Scottyh

lets not forget that 60 plus percent of flavor comes from the barrel

we had to install a 3 hour fire wall between businesses, 2 sheets of 5/8 X sheet rock on both sides for a total of 4 sheets, and an expensive door.

Why are you against the heat gun?

Go to TTB website and read the COLA information it's all there

That's up in the air at this time, might have to wait until next year when the dust settles around here.

20% is about where the extra you will get isn't worth the extra expense in fuel. We use a column still so we can create an equilibruim in the column to concentrate forshots, but I believe its mainly in where you make your cuts too much heads or tails gives a harsh product.

We had a water analysis done by White Labs, the analysis is done specifically for brewers so you will know what you are lacking in or have too much of. Well worth the expense I think it was about $100. Also water softeners can add to much salt so make sure you keep that in mind. Most of this information is in In Chris White PHD's book Yeast which I feel is a must read. http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss_1?url=search-alias%3Dstripbooks&field-keywords=yeast

Thanks Tom I'll pass it on to the one in charge

So this brings up a question, proofing by weight or by using a dilution calculator, pros and cons?

I know several distillery's that use bottled water.

It was operational, however the city building department has us jumping thru hoops to get occupancy permit. Here is one spot that start up expenses can change drastically, ours tripled. But we got it done that's the main part, and in under a year.

I've been dealing with Larry at Still Dragon for approx. 8 months, his products are great and is willing to answer any questions that arise. Also anything that goes wrong he takes care of it right away.

True, wind chill is the effect on the human body.

Thanks Larry, should be open sometime in March.

And thanks to everyone else

Starting with vodka and gin, and working on whiskeys; rye, single malts, and bourbon. I have also developed several bitters but mainly working on the build out and dealing with contractors for now.

15 pound pressure relief valves ($25) from most beer supply stores should be good enough to provide a safe environment. We couldn't find anything less than that without spending a lot more money. If you are watching your still like you should be you really don't need anything. We put ours in to make the city fire department happy.

Four of us started Thumb Butte Distillery approx. 8 months ago and have our equipment (most of it) federal, state, and city licenses. We are now starting re-modeling of the warehouse where we will be located, and hopefully within the next 2 months be open for business. For all of those who have become successful in this business I now realize how much work, time and money is involved. However if the passion is there, as it is with us, it can't be considered work.

Scott

I would sure like to know how he gets vodka from distilling six times in a pot still