Hello from Wisconsin

[RRichard]

Hi, I'm in research and business plan writing phase of starting a micro-distillery here in south central Wisconsin. Learning about state and federal licensing, equipment needs, and site selection.

Planning on vodka and rum. Whiskey, maybe even wheat bourbon later. As a bourbon lover, it's tough to think about making bourbon outside of Kentucky

In reviewing TTB forms, it seems they require premise details on the plant. Reading federal approval takes the longest (more than state) time, 9 months hopefully, it seems I should find my plant location ASAP. No retail spot or tasting allowed on premises in WI.

I currently own a search & staffing business located here in Janesville WI . BTW, will give hiring and firing advice gratis to distillery owners. www.rdwinc.com

Other info: My wife is on board with the plan. Hopefully, I can pass the distillery down to my 2 children someday. I'm the state coordinator for Ron Paul's Campaign for Liberty in Wisconsin.

As a long time business owner, my micro-distillery strengths in a startup will be planning, working within regulations, and perseverance. My weaknessess include zero hands on experience and lack of appreciation of chemistry. On that note, I'm willing to work for a week or 2 for payment of some knowledge at any distilleries in the midwest, or elsewhere in the world.

We have a wonderful micro brew in town - Gray's , and the closest existing micro distillery is Yahara Bay in Madison about 30 miles with a great new apple brandy.

Cheers,

Rick Richard

[kkbodine]

My weaknessess include zero hands on experience and lack of appreciation of chemistry. On that note, I'm willing to work for a week or 2 for payment of some knowledge at any distilleries in the midwest, or elsewhere in the world.

Gaining some practical experience will do you a world of good. I'm surprised on a daily basis how people neglect this at an early stage (or any stage) and just jump in. Though jumping in is fine if you can afford it. Or you can always buy the expertise, mine included

Cheers,

Keith

[Paul G]

Welcome aboard

On a technical level, while you're riding out the waiting period for licensing and approval, take up home-brewing beer or wine (both even). If you didn't already know this before, it's half the battle of making a good spirit. The nice thing about it is that you can experiment with the fermentation portion of the process in small batches. With the general GIGO (Garbage In=Garbage Out) principle, the better the wash is, the better the spirit will likely be. Knowing how to make a good beer puts you one step further in the game when the state and feds finally give you the green light with the distilling side of things.

I would imagine that Wisconsin would have some solid home brewing clubs you could become acquainted with, too.

Cheers,

Paul