[TheCEOandPresident]

Living in Chicago and coming from Wisconsin(the beer capitol of this nation) I have had an interest in the beer/alcohol industry. And after recently coming back from LaCrosse,Wisconsin where they have a brand of beer that is brewed in LaCrosse. The idea crossed my mind of distilling or brewing vodka or beer. Like I said it's just an idea and I haven't done much research yet, but I was wondering if anyone here had any information or advice on this topic. I would highly appreciate any and all help. Just need to be steered in the right direction. Thanks in advance.

[PhilFreecash]

I have thought the same thing. If you really have a passion for something like that then do it. I really don't know much about the industry, but I think vodka would be easier and more profitable.

[jasaunders]

Both markets are saturated more than you can even imagine. If you really have a passion for beer, there are many resources you can utilize. The first would be to learn your stuff. Become a member of beeradvocate, subscribe to beer magazines, join homebrew associations, and attend beer tasting events. Madison has one of the best events worldwide, called Taste of the Midwest that takes place every August, however it is extremely difficult to get tickets if you didn't already get them when they went on sale. (my tickets may be for sale because I just found out I have a wedding that day, although I'm going to try to attend both).

If you have a passion for beer, there are hundreds of successful microbrews across the country, but don't expect to become the next Anheuser-Busch. Many of the brewmasters do it just for their love of the industry and not to get rich. A microbrew brand can also be moderately successful becomes it relies on a local distribution model, whereas vodka would require national distribution deals, which would be very hard to secure.

[gregdavidson]

I think you should create something unique like a sweet beer for the kids.

[warrensway]

... too much start up capital probably for you to succeed with the major players in the game unless you are one of the best marketers or come up with a great product

[TheCEOandPresident]

Jasaunders thanks a bunch.

[TheCEOandPresident]

Does anybody know any great reads about the subject? or any websites or forums that can be advantageous to brewing and distilling? I would really like to brew and distill and I would target local grocery stores, pubs, taverns,etc. in one city and seeing if it is a success before I would even think of going nation wide. Is that a likely goal?

[TheCEOandPresident]

P.S. Does anybody know anything about Vodka pills and how to distribute them legally(keyword)? lol

[TheCEOandPresident]

Anybody have anything else for advice? information? I'm REALLY hoping someone will be helpful in my search.

[shmoeusn]

Being a beer lover and homebrewer myself, I've researched this quite a bit.

First I'd reccomend forgetting about vodka. Anything that has to be distilled rather than just fermented involves a ton a legal mumbo jumbo. You have to have a numerous permits, and the government is heavily involved in your business. You actually have to sell your product to the government and then purchase it back with sin taxes added before you can sell and distribute it. It's nowhere near profitable unless your on at least a national level of distribution.

As for beer, it's a very fun and addicted hobby. I'd personally love to do it for a living. If you would like to get involved, buy a homebrew kit, and start of with an extract brew. You can get started for around $125. This will get you five gallons of beer (just over 2 cases) and after that, it will cost you about $35 per 2 cases. If you have any questions let me know, I'd love to help.

You can also check out HomeBrewTalk.com - Beer, Wine, Mead, & Cider Brewing Discussion Community. and find a ton of great info.

[TheCEOandPresident]

Thanks for your help. I actually was wondering what's the process to distribute beer and/or vodka? I think Vodka is doable and it's all about a challenge with me so it's attractive to me to try and overcome obstacles to have a successful vodka or beer.

[jasaunders]