Distilling brandy

Steve, I read up on it and saw the boiling points were different; I could see that being easy to deal with with proper temperature monitoring and appropriate routing of the discharge.

I fix things for a living and I guess the thing that would give me pause is how many people you see doing anything right as opposed to how many look for shortcuts; actually read instructions etc. This is the one time I might even read the instructions; even the legal mumbo jumbo... And no, I'm not making any either, I have too much wine and beer already.

:)

Joe

spud wrote:

... And no, I'm not making any either, I have too much wine and

Besides, we'd just dilute the hard stuff down with other, inferior flavors :-)

Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah, Joyous Kwaanza, Happy Holidays, Cheers!!

Gene

I am not encouraging anyone to violate federal and state laws.

If you took a 4 liter jug of 8% (16 proof wine), distilled it into brandy, and on the presumption that you knew what you were doing (highly unlike for a novice), you would get less than a liter of 32% (64 proof) brandy. If the fire department comes out and determines the source of the fire, you will get both persecuted and prosecuted.

If you are successful, you will less than a liter of brandy and no way to age it unless you can find one liter casks. LoL.

A simple substitute is to mix fruit juice with a whiskey you like and that does not cause fires. I really like that idea. I may just ferment apple juice, add some Southern Comfort to it, and call it Janis Joplin Applejack. But first I need to finish off the Janis Joplin Egg Nog.

Dick - There are old moonshiners and there are bold moonshiners. But there are NO old, bold moonshiners.

Everclear should do this nicely.

Or cheap vodka. it's neutral. That's how I make Limoncello now. It's as good as made with grain and easier to get in most states. In the northeast US they have made it difficult to get 190 proof alcohol.

Joe

If you could, please elaborate on the Limoncello how-to. That would make a nice drink for next Christmas (or next week). Thanks, Adam

Joe Sallustio wrote:

Hi Adam, I cleaned up an old post with the procedure and reposted to the group as a separate header. It's very easy and you could easily be drinking it in a few days.

Joe

Not that I have any intention of distilling but the regulation specifically mentions anyone in the business of distilling. It does not say that it applies to anyone distilling for own use. It seems that you might have to contact ATF for the whole answer. I'm no lawyer but it seems that if you registered the still and conducted no business, you'd be OK.

Dick

Hmmmm, I don't think ATF shares the same definition of "business." I copied the following from:

"S3: I've seen ads for home distilling equipment in catalogs ("turn wine into brandy," "make your own essential oils"). Is it legal to buy and use a still like that? Under Federal rules administered by ATF, it depends on how you use the still. You may not produce alcohol with these stills unless you qualify as a distilled spirits plant (see earlier question). However, owning a small still and using it for other purposes is allowed. You should also check with your State and local authorities - their rules may differ. "

Note: two more paragraphs accompany this, but this is the nut. One of the other paragraphs has to do with using a still in a school science fair project. ATF says it can be done, with restrictions.

Casey