 Rank: Newbie Groups: Registered
Joined: 7/6/2009(UTC)
Posts: 4
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"I made a sugar wash 5 gallons of water 10 lb sugar.Fermented out fine. After three weeks ran the wash, it was a little breezy and was using a cajun cooker for heat. It took about three hours, collected the middles at 80c. I collected around three quarts. The problem is that the alcohol is only 55%, On the meter, at 20c. What should I do? I think that my heat was too high and I boiled the wash, too much distilled water. Can I use this to mix with whiskey essence or should I run it again? Or add it to my next batch? Any help would be appreciated. Thanks
David"
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 Rank: Advanced Member Groups: Registered
Joined: 9/27/2007(UTC)
Posts: 168
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"first of all, was your still set up to be a reflux still or pot still? Also, are you using a standard thermometer or a digital one? The thermometer should be checked by putting it in a pot of boiling water to make sure it is reading correctly. At sea level it should be 100 cel. or 212 far. Mine was off by 10 degrees and was getting a low abv. Once I adjusted for the offset I got 95%abv during my hearts collection. I would redistill if I was you.
Good luck!
TS"
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Rank: Newbie Groups: Registered
Joined: 7/6/2009(UTC)
Posts: 4
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"Thanks for the input! I was using a EEII in reflux mode. The product was coming out in rapid drips to a small trickle, and the temp was just warm enough to feel the temp difference through the jar. I think that I had the water flow correct. You may be right on the thermometer issue, however I broke it while trying to get it out of the stopper to clean. I have two more on the way. I will check it first thing. Thanks
David"
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Rank: Senior Member Groups: Registered
Joined: 10/22/2005(UTC)
Posts: 817
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"A few ideas in addition. First would be sure and insulate your column. Second, 80° is too hot, increase the water flow and cut the heat to a gentle simmer. Aim for the adjusted temp. for your elevation. I am at 5000' and collect hearts at 73-74 depending on barometric pressure. Add some boiling chips to your pot.
All these will help. I broke my therm. also and went to digital with an alarm. Much nicer."
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Rank: Newbie Groups: Registered
Joined: 7/6/2009(UTC)
Posts: 4
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What are boiling chips? Thanks for your help. David
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Rank: Senior Member Groups: Registered
Joined: 10/22/2005(UTC)
Posts: 817
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" Originally Posted by: Windriver  What are boiling chips? Thanks for your help. David I now use about 2 cups of rashig rings, but small pieces of copper, clean gravel, broken, unglazed pieces of pottery, broken glass etc. all will work. It breaks the boil into small bubbles which helps prevent surging into your column. A more even and consistant vapor flow and a more even reflux. Or better pot distillation also."
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Rank: Advanced Member Groups: Registered
Joined: 8/17/2008(UTC)
Posts: 424
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" Originally Posted by: Windriver Thanks for the input! I was using a EEII in reflux mode. The product was coming out in rapid drips to a small trickle, and the temp was just warm enough to feel the temp difference through the jar. I think that I had the water flow correct. You may be right on the thermometer issue, however I broke it while trying to get it out of the stopper to clean. I have two more on the way. I will check it first thing. Thanks
David I don't take my thermo out of the stopper. Think about it, it's surrounded by evaporated alcohol. If you insist on cleaning it every time then I'd switch to a digital, which will stand up to pushing it in & out of the stopper. You may need a new, un-drilled stopper to make the correct size hole though."
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