Day 35: We got the final runs going on the Covington project.  Once it was set up and going, we started on the next contract run for a michigan distiller.  Justin has worked for the last month and a half to get the mill and grain conveyor system designed, quoted and in.  Unfortunately, like most things in construction, it is not going as planned and the system is delayed.  So we had to load all of the grain flours by hand into the top of the big Mash Tun.  Luckily the distillery has a small raised area with a set of stairs right behind the Mash tun.  Good planning, as this may need to see back up duty should the new system ever go down for repairs.  So Ari lifted the grain up to the second deck, and we all went to work on assembly line loading.  As usual, we ran the mash and fermentation with the typical stages.  Base water, heat, add grain and more water.  Up to temp and the first enzyme is added and the rest ensues.  Followed by cooling, second enzyme,

 rest, cool, and pitch yeast.  My day ended proofing some products for the Covington guys.  They decided to begin their trip home today.  We enjoyed working with them and had some good laughs.  I'm looking forward to a trip next summer to North Carolina.  We had it planned a while ago, and now we'll add a stop to see their completed operation.  Justin, Jake, and I finished the day by heading to the Black Night Rises.

Justin, Jake, and Ari, discussing how the column still makes for the better separations in heads, hearts, and tails cuts.  They were also discussing how more efficient this is to attempting to make a 95%ABV with a Pot Still.  I know there is much debate about this, so I'll leave the topic to you discuss amongst yourselves.

I took a second to step back and take this shot of the grain assembly line.

Proofed product going through a double coffee filter.