jamesb98409

You can get certified hydrometers with a wide range of accuracies. You can get 1/10 accurate hydrometers that are NIST traceable for about $25 each, although each only covers about a 20 proof range, so you would need a few of these to cover the entire working range in a distillery.

Can you get hydrometers that measure liqueurs with sugars in them?

No not a hobby. I am trying to figure this all out before I get started. I am in my research phase of what I want to make to start. I have a long list of questions about equipment and this is just one of them. I am also looking into steam kettles, labeling machines, capping machines, walk-in coolers, and transfer containers to be rolled into the coolers, just to name a few items. I just want to say this is a great forum and everyone has been very helpful.

Thank you,

James

What if you are making a sugary liqueur such as Kahlua, Baileys or Amaretto? Would that still apply or would it still need to be sanitized? Also what if u get a shipment of bottles that look like they could use a good rinse before introducing your beverage into them?

James

I agree, take a course, and I would also recommend the MSU course.

I would love to take a course, but I live in Washington state. Funny though I was born at at 1 of the colleges in Michigan. From what

I am understanding from all this is; 1 I need a business plan which is a definite need, understandably. 2 in order to start a business like this, I will need my business setup first before I can apply for any licenses, which includes shop,all my equipment, and supplies. 3 once i have said licenses I can produce a little to get sampled by the TTB with a label for approval. If I left anything out please let me know. This is the basic understanding I have at the moment. Do the classes teach how to do the books and documenting of the liquor you import and then make for wholesale from the said liquor; or is more of basic of distilling techniques and what resources you can use to make and process such liquor?

I understand I need to research and do my own homework, but every time I go through the TTB and Washington State Liquor websites I can't seem to find what I am looking for. It is very frustrating at times. I was hoping I could probe everyone's knowledge to makes sense of it all. If I am indulging on to much on your time; I apologize. Just trying to get the hard facts.

Do they make Equipment that can be heated to boiling and stir on the inside for a period of time? If so who makes it and what are the costs?

Thank you for your time and patients,

James Beck

By the way, you don't need to be a distillery to make Kahlua and Amaretto type liqueurs. You can be a humble processor buying NGS wholesale. Be sure to check out the types of TTB licenses offered.

your first reply about a glassware proof gauging...Is there a website I can go and figure it out?

Second, whats a NGS wholesale?

HI Everyone,

My name is James and I looking for info on starting my own distillery of sorts. I am out of Graham, Wa. What I am looking to produce is Amaretto and Kahlua. One of my issues at the moment is how do you gauge your proof when a hydrometer will not work do to the sugars and other ingredients in the liquid. Looking forward to hearing from anyone and everyone.