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(See post#2 in this thread for Vevor 70l kit link/information)
This guy gets a tad long-winded, but if you fight through it - there is good info mixed in.
On the bourbon, he adds oak chips - which I get the idea - but there are easier ways to get color and char into your final product.
Also, when he removes his fermented mash into the cook pot - I like the idea of filtering through cheesecloth - prior to going into the cooker (which he does not do)
The second vid "corn vodka" is added to show the different set ups, using copper bubble plates.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=du20sPNO2Vo
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8vcSgcvixAQ
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The kit below is often described as a beginner/entry level set up.
Has about everything needed to get one started.
Amazon links to:
VEVOR Alcohol Still 18.5Gal/70L Alcohol Distiller
https://amzn.to/4pcLYKm
VEVOR Alcohol Still 13.2Gal/50L Alcohol Distiller
https://amzn.to/48o01Hj
VEVOR Alcohol Still 8Gal/30L Alcohol Distiller
https://amzn.to/49uCSEn
The 18 gal size is a bit misleading.
;)
When you subtract 4-5 gallons from the starting 18 gal (leaving room to boil mash, and not "puke" your mash into the rest of the system...)
Then do the math on mash vs end product.
Say, for example --> you have 13 gallons of filtered mash ready to go into the 18 gallon still.
Starting & finishing "abv" dependent, your final product volume may be in the +/- 1.75 gallon range.
So dont freak out on the size of the still pot.
The smaller kits, are not worth the hassle IMO
If I am going to make a mess, I'd rather make a big mess- once in a while, vs several small messes/batches.
The linked Vevor kit above, is expandable - being able to add items seen in the two videos posted in the OP
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"What is a Thumper?"
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hZMnid8_3UE
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u9OSKl43oFQ
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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8j43bqYVZOY
On the second video, the first +/- 13 mins, is the 'science' of the process.
The nuts and bolts of his presentation that caught my attention starts at 14:00
Stick with it, as he gets into the bubble plates, and the importance of copper in removing hydrogen sulfide (previous video shows copper mesh stuffed into the column)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oBHIc6LwH6o
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This guy is a hoot.
Hes a craftsman in his trade (metal working) and used those skills to build his own still system.
The first two videos are using a double thumper, and a salvaged water chiller.
On the first video, he gets some discoloration of the final product.
On the second video -> he runs it again at lower temps, and gets clear.
I've added a third video, showing his build skills.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-1y2HKm8k80
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=auIISj3lcLs
This is the first 'build video' in a series of about eight videos. If you appreciate craftsmanship and learning by trial and error, you will see why I posted his video. The rest of the videos will follow at the end of this one...
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5wgqMJXThPs