Hey I was surfin today, and found this site…
http://homedistiller.org/forum/
I know it is illegal to distill alcohol… and without talking politics,
I found this site to be of great interest and anyone concerned
with fuesels and stuff might learn a bit by some reading… 
I know these guys are just making fuel for the family car!
And they are just as obsessive as we are apparently. :o
I’d like to be able to make vodka or rum in small amounts.
been a member there for longer than on NB… so Im tole…
If ya had a certain tubular device attached to a chamber …and ya got a lousy
infected batch of beer…you could do somethin besides dump it to the ocean…
8)
I know a guy that distilled some beer that was hit with the dreaded acetobactor. I should ask him how that turned out.
Problem with home distillation, even if legal, is that you have to either prefer the white unaged spirits (moonshine, gin, white rum, vodka) or be VERY VERY patient. To be honest, a good bourbon is nice to just go out and buy instead of waiting 10 years hoping yours turns out OK.
That said…were it legal, I’d totally try it!
Nic,
There are ways to tint your white likker…some caramelized sugar perhaps…
Ageing it in small barrels increases wood / liquid contact…you could
take some acceptable shortcuts I am certain… It is just the legal stumbling
block I keep coming up against
[quote]It is just the legal stumbling
block I keep coming up against
[/quote]
Most likely not a concern unless one is bootlegging. Small-scale or personal use and who would even know?
I’ve been giving it some serious thought as well lately. I’ve dumped more beer in the last 6 months than ever, I used to force myself to drink at least a third of it but somehow I just can’t anymore. :D I’ve seen TV adds for distillers and they showed how to make your own liquor On TV so I doubt its a big legal issue for personal consumption considering the small amount you’d be getting from it. I can’t remember the name brand but it was a countertop coffee pot size distiller that held about a gallon and produced about a half pint or so if I remember right?
I wonder if he managed to make a good “Save” on his labor?
I’m sure these dudes do it for the love of it. 
If I were to try this a 20% ABV mash is probably a good starting point. There’s Turbo Yeast available.
I read on that forum turbo yeilds an inferior result…
Yeah they would know I guess. Not sure how much one would get out of 5 gallons of 5% beer. Maybe a quart?
simple math…5 gal X .05 = .25 gallon
Isn’t that straight though? As in 100%, 200 proof? Dilute it down to drinking strength, now you’re almost 2/3 gallon.
Of course you can’t still that pure anyway. High 90’s on a reflux column - so let’s call it a half gallon at drinking strength.
Sweet…then figger out how to attach a reflux colum to your keg boiler kettle…
you are set for a 5 gallon run off…
Of course, you will want to keep it up at 100% realm so you can put it in
the GAS TANK of the family stationwagon.
Diluting it with water…makes bad things happen to the engine.
I think the straight firewater would fubar your engine. Just speaking from starter fluid and small engine experiences.
I’d totally go greasecar before I would distill for my vehicle. I love the smell of french fries in the morning! ;D
Civil disobedience.
I missed ya, Cap.
I missed you too.
Finally made your way here huh?