Which gear to buy

[mhz]

Getting there :handgestures-thumbupleft:

[woodduck]

Glossary of terms from the newbies corner, I would suggest a good read of all the threads in there, it will clear up alot of questions :handgestures-thumbupleft:

viewtopic.php?f=57&t=2857

[mhz]

Thanks for that.
Do any of you know of any decent online videos I should look at that explain the gear and process?

[Professor Green]

Most of the videos you find online will be rubbish mate.

Have you read this: http://aussiedistiller.com.au/viewtopic.php?f=57&t=3539 and this http://aussiedistiller.com.au/viewtopic.php?f=57&t=2906?

[nuddy]

Most of the videos you find online will be rubbish mate.

Have you read this: http://aussiedistiller.com.au/viewtopic.php?f=57&t=3539 and this http://aussiedistiller.com.au/viewtopic.php?f=57&t=2906?

:text-+1: to what the professor said.

If you are after videos.... there is one guy in NZ who is doing a relatively decent job of it. https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCThY8l ... g/featured

However those links prof posted to will be the best place to start.

[mhz]

Thanks for the links, they have really helped me to understand a lot more.

I just have some further questions though since doing a little more research

Can I make Gin from the T500 without using essennces?
Can I add botanics to it?

So a reflux still is basically what the T500 is? Just to run a 'wash' through the still to get a simple neutral spirit to then flavour with essences?

Can it be adapted to run as a pot still?

Can I buy a keg that is already setup for distilling with the electric heating element already installed? Where is the best place to get one of these?

Is there anyone else other than 5 star I should look at for a still? A few of you have recommended I go for a plated still, where are good placed to get one of these and how do they work differently from a pot or reflux still?

[Professor Green]

From the newbies section: Types of Stills - LM, VM, CM...What do they mean?.

The T500 is indeed a reflux still. Some reflux stills can be used as pot still by removing plates and packing however due to the way it is manufactured, the T500 cannot do this without damaging the plastic parts.

You won't be able to make a distilled gin using the T500 column as the packing will strip the flavour.

5 Star really is your best option if you're looking to get an off the shelf still be it pot or plated column (bubbler). I can't really comment on where to get a keg boiler from as most folks I know that use them obtained the keg and had it modified to suit. Milk can boilers are another option and they're dead sexy too. MIlk can boilers are another option and 5 Star used to do a very nice 50 litre one and I guess will probably do so again.

I know we push the 5 Star angle quite a bit round here but it IS their forum and their quality is second to none.