Artisan Distilling

[Larry R]

Seeing some Artisan Distilling equipment for sale. They have been out of business for a while. Looking for opinions on the quality of their equipment. Risk with buying their used equipment, given the lack of support. Any other feedback on Artisan... TIA

[Brewstilla]

We've been running a 300 gallon still with columns that we bought new 5 years ago. Probably close to one of the last systems they shipped out. It arrived with a handful of pinhole leaks in the vapor path, which they were useless with addressing (assuming they knew they were going out of business anyway and said F it). Luckily we have the means of welding in house and it was easier for us to just deal with it than to deal with them. Other than that I would say it has been pretty solid for us. It sees 4 mashes, 4 strips, and a spirit run each week for the past 5 years. 

[Kindred Spirits]

From some of the threads on here, it seems they went out of business for a reason.
I always try to recommend clients pick up used equipment from current suppliers, that way if issues do arise you can reach out directly to them to have the issue resolved.

That being said. If you are interested in sourcing some equipment, I work with a number of manufacturers both domestic and international to get the proper equipment for distilleries starting up or expanding.
Let me know if I could be of service.

[NoLeftTurns]

I suggest never depending on the manufacturers name to represent quality. The "good ones" are the ones that spend the time on QA/QC before the equipment goes out. Standing in manufacturing facilities at home and abroad I've seen excellent no-name stuff, and I've seen poorly contracted big-name stuff. Counting on anyone to respond after you have transferred funds is not a good plan, regardless of others' experience. New money is always a priority over old problems. Be prepared to endeavor the solutions on your own like Brewstilla.

Take a look at the weld seams yourself, particularly the areas where it is difficult to grind and polish. This will give you an idea of the quality of the welder employed. Better welders cost more, but have fewer mistakes to deal with. Sanitary welds are not "required" for distillation, but makes for easy and proper cleaning, and suggests a high-quality outfit. A vapor tight construction is required, so consider a low psi leak-down pressure test, if possible. Use some watered-down Dawn soap for a "snoop" check to find any pinholes. Check the jacket for leaks too, presuming it's a double boiler type. Electric elements? Check for the resistance on the elements, and test for heating times. HMI can be a bit more complicated, primarily because of software, but run through each function and setting. I've recently run into a foreign HMI that works perfect in Centigrade, but is off on one function in Fahrenheit. Converting is easier and cheaper than trying to get a "true" solution from the manufacturer.

Regardless if you go with this brand, there are many, good deals on used equipment right now. There is also a lot of economic competition from new equipment out of China. Savings can be had if you know what to watch out for. A consultant or advisor costs money, but a good one will save you more than dollars - they'll save you time and sanity.