Airstills - Banter me hearties!!

[Frothwizard]

Hi All,

Long time reader, first time poster. Allow me to fluff on a for a bit first.

First some background: I'm a lad from country S.A...little town called Snowtown. (Let the barrel jokes commence).

Grew up on a farm with the old man making exploding ginger beer in his spare time.

Recently found his old fermenter and decided to get in on it all. Went down to the LBS and got myself an Airstill and 2 more fermenters. Grabbed a few essences and headed out with my head held high.

- Fired up the standard Turbo Triple Distilled wash in one. Followed the online instructions instead of reading the book and put triple distilled yeast in at 40C. First mistake but didn't kill the yeast so all good there.

- Put a pre packaged cider deal in one fermenter. Add, stir, add, stir, wait. She's still brewing and is suffering from Rhino Farts at the moment.

- Grabbed 21L of Cheap Apple juice from the shops. $1/Litre, and shoved that in with a bit of extra sugar and a cup of bakers yeast as an experiment in the last fermenter. It's going but I have no idea how that'll turn out. It really only cost me $20 of apple juice so I'm not really complaining if I messed it up.

ANYWAY - I've been reading the us and them banter between airstillers and .... everyone else ... and it just seems awesome so I thought I'd join in with some terrible grammar.

AIRSTILLZ 4 LYFE YO!!!!

(Note: Have not actually done anything with my still yet, still waiting for wash to mature, thus have no real experience to draw upon here. I just wanted to be included :))

[greenguy]

Airstill = :puke-huge:

[Frothwizard]

That could be the greatest emoticon ever invented....almost... :happy-partydance:

[crow]

Not to put you over a barrel You will have hrs of "fun" making not much before you shell out $50 and knock up a pot still you can take that to the bank. :laughing-rolling:

[Frothwizard]

There it is!!

Airstills = Auto
Potstills = Manual

One's easier to drive and one gives you more control. Also auto's sell for more...how does that make sense!

I realise I'm on the wrong side of the fence here, but the analogy is apt and I didn't want to deprive you or ammunition!

[JayD]

Welcome to the forum... :handgestures-thumbupleft:

[Frothwizard]

Thanks JayD,

Looking forward to honing ze skillz required to defeat 'ze Germans'!

....Otherwise known as 'fores'!

[MacStill]

you bought a what :violence-smack:

[Frothwizard]

It was just so CUTE!!! :D

[Sam.]

I reckon your enthusiasm for that particular still may fade fast after a couple of runs ;-)

[Cane Toad]

Couple of runs??? Couple of hours more like it :laughing-rolling: :laughing-rolling:
Welcome to the forum mate,I'm sure you're gunna learn heaps here,and give the blokes some quality shit stirring ammunition :handgestures-thumbupleft: :handgestures-thumbupleft:

[Frothwizard]

I look at it this way.

With cutting / double distilling, if I can make a Scotch or Bourbon that is a grade above the store bought midrange ~ $50 mark, then I probably won't be getting sick of it very soon. I'm not the most discerning drinker in the world, but my taste buds DO work.

Then again, you may be right...to be honest, I'm just excited to be making my own stuff....Spirits and Cider.

[Zak Griffin]

Welcome the forum mate... Good to see more south Aussies.

Judging by your terminology, I'll say that you're a gen-Yer... I'm only 22, we need some more young blood around here :handgestures-thumbupleft:

Best of luck with the air still! I think you'll need it!

[hillzabilly]

A long time ago I bought an Air Still,turned out to be the most expensive paper weight I have .and I dont dare give it to any one .it also is there to remind me PPPPPperformance,but hey we just all out to do our thang its a starting point at least.cheers hillzabilly

[Frothwizard]

Cheers,

Born in 1984 so scrapped into Gen Y by 2 years.

Almost 30...all downhill from there....

[crow]

Cheers,
Born in 1984 so scrapped into Gen Y by 2 years.
Almost 30...all downhill from there....

You think that young fella but you'll laugh about that thought when you get to 40, getting older is getting wiser is knowing how to get the most out of things :handgestures-thumbupleft:

Look lots of guys started with them stills, they are not a total waste of time and for some ppl say old or infermed folks living in a little flat they are the only option. you will learn the basics with it, cuts will be hard due to the very small boiler charge and they are a tremendous amount of work for a modest out put, that's just the fact of the matter but it will give you a chance to prove you can make your own product and if you find you enjoy the hobby you will move to bigger and better things. Just don't despair on the quality of product or amount of work as this still is not a good gauge of either involved with a better still. This may not be all that you would like to hear but it is an honest assessment

[the Doctor]

Crow I admire your stance... I am no great fan of the airstill ...but I have been doing this for over 30 years. But many a friend and fine distiller found the magic of home distilling via airstills. And for those who live in small apartments, often the airstill is the only option. Used carefully with double runs, they can produce surprisingly good results. I am for any method which is good for the growth of the craft. For many an airstill is the only economical/practical answer...more power to our airstilling friends. When time and budget permits they often grow to be amongst the best distillers in the craft. Enjoy your Airstill, be safe and cut hard and definately do double runs and you sir are a distiller. Enjoy the best hobby in the world.
Doc

[ozybottler]

only way is up :handgestures-thumbupleft:

[Dominator]

Welcome mate. This thread gave me a good laugh. :)) I was born in '84 too, while the thought of reaching 30 is a little worrying, my wife was born in '83 so she will always reach the 'milestones' before me which makes it easier. :handgestures-thumbupleft:

[greenguy]

1984 for me too :teasing-neener:
What a great year :character-beavisbutthead: