Will Home Distilling Save You Money?

[@JamesKintner]

Oh sure, just like archery, fishing, and woodworking saved me soooo much money.

[@solocaretaker2034]

I hear you there. If you think in the short run. Fishing rod $200.00. Real $500.00 boat $100,000 fuel Per trip $500.00 div. by 1000lb of fish at .23 a pound still = a ton of fun for the buck Not exact sound Financial decision but in the long run that’s another thing just like distilling Don’t forget. Quality of life

[@MRblazedBEANS]

Why would archery save u money? Hunting?

[@matthewpage8631]

@@MRblazedBEANS look straight up, the answer is right there

[@Backdaft94]

Lol best comment

[@hic_tus]

and drinking in general hahaha

[@eboal2]

I did this exact exercise to convince my wife to let me buy my first beer brewing equipment. I told her the cost of my time was equated to increased happiness; aka was 0$/hr. basically, I break even after 20 batches of the more expensive recipes....she hated beer but knew I loved it; in the end I brewed something she liked, and then another, to see that wow face on a convert was worth every penny.

[@AdamMansbridge]

My wife likes beer, so it was an easy (non-) argument

[@dogslobbergardens6606]

One can also tell their spouse that they're at home, not getting in trouble, doing something productive - instead of sitting in a tavern pissing away money. That *might* work ;)

[@mikej9564]

I’m retired. For me it a choice of what to do with my “free” time. Pull weeds in the garden or make beer, wine, cheese or whiskey. I’m a bit tired of working in the garden.

[@Grimsterrr]

4 hours making shine, or 4 hours sitting on the computer, the value of the fact I'm not sitting on my butt is a value add.

[@carlvanalstyne7970]

My thoughts exactly “ theoretically”

[@rimeoftheancientmariner]

But who wants to make cheese?

[@MrGoatflakes]

@@rimeoftheancientmariner me

[@seancarnell1503]

I haven't done cheese yet. A recipe from a book I bought for "drunken goat cheese" calls it to be aged in wine or "better yet, left over must from wine making". Bringing the hobbies full circle.

[@desertriderukverun1002]

I can relate. I thought $250-300 for a guided fishing trip was outrageous, so I built my own boat.

[@dogslobbergardens6606]

Similarly, when I was young and broke I couldn't afford a really good knife, so I learned how to make them. Now I'm old and broke. But I have a lot of cool knives and tools!

[@F3zza]

I'd say yes it does save you money unless you watch a certain KZbin distilling channel. That links you to a certain Whiskey Vault channel you'd never heard of previously. Which in turn then inspires you to collect and create your own mini Whisky Vault. Believe me those Whisky Vaults don't come cheap. Mini or otherwise. 😊

[@91chevys10]

I once saw a 109 $USD wartime Mosin 91/30 in a hardware store. 10 years & too many thousands of dollars later, i understand fully.

[@MultiTut69]

My better half does not care for hardcore spirits but she loves to work with me on the process and will even compare tasting notes. Time spent together creating stuff we like to drink is priceless! 👍🏻😁

[@Madmick82]

I've held back for a long while now but my OCD cant take it any longer, pleaase finish the front of the bench, I'll even send you the wood. LOL

[@robjones1126]

Hahaha

[@dennisstahl7621]

It’s just one more piece of wood and maybe 5 minutes of time to install for crying out loud. Lol!

[@capitaldd3693]

Lol too funny..🤣

[@jcerasmus4389]

Nah mate, he's too busy "saving money"

[@jbaker4900]

That's why I unsubed. Couldn't take it anymore

[@olinseats4003]

(Note that this is from the perspective of someone just now joining the hobby) For me, it feeds several parts of my personality at once. I get to make something with my own two hands. I get to experiment, explore, and learn. What I'm drawn to make is something that I literally cannot get anywhere else. Make it from unusual ingredients, age it on more exotic woods. Every bottle is something that I couldn't put a price tag on because there's nothing like it on any shelf. They're unique expressions, liquid works of art. They may not be the work of a master, but they're mine.

[@michaelpercopo2149]

Crafting something that most people take for granted as a grocery store commodity, is incredibly gratifying. It’s rarity makes it intrinsically more valuable than the figures you calculated. Sharing a jar of your homemade hooch is as rare a moment as a tropical sunrise, aurora borealis, or that one local pizza joint down the street. You can only get it there, and there is the only place it tastes like that!

[@jakerijkuris4693]

My first batch of whiskey cost $2000, my second batch was free!

[@mofamba]

So was your mom.

[@albertellwyn4891]

@@mofamba That was hilarious! Your youtube account is 14 years old: i’m sure your parents didn’t make you a youtube account at birth like an ssn, you must be at least 20/21 but still act like your in my fifth grade class, congratulations! edit: this guy can literally fly and he acts like a man child, i wouldn’t want him piloting any commercial flights.

[@jimmelton7299]

You must be selling it if 2 batch was free plus you must have 50 gal pot.

[@ailkenllib]

I was equally surprised at the power cost when I calculated that. It came in at around $2.50, was not expecting that. Think of it like any other hobby, you can almost always get it cheaper, but it's the fun that's priceless. No fisherman ever saved money on a fish dinner by driving 2 hours to camp by a lake for a few nights, eat and drink, and then thought they brought home those five fish for free. The journey is where the riches are found.

[@tristanchittleborough2929]

Spot On. I brew beer, make some amazing creations but couldn't turn a profit to save my life. It is all about the journey, you nailed it.

[@brucekrisko4364]

Thanks Jesse for putting it all into dollars and cents! You really know how to explain things in great detail. For the expense of distilling, I look at it as pennies on the dollar for learning a new craft. I think your time explaining it to us is worth so much more than you would ever give yourself credit for. We are lucky and happy to have you as one of our guides in this endeavor.

[@Alpha-pq4cv]

Doing something you love, learning... Priceless

[@cjprestidge1773]

...have been watching your videos over the past week... and after watching this one - oddly found myself getting a bit emotional to have progressively seen how you've evolved and developed... and, basically, grown... we can see your voyage through your videos... and with all your advice on this particular video, and kindness... good for you - for being able to passionately do what you do... and for how it shows. What a wonderful world and time to be alive, and a strange old thing this life is. Hats off to you. Health and happiness to everyone who might read this. Peace.

[@maker-restorer]

Hi Jesse I'm going over all the old vid's and missed this one, I'm retired and my time is free but the love of making is priceless. I don't care what the cost (with in reason) I just love the challenge but thats just me

[@colwk]

Rex Hunt once said "fishing is the most expensive way to get a free feed" Brewing doesn't sound much cheaper for a free rum

[@danh1064]

Hey, leave my uncle alone... Just kidding mate, loved his fishing adventures whilst growing up. Kinda got the urge to go back out to the coast for some decent fish 🙂 As Jesse says, it's all about how you value your time. If you enjoy it, the cost decreases.

[@whippyboy6272]

I used to spend 80-120 dollars a week on whiskey. By just doing sugar wash, running the 2 gallon still one afternoon in the week, I can bring that down to about 5 dollars plus roughly 4 hours watching the still instead of a movie. That works for me.

[@glenna3434]

Thanks for the great big belly laugh! I figure it costs me about $110 per pint to make my own. If only I could stop buying s**t !

[@dogslobbergardens6606]

Booze is so cheap here in Appalachia that the only way to save money brewing beer, making wine or distilling at home is to also be a gardener. If your ingredient cost is just some seeds and you've got a big pile of fruit or grain at the end of the year, hell yeah it's a no-brainer. Although I did know one cat who would buy oodles of sugar and fruit and juice with food stamps and make wine... we called him the Welfare Wino lol. Anyway it's not really about the cash here (unless you're an actual outlaw selling it, I know nothing about that of course), it's about quality product, fun and showing off to your friends that you learned a cool skill.

[@brettmcivor6271]

15 videos later I hit this, hearing "would rather just buy the good darks whiskeys and scotches" most times, was crushing lol. It was my biggest burning question, and knowing you have to wait years to feel meh about your recipe is so daunting.

[@jimhowes2983]

I use my distilling days to do little jobs in the shed. You know like sharpening knives, respooling fishing reels or rebuilding outboard engines. Heat up time is enough to mow the lawn... Hence I don't consider the time too much.

[@nerdaccount]

Brendon Sanderson said you don't have to monetize your hobby. If you like to write, then write because you love it. I enjoy drawing, I don't have to sell my work for it to be a big part of my life. I think you do have to look at your hobby and make sure it stays inline with your budget and really don't kid yourself about expenses being part of a way to save money. I bought a $400 drawing tablet and I love using it that's enough. If I didn't pay the electricity bill because I was buying drawing equipment then the issue isn't can I make money from my drawing, but am I being realistic about what my is month-to-month. I love the video! Thanks!

[@BillMcGirr]

Cool video. Interesting thoughts and conversation. Enjoyed it.👍🥃

[@michaelstanley3961]

Fantastic, we don't need spreadsheets, this is all about the hobby/craft and your right a great bottle of premium spirit at the end is a fantastic bonus, keep the vids coming. Mike

[@cruisinpete7]

The satisfaction got from achieving interesting tastings is priceless :-)

[@iansavage7870]

I enjoyed this video just as an exercise in information, one factor over and above I would put in is a hobby regardless of what that is, can contribute to healthy mental well being. As side note something I would like see discussed is sustainability, how you minimise water usage, ingredient usage etc. (apologies if this has already been covered).

[@dogslobbergardens6606]

Well said. Also, it's a science project every time. And sometimes it's rather intellectually challenging. Doctors will tell you that continuing to learn new things and keeping the ol' brain working is good for your health in various ways, long-term.

[@drewlarson65]

Think the men of the world would be forever enriched by a video of your hair and beard maintenance routine

[@marcelohernandez7215]

Wow...jaw dropping video Jesse, thx a lot. There´s no price tag for the fun and great stories that are built around home distilling and making a run with friends and family. Or what about a: mmmhhhh! tastes great!!!!! (from the wifey)

[@nicholashendrickson7479]

I have done this calculation for home brewing. The number at the very end of the video is where I'm 100% at; how much have I invested to pursue a hobby? Is it reasonable? Yes???? Then that doesn't count. My time? It's a hobby....if anything, that should be a negative wage. It's not that I don't value my time, it's that this is what I chose to do in the time I have left. So what is the important calculation: does the product cost me more or less than the purchase of something I'd equally like to drink? I've always come out on the positive side of that. That is, I spend less in ingredients to make something I want to drink than it would cost to buy a similar beverage and I enjoy the process. Perfect hobby.

[@brendanquinn6894]

Good job. (He even covered depreciation) !

[@antoninopiampiano1877]

Very good video Jesse. I liked the honest assessment of the quality of the craft spirits we produce.......

[@adbb1970]

I love the way you wrapped this video up. This is why I'm taking up this hobby! I haven't bought any equipment yet and already have 50+ hours of research (a lot on your channel!!) and I can see another 50+ hours before I spend a cent! I'm into gins in a big way and can't wait to be able to create some unique flavours just for me! Thanks for all the passion you display and the thought you put into each and every one of your videos.

[@gordslater]

"I've got my wife's computer here because I'm absolutey 100% confident I'm never going to knock it off this narrow benchtop. Hell no"

[@a3970010]

Lots of good thoughts in the comments below. 👍 I won't parrot them here..ill just say i agree. The are so many reasons to brew your own "stuff". The least of which is to hold it up and say "see, i did it!" The more you make the more your setup pays for itself over time. I want to start simple and make hard cider. Eventually i want a T-500 as it seems to make the most sense when compared to other stills. It's right in the middle cost wise and is flexible in it's application. The wife and I have drinks together almost daily and it's something we do "together". Brewing is going to be an extension of that. Enjoy life..your hobbies..and your together time.

[@Daniel-ht4wr]

So insightful!

[@MCPeeBoy]

I like the idea of making my own stuff when I am old geezer but I don't think doing this while working fulltime and having other responsibilities is the best idea. Especially when you take in account the time spent on "cooking". But definitely, once I am old, maybe even retired, I'm heading straight in making my own spirits.

[@williamelliott]

Start making it now and when you're old it will be aged well

[@rayfox212]

I'm 52 so I'm starting to hit the old geezer and working towards retirement thing. All I have to say to that is time goes faster than you realize and before you know it you find yourself saying I wish I had done this when I was younger. Everyone I know that is my age and up agrees with me. So don't wait enjoy your life now.

[@theworldisastage1984]

@@williamelliott agree. But go with at least 26 gallon boiler and 4" column. 2" and smaller boilers aren't worth all this time. Read my post. I have 60-80 hours invested to fill a 5 gallon barrel. Eff that

[@grugraham3064]

My wife asked how much I spent this month and I told her around £100. I then told her that her two horses cost me over £300 per month. I'm sleeping on the sofa for health reasons 😂

[@Backdaft94]

Lol brave man

[@steffenbrygg7907]

Almost 60 USD for 1L of 37.5% vodka in Norway, when I do my spirit run I fill up my boiler with 25l of 35% low wines after a few stipping runs. My stuff is somewhere in the middle between cheapest vodka and smirnoff. totaly ok for any mixers. Also use quite a few essence to make faux gin/captain morgan etc

[@jadieramacdougal5621]

Like the new haircut m8! As Ancient Egypt ... mentioned below, TAXES account for more than half the price of alcohol, so that savings alone will be enough to convince the home brewer to do it for common run of the mill spirits. Cheers!

[@PexiTheBuilder]

Been thinking this.. Most likely not, but fun to do :) Atleast for me, building stuff is fun, time well spent.

[@rezganger]

i love that you felt you had to disclaim that it is not your computer! relax,i had a pick laptop once myself.

[@kylehagen817]

Jesse, you have just made my mind up that I am still keen to learn the craft. For me it will be about making some good spiced rum, to enjoy. Cheers man

[@jakerijkuris4693]

You could calculate your time cost based on how much it cost to pay a cleaner or lawn mower man or handyman. Coz that's all the stuff my wife complains doesn't get done because I'm off running my still!

[@littlejohnsbrewing]

wave her off and ignore the cost.

[@HodgyE5]

Great video, thank you for addressing this question. Cheers

[@jayBird345]

I don't calculate my value/time; as a hobby I know if I weren't doing this, I would be doing something else that doesn't make money, like watching KZbin lol

[@bradleysyce9865]

Love your channel and work keep up the top chase of craft. Bradley from south Africa

[@billmartz4290]

It saves me loads of money. I do it because I can mess with my recipes to make me happy.. cheers!

[@markellis7961]

I'm glad you quantified the hobby aspect at the end, every hobby cost money, and like every hobby you can spend as much or as little as you like. In terms of "I could just work a couple of hours overtime to buy that bottle of spirits" I'd still rather spend 10X that amount of time at home making it :)

[@markellis7961]

To add your grain bill seems to be quite high, I aim for a $30AUD Inc shipping ($23.58 US, $32.34 NZD) grain bill (Inc late additions & yeast), and I buy a lot of the same grains that you do (Crisp, Gladfield, Unigrain), is every thing just hideously expensive in NZ?

[@truthseeker2275]

This is why I built myself a small continous still(50mm x 1.8M). Filling, draining, and watching a pot still is for the dogs...I ferment a 200L drum, stick in the hose and let her run... 2 days later I have enough 95% neutral booze to last a very long time... For me, the journey was building the still(and still improving it)...not running it.

[@scottmcneill6333]

Cost of buying stuff, prepping everything, my time, and putting to jar = $$. Drinking what I've made and the knowledge I've gained = PRICELESS !!

[@tomsteel3246]

😁 awesome....... I love sculpting jade for the death costumes for my relatives too! Just relax and have fun with the whacky scientist of your mind, good clip my new Zealand friend 😬

[@top6ear]

Long term yes. Right now, minus initial investment it costs me $15 for a gallon of rum not $100 in Canada. $3 a liter for vodka.

[@JohnFerrerAkaEric]

I have to ask, are you growing your own potatoes to make vodka that cheap? I understand all you need to do is cut them up and put them into the ground to grow them.

[@Fabianwew]

@@JohnFerrerAkaEric Sugar is cheaper

[@anthonybarra2391]

Same here, I use sugar. £3 a bottle is what it cost

[@redstone1999]

I garden (like 1/3 acre to 3 acres/yearly). I always have leftovers and usable scrapes from making foods and feeds. Instead of heading to compost heap, it takes a trip to the fermentors beforehand. So the cost is minimal in terms of ingredients. Got some interesting wines & mashes. Every year it is different, depending what was a boom year crop. I always have to do something to be happy anyways, so hard to put a $ value on my time. I save huge on some things and pay a lot on others, it balances in the end. How much does pride, security of foods & beverages, fuels, health and happiness goes for ? Everyone has a different amount. I will buy raw honey from local beekeeper (just not interested in beekeeping beyond providing pollinators for the pollination of my crops).

[@colzer28]

@@redstone1999 wow, this sounds amazing. I’d love to see the KZbin on getting drinks from what i would have composted. Man, I think you just opened up a whole new can of worms for me.👍💖🍻

[@djlusha]

Great upload Jesse, honest as always. I never started this hobby to save money, its always been about turning a piece of fruit or bag of grain into something i can enjoy with friends or sip away at In my shed. An addictive sport really that has taken me from owning 3 demijohns to a full distilling set up and klarstein mash tun! Expensive maybe, but this has been one of the most pleasurable things I have ever perused. Thankyou for your guidance along the way, between you, George and Bearded my journey has been far easier.... Keep up the great work. J

[@redstone1999]

The cleaning up. LOL I so agree ! No matter the project. I hate it, but it must be done.

[@bryzabone]

The good old (boring ish) turbo yeasts and neutral spirits with flavorings (still spirits) is pretty decent value per bottle in big batches IMO . BUT.. my spiced rum, is MINE and I made it, and I love that I made it, no one else can 😋 (vanilla beans are a bit exxy 😩) but worth it.. except the cleaning.. ugh, I’m with you on that level 😜

[@tomhill4003]

$60 US for a bottle of top shelf malt whiskey isn't a bad price (for instance Kavalan). Considering the passion, craft, and hobby element, it's a break even deal (assuming you could make something in the same league). The discovery, process, and experimentation factors though, are priceless! Thank you Jesse! Cheers :)

[@prairiedogs001]

I've heard of your channel many times, but now that I'm considering home made whiskey, I'm tuning in. If you happen to see this, please suggest some getting started videos.

[@johnstone1199]

I get much more satisfaction from having others taste my spirits. I don't drink much at all so most of my stuff gets given away. I love the process and the sense of accomplishment when everything is done and turns out well. I have a t500 on the way and I am excited to use it and try to improve my product. Nine hours will be a breeze since right now I am spending almost double that to finish my runs.

[@rascalholden]

I don't give a flying fuck how much its costing me i take huge pleasure in producing something in proud of and to have friends tell me they love it makes me even more focused on trying harder to experiment and make something even better next time. I've just upgraded my first little pressure cooker still to a keg still and about to run my first rum wash through it and I'm feeling like a kid at Xmas but a slightly nervous one. Jesse thanks so much for your videos and descriptions of each and everything involved, your my go to guy 100%

[@nzlemming]

The planning stuff is actually one of the most important. If you get it wrong, you've wasted all the rest. Don't underestimate value of planning.

[@spikelove9533]

I'd say no, but I do think the enjoyment , since of accomplishment, praise from friends who try my spirits is invaluable. Not to mention making a spirit I like and is not available on the shelf. I would argue unless your at work or are doing something that is keeping you from doing work your time is not worth any money. I will how ever say my cider brewing saves me money. Mead is probably debatable, honey is expensive, but I feel like my Mead is hands down better than most off the shelf meads. One factor not mentioned one can sell a jar or two of spirits from time to time for say 30$ a quart to off set out of pocket costs. Awesome topic thanks for bringing it up.

[@nunovyobeeswax4177]

My home brewing goal, have enough stuff to bottle enough wine for me to drink 2 litres everyday of the year and still put back some to age for longterm, and still make enough whiskey to match a fifth a day, and still have plenty to put away and age for longterm. Initially it's gonna be a large investment, but the cost of making after the equipment and bottles are bought, is a bit cheaper, but still, the thrill of the chase of the perfect taste of the finished home made product is everything, trying to beat the quality of top shelf store bought for way cheaper is just simply fun.

[@ronaldwoodhouse7262]

I know what you mean, I do a bit on knife making, forging the blade grinding sanding polishing a bit more polishing. I made a knife that I would have to sell for $2000 Aus if i wanted to get what it cost me. I am not going to because I love what I made. The same as brewing beer, it is not cheaper, it is better.

[@dogslobbergardens6606]

"How do you end up with a million dollars making knives? Start with two million."

[@bernardwilson]

Keep your costs in $. I have convinced my wife there are $100 to the £1 and electricity is free in th UK and it cost nothing to heat my garage (brew room) in winter in the UK. Oh Jesse don't forget how much you check your spirits for a good blend.I normly find the perfect blend when the bottle is empty - very strange. I dont have a drink problem I am hooked on collecting shiny equipment.

[@JoshuaHockom]

Jesse, great video as always. When you include the cost of a still you actually love, then the easy answer is no, you're not saving money, but that's not what it's about. Keep loving the craft and making great content for new hobbiests!

[@smrettpecca]

Who cares about saving money related to home distilling? Home Distilling has got something to do with civil disobedience! :D

[@jackmclane1826]

Exactly! It's fascinating to me BECAUSE it is illegal where I live... ;)

[@reevinriggin3570]

Yep. And not only that, but if the shit ever hits the proverbial fan, I guarantee a distiller will be right popular and alcohol is good trading fodder. But, at the end of the day, it's because I love to make stuff. If it's good stuff, then that is just sweeter overall.

[@charlesschmidtke8427]

My stills are great preps

[@hxhdfjifzirstc894]

The traditions of the finest country on the planet must be maintained.

[@tazman8697]

Selling it is even more fun

[@puddingwar5110]

I agree with the brown spirits cost to quality the commercial guys have it because of time and volume they make, but vodka and gin mine is much better and lower cost. The hobby love and trying to do something great by starting with animal feed is the priceless part. I did the cost of the power and ingredients awhile ago and was happily surprised by what I'm paying for the hobby.

[@straight-hooked]

im goin with no after watching still it the last two weeks i now have bought a t500 and almbic sight glass's bubble plates t500 condencer grainfather s40 voltage controler x2 temp controlers heat wraps botanicals basket water controler and countless other bits and bobs and a huge tub of grains and fermentables but absolutey loving every moment of it im not even a big drinker but love to tinker and create and looking forward to being able to make things the way i like them and realy looking forward to trying to make a low abv bourbon for flavour that can be drank in higher amounts without getting completly hammerd love your work man and looking forward to seeing whats to come

[@kb2vca]

Fascinating issue: do you save money making your own vs buying it off the shelf but the critical issue is not so much how much does it "cost" in dollars to make a bottle or two but how much satisfaction and pleasure does making a couple of bottles give you. I am not charging my time because there is no opportunity cost to me when I ferment or when I transform that fermented product into a distilled product. That is what I do for fun. Moreover, typically, I spend a few hours a week making cheese and the waste product (whey) I can ferment for the price of 2 lbs of table sugar per US gallon, and a few lactase tablets with that wash taking about 3 weeks to fully ferment from which I can obtain about 400 ml of spirit at about 65% ABV (130 proof) from each gallon (a hefty 10% of the initial volume). And I can distill this in about 2 hours, start to clean up using an air-still that is "perfect" for the gallon batches of wash I have at hand. And knowing how the still works I don't need to closely monitor the process but can set a clock to tell me when I am likely to see the first drops appear; when I have collected enough heads to remove; when the 400 ml will be collected. Makes good ersatz whisky (when oaked), a great mocha liqueur, a very tasty horseradish "vodka" and a wonderful limoncello.

[@Rubberduck-tx2bh]

@3:40 -- loved & have lived that look of trying to justify costs to the SWIMBO...

[@ancientegyptandthebible]

Where I live, alcohol never "goes on sale," taxes account for more than the original price, and wages are low, work is scarce, and overtime is seldom an option. I'd say it would probably be worth it.

[@user-dd9dh9kw5c]

Yeah here one small bottle of alcohol costs 40+ dollars for a good quart of something not crappy 80+

[@CybreSmee]

Im not worried about the costs, I think you're right - its a hobby, write all that stuff off. For me is mostly the end product. Its going to be rubbish next to even a mediocre scotch - and I love my $100+++ bottle of top-shelf. I'm sure eventually I might make something fairly palatable, but I'd miss my peaty Islays too much.

[@TodmordenFred]

All good points. But end one was most apt. The comment about your time going to barn to check on fermenting etc got me thinking that I haven’t seen you doing something with the WiFi hydrometers such as ispindel or float etc

[@BVSocialClub]

I went through this exercise a few months ago... and came to similar numbers as you did. In the end - it has to be for the passion. But, if you consider it against other hobbies, it is one of the few that 'pays' ;-)

[@nicklancaster3190]

Brewing at home also gives you the benefit of making something you might not find otherwise. I like making mixed fruit wines. After the cost breakdown, I might be a few bucks under the shelf stuff, or over in some cases. But that's compared to what is available, not necessarily a name brand version of what I made.

[@marcelgaddis9319]

If you grow your own grain/corn or 'borrow' it from the field next door then the cost goes down quite a bit! Heating with wood where possible is some savings too.

[@theworldisastage1984]

I'll gladly pay $8.50/50lb than steal

[@Q_The_Rabbit]

I do it because I want to. I love the art & science of it. Cheating & running a quality pinot grigio through the Genio, or an all molasses rum with 21st gen funk & backset. Doing a all peat single malt or a 50/50 2row/red winter wheat & putting sorghum or honey in the fermenter for a tweek. Then bringing the result to a dinner party. Hooch makes great Christmss gifts

[@Jaska8000]

15:00 Interesting point there. If you enjoy it, maybe with some music or audio Bible to listen, to, this hobby takes very little "intense" time, but long hours of routine distilling when you still (pun intend) have to be around and ready to action if somethings is about to go wrong. Me, myself grow herbs and chili year round. Someone might say Ok thats a 24h/day hobby and it is. But when everything smooth and cool this herbal grow takes some 10-20 minutes a day to maintain.

[@kennethcounts5905]

Oh yes indeed, so many ways to value it. But, also for me anyway, what's my education worth??? I mean I have turned out some good stuff and I have turned out some stuff that would struggle to be called crap. You have the cost of failed experiments. So overall your right, if it's your craft, education and hobby then it's inexpensive, with a product to enjoy. If not.... hit the liquor store on the way home. True story, I love Goose hunting. Tremendous challenge and a good time in nature. But when I put a pencil to it... License, fuel, ammunition, etc. My price per pound for a Canadian Goose was well over a hundred dollars. And I don't even like Goose so I give them away.

[@redstone1999]

Somethings are beyond placing a dollar value on labor. Children for example. Besides the $$$$ to raise and care for basic needs, there mega-hours of unpaid labor. 2000-4000 hours a year X 18 +/- years is like 36000-72000 hours. We do it for love and not for $ value of labor.

[@danielray1484]

Before watching the video whole. My viewpoint is, stilling is like baking. Costwise could be as much or more. Of you know what youre doing it may taste better. I have my own fireball recipe that many say is better. Its close to what youll get for the actual product in cost. Honey Apple juice Distillers yeast. (White and brown sugar, but trying to stay away from using them) Cinnamon stick (for aging)

[@matthewhartman1653]

When I tell people ive been homebrewing craft beer for 25 years and have just started distilling the first they ask is... "is it cheaper?". My answer is always NO. I still spend tons of money on craft beers for inspiration and comparison, and honestly because its so much easier to spend $15 on a good 6 pack then spend the hours to make it. Now that I'm distilling I am spending more money than I ever did before on good whiskey's. Like you said, this is a hobby about appreciation, NOT saving money.

[@iamrocketray]

Thanks for helping me get my feet onto the ground. I buy a bottle of cider or maybe a cheap wine, about once a month max. So if I brewed my own, even if I bought one of those air stills and the rest of the gear, it would take me over four years just to recoup the cost of the equipment, and that's without the electric and ingredients costs, obviously my alcoholics consumption would also sky rocket. But I know me and my hobbies, and within a year i would buy a T500 etc etc. I'm 72 so the odds of me ever breaking even are zilch, but I guarantee that within a year or two(if I survived) I would be making the finest hooch around, that's not boasting, its just what always happens with my hobbies, I get so intense, and put every waking hour into them, with so much enthusiasm that I just get good. No, In this instant I think I will actually go with my head and give it a miss. BUT I might take up brewing ale again after a 45 year break. It won't be such an outlay compared to spirits, and i used to brew ale BETTER than the pubs piss water. I gave it up last time because my wife at that time, got fed up of the flat being full of freeloading piss heads all the time. But being as You have to have an app just to sit OUTSIDE a pub nowadays, now might be a good time to revisit the past, especially as my wife moved onto pastures new a long time ago. Scrumpy might be a good place to start!

[@thekrieck]

The accountant in my says: 15 AUD is less then minimum wages over here in Belgium (and then you still have to pay taxes on labour), to get your bottle on a shelf in a store there is VAT and excise (spelled wrong probably), there are depreciations on your building, fire insurance of that building, I will stop here ;) But bear in mind that the hours spent on developing a recipe has to be divide over the batches you will use it for (I had to slip in one saving compared to your calculation) The craftsman in me says: it gives more purpose to your free time, fills you with joy like you explained when you hit a wall and find the breakthrough and you can share it with friends, have stories to tell, ...

[@benjaminderringer1680]

Love the way you look at things. I’m having trouble sizing my ferrule to my pipe. Maybe you can point me in the right direction to find that out. Thanks man!

[@arturasnx7575]

If I recall correctly, factory bulk run of spirit stands somether 1~2EU/L. This includes markup, but no taxes. And I meen bulk :) If you would start buying materials in bulk (not from hobby shops) and focused on one recipe (optimized workflow) it's feasible to reach single digit price EU/L in home distillery. But it would definitely warant knok on the door from tax office or police :)

[@monto313]

To be picky, I think I would calculate the eventual resale of any equipment after you’re done using it. That should help with the final expense per bottle product.

[@monsurbanpatch]

I'm just getting into home brewing and I think the fun of it all is worth it and if I do make cheap drinks it's great because I made it. I'm only using the air still so it works out more cost efficient. But I can see where this hobby could easily break the bank LOL

[@vagabondwastrel2361]

for your fermenter invest in better insulation. That will also make the heater work more efficiently.

[@ryannewland5572]

i dont worry about travel fuel, time (unless "selling"), and utilities because there isn't any real reason to add them when you are going to pay an average for what you used, plus if your vehicle is decent at fuel mileage it wont really matter unless you are driving a larger econovan, suv, 1500 or above truck.

[@findingandvalue]

I can buy a bottle 0.7 liter of wodka in the Netherlands, Belgium or France for some €11,00; but in Germany it starts at 4,50. Taxes play a big role.

[@highandangry4265]

I only wish it were legal..... I’d be saving a whole heck of a lot of money.....Jesse you inspire me to take action about the laws and get some of my lobbyist friends on board....more to come!

[@theworldisastage1984]

Do it anyway. But go with a 4" column and 26 gallon boiler with agitator. Trust me, you'll thank me down the road when you realize how much time you save

[@charlesschmidtke8427]

Love my mile high 53 gallon w/6” column. And everything is legal till you get caught.

[@justsome-guy7596]

it's hard to put a dollar figure on the joy of drinking a glass of the good stuff that you've made yourself. ;-) Great video bro - keep chasing the craft

[@desmogod]

The process and drinking something I made myself is worth $500 in and of itself. "I don't do this to save money, I do it to spend money" Perfect.

[@quarlow1215]

Yup, totally the latter. I use to fly RC planes. In that hobby the cheap booze was the joy of building and the time spent flying those things into the ground. Lol. In this hobby its the still builds, mixing ingredients and making something I can consume. I wouldn't normally buy more than one or two bottles from the store per month and I would tend to drink the same thing over and over so I don't waste money on something I don't like. Now I get to be creative in making this and that and then enjoy a large variety of things.

[@samljer]

Brewing in general saves you money. especially if you live in a country like Canada where a $7 bottle of wine is $15 after the tax. Most people just dont know it because for alcohol and tobacco, taxes are applied BEFORE being put on the shelf, where everything else is applied AFTER at the checkout line.

[@jimwithheld7217]

Another angle: If you already purchased all the gear, and its in the spare room collecting dust. So the cost is in effect written off. Then getting it out, cleaning everything, and make some runs, then the gear cost is $0. So now its time, effort, and whatever grains and sugars etc. So some of the lower numbers in this video. My still has not been used for around 2 years now. But I got myself a new 25 kg bag of white sugar, so planning to do some new runs. Besides, all the "booze" I made when I first got the gear is basically all drunk now, except for some "whisky" thats been soaking in some jars with too much wood. So need something to dilute the woodness down a bit and maybe turn it back to drinkable - and also 3 years old now.

[@chrissmith-wb6st]

Distilling saves me a huge amount of money but then I only really do neutrals and gin. I think I worked it all out once including water and electricity costs and without my time it came out something like £1.50 for a litre of 40% neutral.

[@christopherengland7245]

Question have you ever done a hobbit/lord of the rings inspired whiskey? Ever thought about doing inspired spirits? That alone with a Darksouls whiskey would be something I'd love to see. Just a thought keep on chasing man!

[@ethancreighton3268]

I like to prepare everything in bulk which brings the prices down significantly. I don't count time as an expense as I would probably waste it on something else anyway. You could probably reduce your expenses by getting a LC-MS done on the spirit you enjoy most and target those favour compound in your runs.