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Well I finally cooked my first batch out and was pleased with the outcome and thought I would share my results with you all. I started with 5 gal of about 19% wash and ended with just short of 4 5ths of 184 proof. I think we cooked it a little fast and will need to slow that down for the next go round. We cut some to 90 proof and tried the Irish Whiskey Essence. I must recommend that essence, can't tell the difference in it and Jameson"s. I have not tried any other cutting yet. Straight it has a banana ester hint of flavor and is very smooth considering the proof. I am very pleased with the outcome.
The Pro Extractor II is an awesome piece of equipment. I did have a hard time keeping the cooling lines from getting kinked but may have that worked out now. If you have ever considered buying one go for it you will not regret it!
Brian
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congrats bloke.. i just about to start now..
Still considering which still to get.. on one mind i am thinking a pot still and try for some great scotch's, or the reflux for the alcohol as you have done.
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Brian - I have same problems with kinked lines. I used clothespins they worked okay. What was your solution?
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The kinked lines are just one of many flaws that I have noted with the Pro Extractor II
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I built the internal reflux still and if I did not have friends at a machine with a lathe I would not have been able to build this still to the specifications provided. If I had it to do again I would purchase the still from Brewhaus. If anyone plans on building a still please reconcider or plan on building one over a long period of time. I still do not have mine completely finished and wish at times I would have just purchased one, but I am somewhat hard headed and love to boast that I did it all myself from start to finish. I have my first batch of wash brewing and I am hoping I have the still ready in the near future in order to run the wash.
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Sounds as the Pro Series II needs some modifications. I think that when you buy any type of equipment modifications are needed to fine tune to ones expectations. What are the other problems that you encountered?
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I've been thinking about the kinked line problem as my clothespin solution helps, but isn't perfect.
I have a couple of extra of those green clips that hold the plastic lines onto the still. I am going to put the extra ones around where I have the kinking problem. I think that will help.
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If you are using plastic tubing for your cooling turn on your water long before you expect to get product. Plastic gets malleable ,easily bendable and kinked , when hot. Just running water through your lines should keep them cooler thus less kinks.
Also on the initial heatup you want a really strong reflux action in the column, at startup it is the best it will ever be and you really want that hard cut on the heads. Another fine reason to be running your cooling water early.
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Jim,
I made a trip to Home Depot and picked up some brass compression fittings that made a 90 degree turn. That seems to have solved the problem in a test run, but will let you know on an actual run. Which we be soon!!!
Freebrew,
I have been brewing beer and wine for several years and anyone in to that will agree that the kits you purchase are by far not perfect and can be added to to make life easier. Also keep in mind that what works great for me may or may not work for you, with that in mind the modifications I make are for my benefit. I feel that the Pro Series II is a Damn nice peice of art work and was a great investment. I, however am a perfectionist, and want things to be the way that I want them. They only thing I would change if I could about the system would be to include a 2 inch o-ring to connect to a keg in the kit, as I desire to give that a try. I have ordered one via my local shop and it should arrive at his next shipment.
Support your local shops or they may go away!
If the brass fittings work I will take photos for all to see and post them. If not I will find a solution that works for me and post pictures of that.
My 2 cents.
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Hey Brian, are you by chance in S.Maryland??
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Everyone I have come up with my cure for the kinked cooling lines and wanted to share that with you. I have attached a photo for your review, as you can see it is very simple and consist of pvc. I was concerned about the heat of the column but after two runs I have had no leaks. So I think this is the final solution for me. As I stated before in this post, the Pro Series Extractor is a beautiful tool and as with all tools we as craftsmen need to build 'jigs' to make our shop run better. Brian 
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