"Thanks to everyone who helped me with some of my other questions.

I'm on my second read through a lot of different materials on fermentation and distillation.

These are ones I'm still unsure of.

"I run the still at 40%". What does that mean? 40% ABV of the stuff comin gout? [COLOR=""Blue""]I'm thinking that what is meant, after your stripping run, your spirit run should be about 40% to 50% abv to keep you from scorching your pot or running it dry[/COLOR].

I see the great novice guide for making cuts with a pot still. Any information like this for making cuts on a reflux still (other than just using one"s senses)? Temperature or alcohol guidelines for making cuts for a certain type of wash?
[COLOR=""blue""]You should make the cut's the same as you do as pot distilling. I do it in 500mls at a time. Don't get discouraged at the first collection, it will usually read in the high 80's abv. By the second 500ml collection you should be close to 95% if you are controlling the temp at the top of your column really well.[/COLOR]

Are "low wines" the same as the feints? [COLOR=""blue""]I believe low wines is the distillate after your stripping run.[/COLOR]

Are stripping runs mainly for when creating a neutral spirit? [COLOR=""blue""]Stripping runs are for any kind of sprit you are making, it's just a quicker way of separating the distillate from your mash or wash and can be put aside for a later sprit run. [/COLOR][COLOR=""blue""]Just remember you will have some impurities along with the stripped distillate.[/COLOR]

If one runs a stripping run and then a spirit run, is that the same as "double distilled"? You can say it's double distilled because you have distilled it twice.

I"m trying to visualize how one makes the cuts. Do you have the output dripping into a container which you then pour into a tube for an alcoholmeter reading? How do YOU do it so that you make the cleanest cuts?
[COLOR=""blue""]I collect at every 500ml's some collect at 250ml. Just be sure you have enough glass containers for the whole process. The alcoholmeter will help in letting you know how far along in the process you are by what your abv is. Smelling is also a big factor in gauging your cuts. You will be surprised how quick you will learn on making your cuts by smell.[/COLOR]

Many of the methods talk about removing the first 100ml for a 25L wash. But what if the kettle only holds, say, 20L of the 25L. Do I adjust the 100ml by the same ratio? [COLOR=""blue""]100ml's is a safe measurement for 25l's. If you watch your temp close enough you will see you will get drips into your jar before you actually reach the proper temp for your distillate, that is the methanol and other nasty's.[/COLOR]

If I want an "early success" in distilling, should I go for a vodka? Rum? Or make a pure neutral and add essences to it? [COLOR=""blue""]A good and cheap way to go for your first run is to do a neutral, using sugar and water as your wash. Once you get comfortable at it, you will automatically will want to try many different types of liquors and remember, patience is a big factor in this hobby [/COLOR]

[COLOR=""blue""]I'm sure Mtwalker can answer these questions a lot better, so if I haven't confused you more, he would be the expert to ask.[/COLOR]

[COLOR=""blue""]Have fun and enjoy your hobby!
TS[/COLOR]"

"

Have fun Steve."