Hello and a Request

by **fcmarriott** » Fri Jan 10, 2014 2:24 pm

Hi All -

Have been lurking for a few months, but thought I would introduce myself properly and ask a request. Living in the heart of Sydney, and am an amateur wine-maker with a small production winery going both in the US and here in NSW (originally American). I'd like to get into distillation to complement the wine project. I make some of my own liqueurs, but with store-bought spirits.

About me: IT / tech background, day-job working for large multi-national IT company. Moved to Australia 2 years ago.

The Ask: as with a lot of people, I learn much better when I can complement the *reading* with the *doing*. Can I ask if anyone in the greater-Sydney area would be willing to take me on as a grunt / gopher / extra set of hands so I can go through a few runs? I'd rather jump in with a little practical knowledge, rather than mess up a few runs. I have transport, can come to you. If anyone would be willing to entertain, please PM me.

Thanks in advance, and look forward to continuing.

-fcmarriott

by **JayD** » Fri Jan 10, 2014 2:32 pm

It is really not as hard as you might think...keep reading and researching. What type of drink do you like?

by **fcmarriott** » Fri Jan 10, 2014 5:29 pm

Mostly Whisky, but happy for Vodka and Rum as well. Takes a lot for me to drink Gin..........

by **Sam.** » Fri Jan 10, 2014 7:19 pm

Welcome mate :handgestures-thumbupleft:

I'm sure somebody will be able to help you out ;-)

by **the Doctor** » Sat Jan 11, 2014 5:30 am

I am 6 hours drive away, but you would be welcome, or you can PM me and we could talk on the phone some time... Starting is daunting, but we all did it...you will get there mate. Take care.
Doc

by **Brendan** » Sat Jan 11, 2014 8:45 am

the Doctor wrote:I am 6 hours drive away, but you would be welcome, or you can PM me and we could talk on the phone some time... Starting is daunting, but we all did it...you will get there mate. Take care.
Doc

That is very generous of you Doc. I think anyone would be privileged to have some mentoring from you! :D

I'm keen to get up there and check out your setup too :wave:

by **Linny** » Sat Jan 11, 2014 6:10 pm

:text-+1:

by **Brendan** » Sat Jan 11, 2014 6:41 pm

We should do a trip up there one day Linny ;-)

by **Linny** » Sat Jan 11, 2014 6:45 pm

yeah ,,, man date ?

by **Milky** » Sat Jan 11, 2014 8:38 pm

Bro Road-show

by **Brendan** » Sat Jan 11, 2014 9:13 pm

Linny wrote:yeah ,,, man date ?

Haha, sounds like a plan :handgestures-thumbupleft:

by **Andy** » Mon Jan 13, 2014 1:18 am

JayD wrote:It is really not as hard as you might think...keep reading and researching. What type of drink do you like?

i spent a lot of time reading and researching. hours and hours. when i first run i felt unprepared, but fumbled my way through it.
learn by doing, improve with advice and perfect with practice

good luck and enjoy! doc is a pro and would be wonderful to see in action

[i will also add that remember this is a public forum guys, and what we do is not entirely legal. so i would be cautious about showing a new member your set up and collect etc. just in case- but i am generally a cautious guy. no offence or accusation fcmarriott]

by **Smbjk** » Mon Jan 13, 2014 6:32 am

Andy wrote:
JayD wrote:It is really not as hard as you might think...keep reading and researching. What type of drink do you like?

i spent a lot of time reading and researching. hours and hours. when i first run i felt unprepared, but fumbled my way through it.
learn by doing, improve with advice and perfect with practice

good luck and enjoy! doc is a pro and would be wonderful to see in action

[i will also add that remember this is a public forum guys, and what we do is not entirely legal. so i would be cautious about showing a new member your set up and collect etc. just in case- but i am generally a cautious guy. no offence or accusation fcmarriott]

:text-+1:

by **Kimbo** » Tue Jan 14, 2014 11:43 am

Hi fc, welcome to the forum mate :handgestures-thumbupleft:

by **fcmarriott** » Tue Jan 14, 2014 6:15 pm

<snip>

[i will also add that remember this is a public forum guys, and what we do is not entirely legal. so i would be cautious about showing a new member your set up and collect etc. just in case- but i am generally a cautious guy. no offence or accusation fcmarriott][/quote]

</snip>

I totally hear you, and I understand your hesitation. I'll keep reading, and hopefully not waste too much to start. I've seen a list of items to start with floating around on the forum - anyone recommend one thing over the other? Talked to a guy in Kangaroo Island who actually bought his neutral, and he just ran through spirit runs - for commercial gin and vodka and flavored vodkas. If I could do that, I suppose just a still, keg, heater and collection vessel. Is it likely for a non-licensed producer to be able to buy neutral spirit in / around Sydney (my assumption would be no)? If not, then all the fermentation equipment as well.. Anyone have an ordered list? i.e. don't buy a hydrometer before purchasing fermentation bins, etc. Don't buy a heater without buying still, etc.

I guess easiest way to ask is - where to start??!?!?!?

Thanks again.
-fcmarriott

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