"Have seen a lot of posts where the neutral spirits are tasteless.

Mine either taste like yeast,rubing alcohol or fusil oils , or all of the above.

Any help would be appreciated.

Thanks

MJ:)"

"Thanks for answering..not sure any one would after seeing my spelling !
Yes I am refluxing, useing a sugar wash untill I get better at this.
Pouring off the first 50 ml but will increase to 100 ml.
Have been seperating at approximately a pint at a time but cannot tell any difference from start to finish.
Will switch to a digital thermometer for the next batch.

Thanks again"

"I did forget to ask that question mntwalker2

OP are you stripping 1st or just trying to reflux right from the fermenter?

That would explain your yeast taste & poor overall quality. I generally strip 2 batches of wash in pot mode (no packing), fast & hard, collecting basically everything (except the first 50 - 100 ml). Temp does not matter on the pot run, faster the better. You come up with about 40% depending on when you stop stripping. Combine at least 2 of these runs for a reflux run. When the temp starts coming up throw full water (reflux) to it to keep the head temp down around 70*. Reflux for 30 - 60 min, then slowly lower the reflux water flow until the temp comes up to 78* Fore shot start coming off around 74*, collect these until you get to 78* & then collect until 50-100ml collected. Toss these & start collecting. As long as you keep the heat steady you can control the temp via the reflux water. Now you'll be getting 90%+ ABV. Collect as far into the tails as you wish (tails = flavors), I usually stop around 80%, as all of my take off will be flavored with fruits later on. Let the batch rest with a cloth cover for a day or 2 to air & then cut with good water down to 40% - 45%.

I have insulated my EE2 Pro with Reflectix (silver bubble wrap from Lowes or HD) to increase temp stability, as the wind will cause you problems. Also note that condenser water must be full flow & never any more that slightly warm. I use a 40 gal horse tank for my water"

Good info you two!

I had a question about the baking soda / salt additives. Cant this react with copper or stainless and cause "blue spirits" or some kind of ammonia reaction? Does the still need to be clear of copper before adding anything like this?

"Collect in small (300 ml) quantities or less.
Let them spirits (in jars) air out over night.

Start evaluating from your center collection vessel and work your way out in either direction.

Smell and taste for your most nuetural smelling (and tasting) collection jars.
Save the remainder to rerun with your next batch or the like.

Age in (perhaps) glass for at least three weeks. Leave some head space.

Shortly there after, enjoy your good likker.

And most importantly, don't be greedy.

Just a suggestion."

"Some alcohol may evaporate it's true. But some of the more volitile compounds will also evaporate (thats good). Stop thinking greedy. Abv is not the be all to end all measure of quality.

Likker fresh out of the business end will be rather hot on the tongue. Some sharpness in odor may also be present.

Airing out will soften the sharpness and allow for a better evaluation of what to keep as hearts.

Aging in glass with head room is a good way to polish your spirits.

Aging with oak is also a great way to incorporate some complexity into your likker.

I believe some gents like to keep their brandy clear. I like em all."

"



Does this apply to SALT or only SODA during stripping runs?...I've seen it (salt) recomended here or there.
I'm guessing Salt is OK Soda only in spirit run...Please chime in!"