Shindig

I second "RUMS" post. 12ft for us per the city.

Wow! I can't wait until I can justify that kind of order!! Way to go ?

What is the min order?

Welcome dwallace1701- I for one think "off the beaten path" can be a great thing! Look at all the wineries in NMI. Tandem Ciders is WAY off the path and they do just fine

Attach an equipment lease agreement to your business plan and approach people that want a relatively low risk investment (family, friends, elderly).The equipment can be worth almost as much or more than you paid because of the demand. If the business fails they get the equipment back to sell and may even make money off of it. We did it with our brewery and now our distillery. We offered a set percent amortized at 30yrs with a 3yr pay-off/ballon payment. We had a lot f people that wanted to do the equipment rather than shares in the company because they had a tangible thing to sell if things went sideways.

Maybe just a Top 10 list of "Dont's" ! haha I know everyone's situation will be different but I think we are all facing many of the same challenges. Even a few do's and dont's will help!

I have heard good things about Loggerhead as well.

Great info guys! Thanks

A friend of mine NEVER got his equipment after the delivery time doubled! He canceled the order. I live near where they say they operate and asked if I could swing by and see their set-up but they were always "switching locations".

(Just FYI) I have a friend that works at a major bottle supply place in MI (wine industry) that has spoke very highly of this company. I have yet to need his services but look forward to seeing his work!

Welcome! I am also in the Great White North-MI

GC I found this today online. Thanks!!!! Acquisition Price The acquisition price is set by the producer of liquor (with approval by the MLCC) and is what the MLCC as the state wholesaler pays. Our example uses a 750 milliliter bottle. The price is established on a per case basis and is public information. A case of Bottle X costs the state $229.76—and contains 12 bottles, each costing $19.15. Base Price The base price is the acquisition price plus a 65 percent markup applied by the MLCC.2 In the process of establishing the base price, the MLCC converts the per case acquisition price to a per bottle price and utilizes a rounding formula. In our example of Bottle X, this conversion results in a bottle price of $31.60. The base price is significant for a number of reasons beyond the 65 percent markup that goes to the MLCC: 2 MCL 1. The base price is used to calculate a number of state taxes that are applied to each bottle of liquor sold in the state. These taxes are generally called the “four specific” liquor taxes: 4% convention and facilities3 (base price x 4%) or $31.60 x .04 = $1.26 4% School Aid Fund4 (base price x 4%) or $31.60 x .04 = $1.26 4% General Fund5 (base price x 4%) or $31.60 x .04 = $1.26 1.85% substance abuse tax6 (base price x 1.85) or $31.60 x 1.85 = $0.58 (off-premise only) The total taxes on Bottle X are $4.36 2. The base price is also used to calculate the minimum licensee profit, or “licensee discount” (base price x 17%7). In this case, the licensee discount on a bottle of Bottle X is $31.608 x 17%, or $5.37. In other words, on off-premise licensee pays the state $35.96 - $5.37, or $30.59, for each bottle. Since on-premise licensees do not have to pay the 1.85% substance abuse tax (they must, however, pay the other three specific liquor taxes), an on-premise licensee pays the state $30.01 for each bottle of Bottle X. Out of the 65 percent markup that goes to the MLCC, the MLCC pays for administrative operations, the licensee discount (in this example $5.37), and the state’s share of the ADA fee (in this example, $0.69 per bottle). After deducting the licensee discount and the state’s share of the ADA fee, but prior to deducting its administrative expenses, the MLCC share of Bottle X equals $6.38. http://www.pscinc.com/LinkClick.aspx?fileticket=jVA9MaBpFUc%3D&tabid=65

I was also told that the distributor charges $10 a case to pick up and deliver the product.

GC Thanks for the info!!!!!!!! So how does it work being sold out if the distillery? A better profit margin ?

Are there any MI distillers that could help explain the price breakdown for inside and outside sales? I know how much my bottle/label/cork and juice cost but need to know what taxes are added by the Fed/State/Distributor . This would be for a 750ml bottle that retails for $30 both on the store shelf and at the distillery. Thanks!

Natrat- how did it turn out? I had some finished agave product tonight from a local distillery and it was great!

So how did the tour go? Are you still looking to get into the biz?

Anyone using Turbo yeast for commercial production of rum? Is this Taboo and just left to home distillers?

What is the status of the mash tuns? 150 gal

I think when you read a review that gives exact details (good or bad) it is a plus. If it is a 3 word bad review then take it for what its worth. I have had a friend spend a lot of money with a BS company, that screwed him over, that I told him to post. This could save someone thousands of dollars AND time! Time is just as important since trying to buy anything from $200,000 still to a $100 used bourbon barrel can take a lifetime. If you delete these reviews you are making a big mistake.

David I am guessing you do not use a jacket ferm tank? Do you try to control ferm temp? Do you have to pitch any other yeast/nutrients during fermentation to get it to keep from sticking?

I am wondering how much copper is needed in a still. I have seen full copper stills that include the boiler and some home made stills ,at commercial distilleries, that don't have anything but copper packing. What is Needed and what is overkill?

Teton. Amazing. Nice job.

I think this is great topic! I am sure there are a ton of us looking for ways to finance our start-up distilleries. I spoke to a guy a year or so ago that said he sold 40 shares for $25,000 each ( 1 million dollars). He said he and his 3 partners only put in $10,000 each. He said that the investors had to each start an LLC to purchase the share under. Some groups of friends got together and bought 1 share (5 friends each put in $5k). He said they set it up so each share sold payed NO DIVIDEND for the first 3 or 5 yrs (can't remember) then the LLC could sell the share at the companies current valuation. The business got first right to the share. He said he had done this type of finance before on another brewery. He said they send VIP cards to each "owner" twice a year that allows them to come in to the brewery/distillery and spend the card (Called them the "Swinging Dick Club"). Each of them got to bring their friends and family in and act like a big shot for a few hrs. He said they were very strict with the "owners" coming in al the time. They would only sell shares to investors that had a certain net worth This seemed like a great way to raise money without a monthly payment. Any finance guys know if this works? How is it set up?

Do you have a price and time frame on this baby? Also what mash tun equip do you offer to pair with the still?