mertmeister

It would seem that any volatile chemicals in spray paint could penetrate the porous wood and "intermingle" with the spirits, which will penetrate the wood from the other side, and mix. I wouldn't want my bourbon blended with tolulene...sounds like a logical practice to use food-grade paints. Perhaps that's why they used to "burn" the information on the barrels...

Awsome information Scrounge, thanks a million. We'll also be doing most of the site work ourselves, provided the backhoe works this spring...

Scrounge, Thanks for the post...great information... this should help with our health department (which probably doesn't know what to do with these situations). How much do engineers charge for the plan (approx.)?...trying to budget, with minimal resources. Thanks.

I'm trying to get approval for a rural distillery in Michigan, and would also like to hear from any other rural distilleries who use septic systems. It seems like the anaerobic bacteria should be able to treat much of the BOD, COD's, given a neutral-ish pH, and some time (assuming at a moderate rate). We are projecting about 1,500 gallons of liquid waste per week. Do any other micro-distilleries have experience with this? I toured several distilleries (eight) last week, and none of them have any problems with distillery waste. Am I overworking this issue? I am still waiting for soil samples to be done, when the ground melts...

Welcome all, I'm another Michigan distiller (soon), near the Ann Arbor, Michigan area. I am starting up with a partner, to produce organic whisky and Brandies. I've been following many of the threads and found ADI to be an excellent group, worthy of joining. Hope to see some of you around. I'll include more details about our business, once we get more "approvals"... Cheers, Rob Merte

Ryan, Grad to see you here, at ADI. I am also a "newbie" starting our distillery near Ann Arbor (next year?). I was at the Dec. Kothe workshop with you. Best wishes. Rob Merte