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Originally Posted by: Stache 
I started with some old wines that I had which should have been between 11%-13% alcohol. I used about 6.6L. I put it into my Esential Extractor using only the top piece without raschen rings or water, it boiled on high for about 3-1/2 hours and ended up with around 1.3L at 6% when measured with my proof and tralle. I ould have expected around 35%-40% alcohol.
Do you or anybody out there know how it could be so low? The temperatur on the thermometer was around 220 degrees F for most of the run.........did I just collect water vapor?
Hey friend, Again something is drastically wrong. Impossible. First, as former post, you could not distill a 12% wash and get a 4% distillate. Next, i is impossible to boil higher then 212° F, and that would be with pure water and no alchahol, which would lower the boiling point.
Given what you have posted, your thermometer is ascrew. Also, there is a major problem with the still. Try to pressurise your leibig condensor as a test. Make sure there are no water leaks into it, which is most likely sounding to me, or perhaps one of the water line couplings doing a very slow drip and down into the collection vessel.
To my way of thinking, thats the only 2 possobilities, as you are getting a watered down wash, below the original. IE. water is being added to the distillate. Also, the thermometer is way the heck crazy. First thing I did when I thankfully broke mine was get a digital with an alarm. Best addition i ever made to my still. $20.
Oh yes, check for leaks. The tri clamp seals, and the gasket at the top. Ethanol will escape and leave you with only water. Come to think of it, that may be the most likely cause. Happened to me once at the top gasket. Didn't have it seated properly.
These are rare, but does happen.
Hang in there and try again."
