Are you running a whiskey still?

[PineRidge]

Anyone here have any advice on operating a legal whiskey still? I have a friend residing in Ohio that's looking at a 54K unit and has absolutely zero experience. Any input would be appreciated.

Copper Still

 

[Wayne County Hose]

There is an old set of books titled, "Foxfire", 1, 2, and so on. I think I remember reading about stills in there. They are good reference books and just plain enjoyable to read. They cover the old way of doing things.

 

[BTDT]

Maybe Mother Earth News, or Backwoods Home magazines, they may have past articles about something like that.

 

[the_sandman_454]

I would love to make my own bourbon, but I was under the impression it's unlawful to distill spirits without jumping through a lot of hoops. Unlike beer or wine which can be produced by private individuals with no real hassle/licensing, etc necessary?

So, what sort of paperwork is your friend filling out and how expensive is it? If it's not too costly I'd be interested in it (if it can be done without running afoul of the law).

 

[BTDT]

As for the legality of it, now that I re-read the original post, the BATF website probably has more info than you could read in a day about it. And you might not want to get on their radar

 

[Egon]

It is a very nice looking still with definite artistic appeal.

Your friend may be better off looking at stainless steel products with sensors integrated with computer control of temperatures and reflux etc.

It is assumed that gasohol is in the offing. Be advised that straight alcohol may require design changes to the ordinary engine to operate properly.

 

[cityfarma]

Anyone here have any advice on operating a legal whiskey still? I have a friend residing in Ohio that's looking at a 54K unit and has absolutely zero experience. Any input would be appreciated.

Copper Still

I always get suspicious when someone says "I have a friend..." and then go into what may be illegal!

A few years ago, I made 20ltr of plum wine that did not clarify. I put it through a still and now have 5ltr of 70% alcohol. One day I will think about what to actually use it for!

In Australia, I think we are able to own stills up to 5ltr capacity to "distill essential oils". We can however go into the local brew shop and buy a larger version of the still that is sold as a "fermentation vessel". As long as you don't push it, you can get away with small scale distilling. The shops also sell flavours to turn your distillate into versions of your favourite brand. Where you would get the distillate from, they have no idea.

Cityfarma

 

[redlevel]

Don't leave a lot of empty sugar bags lying around in the woods. Don't take the same route to the still every time, you will wear out a path and make it too easy for the revenoors. Don't start your still up until well after the leaves have put out in the Spring-it helps dissapate the smoke.

If my old Granddaddy was still here he could give you a lot more advice. Those are just a few tips I remember from my boyhood.

 

[txdon]

Has "your friend" seen the hundreds of pages of regulations from the ATF to run his "legal" whiskey still? ATF also has the ability and right to obtain the names and addresses of purchasers of stills from the manufacturer.

 

[PineRidge]

Don't know for sure if Jerry has seen BTF regulations or not, but I'm guessing before he spends the money he will. He has plenty of real-estate in the Sugarcreek area, last I knew it was roughly 147 acres, and he's not to awful worried about zoning.

I'll pass a bit of this information along to him hoping it will be useful. Thanks for the input guys.