ask SMART questions that you have researched and cant find the answers to yourself. Say a few smart things so they know you are not just some yahoo or lookyloo. Become familiar enough with the trade through reading/researching that you don't ask stupid questions that could easily be answerable with a bit more research on your part. If they are giving tours, I would assume they have a second to talk business (I like to be the only person there so its one-on-one). I have yet to be given a cold shoulder but have visited distilleries where I didn't ask any questions at all because I felt either they were to busy, the wrong type of person to chat with, or that they were less knowledgeable then myself (like at larger ones when you are dealing with just a server). I've been offered the option to come back during the week and actually help with aspects - perhaps volunteering to sweat for them for a day or so would be a great way to get your foot in the door. I dont know. Like I said, Im at pretty much the same place as you. The best piece of advice I've got that I still have not followed is to just "jump". You wont be able to fall on your face or land on your feet without first jumping (Take note self...Ha!). Good Luck!

I know you said it is under construction but there is a missing word on the first page "More than just stills, we can design just about (Any?) product you need."