There are two things we all can use more of: time & money. So when you come across an idea that: Uses equipment you already have With money you've already spent To save time to do other work Well, that's worth something. Here's just such an idea: While at the American Distilling Institute trade show in Las Vegas I met Tyler Derheim from FIVE x 5 Solutions. In addition to working with FIVE x 5 as a Training & Education Specialist, Tyler is a distillery consultant, helping advise and shepherd new distilleries through the labyrinthine (not to mention highly regulated) corridors that one must travel down in order to start, survive, and thrive in the distillery world. In our discussion, Tyler mentioned that he frequently purchases TCW tools and equipment, and found an interesting and unexpected use for two of our bestselling distillery items: our SimpleSpirits pump and our suction racking wand. In the course of producing distilled spirits, you may find yourself needing t

Hazloc, ATEX, C1D1, XP, UL-Listed…there's a lot of confusing jargon when it comes to safety-related equipment in your distillery. It's too bad because safety is absolutely critical. It should be easy to understand. Questions about safety—particularly distillery-safe pumps—are some of the most common questions we get asked. So let's review some of the questions we frequently field when it comes to pumping safely in a distillery. Why Are Pumps a Safety Concern in Distilleries? Distillery fires are rare, but they do occur. And they can be devastating. A fire needs three things to get started: Fuel Oxygen An ignition source. High-proof alcohol is undoubtedly fuel. Oxygen? Well, that's present in the air we breathe (thankfully). So, distilleries have 2 of the 3 prerequisites to start a fire. All you need is an ignition source. Thankfully, you can keep ignition sources out of your distillery through forethought, planning, and an understanding of hazardous l