Shindig

Where did Augie go?

Welcome! Where in MI are you located?

Allowing for larger pic files would help too!

What size columns? 8" ?

I think we are just trying to get the point across that this is a forum not a "suggested Facebook post/Ad" and why wouldn't someone trying to sell something just put a pic and a price instead of a "teaser" ad to get your email address. If a private party was trying to sell something on the forum most would ask them to post a pic/price to see if they are even interested. Time is $.

@NicAlexander +1

I think it always helps to post pictures and prices....thanks.

What is "certified by the ADI"? How does that help sell booze? 99% of the people spending money at a distillery have little clue or even care who makes the booze they are drinking. We have a distillery, in our tourist town, that sells 1 product (aged bourbon) that they pretend to make from an "old lost (but now found) pre-prohibtion family recipe " but it is sourced aged bourbon. When you explain the truth to people they say "really? oh well it's really good" and then they order another drink and buy two bottles and 4 T-shirts.

A heating band around the drum will help a lot I'm sure!

How are people transferring molasses from a 55 gallon barrel or larger tote into their fermenters? Gravity? Electric barrel/tote pumps?

@whiskeytango What is the name of your distillery?

@teton Thanks for your perspective! Anyone on here started for less than $300k and made it llonger than 2yrs (without working full time at another job and continually paying for things out of pocket)?

@Dehner where do you purchase that?

I agree on the loan. Not a lot of banks willing to shell out cash unless you sign over your house. They are only giving .40 on the dollar for equipment and we are keeping that to a minimum anyway.

The "Under 100K Club" !! I love it! We should start a thread under that heading. I have seen many types of start-ups with many having loads of cash. The most interesting, and topical, start-up is the boot strap style. Trying to figure out what equipment is needed and what is just nice to have. I see a lot of places opening up with someone else making their product and then once they have product ready to go on the shelves they start their real buildout and buy equipment. I have no problem with that if the end result/plan is to make it all yourself. Those of us with smaller bank balances want in on the game and are trying to find realistic ways of doing it. One of our problems is we think we have enough to start production but not enough to do the buildout for the tasting room . The tasting room is where the quicker and better profit is so this is a problem. We want to make sure we have enough working capital and are definitely spending on the design work and marketing. Can anyone share what they think a good working capital budget is?

I know every situation is different but I am wondering what budgets people have started up with? What is the lowest that has allowed someone to start and maintain until business picks up and a profit is made?

Come to Traverse City! We are also looking for like minds .

MG Can you post a pic of that set-up?

What's the deal?

http://www.dayuwz.com/index.php?m=content&c=index&f=show&catid=77&contentid=115

Has anyone ordered equipment from DYE? They had a really nice setup at ADI this year and for a great price. http://dyequipment.com/products/0/141518

Steve/blackheart How much is that chiller $?

I would like to "bump" this topic and see if anyone is willing to share their experiences . We are also looking for a reasonably cost effective way to filter 150 gal (80 proof). I have seen SS housings with circular filter cartridges that are being sold as "pharma grade" but at $5,000- $8,000 and $200-$400 per filter! Way too much $$.

Smoogdog Do you agitate during fermentaion?

http://www.gwkent.com/macx-bins.html