"Just passing on some general knowledge for the newbie or whomever may use this info. There are places to find definitions of these terms but I cant remember where and since we are here well here ya go, but first,[COLOR=""#FF0000""] REMEMBER...a still is just a device to seperate the etoh from the water in the boiler and some work better than others, the length of the tower or plates in the tower or just a bend in the tower, these all function differently.[/COLOR]
Foreshots-Heads-Hearts and Tails..thats how it comes out no matter what still or tower you use, the quantities of each may differ from mash to mash and form still to still but thats how its delivered. Remember these compounds are delivered as the heat of the wash goes up, different alcohols are vaporized at different temps.
Foreshots.....the first drippins that come over once you start cooking. The amount will differ from still to still and mash to mash. If useing a 5 gallon mash, 100-250 MLS. is pretty usual. Collect and toss out. You will know this by the smell and taste. Sometimes sweet-but dont be fooled, toss it out. Foreshots actually consists of Acetone, Methanols and Ethyl Acetates, do you really wanna drink that?
Heads.....as you continue to run your still this is coming next and this too is something you dont want to drink. Again your nose and taste buds will alert you to these compounds. Toss it out.
Hearts..... This is what we are all after. Now, you will not know exactly how much this is gonna be until you've made plenty of runs and have the knowledge of your mash and still. As you make your run and collect your drippings[COLOR=""#FF0000""],(control your heat so it's dripping out not streaming out, low heat drips high heat stream)[/COLOR] you should be collecting in small jars so you can make sure you get the best of the hearts. Try collecting in 1/2 pint mason jars, this works for me and may for you too. Then tomorrow once your still is cleaned and put away for the next time, go back to the jars and give them a good sniff, you'll be able to pick out EXACTLY which ones smell harsh or bitter. The best of the hearts will smell fresh and clean not bitter or harsh. "

Edited by user Wednesday, July 24, 2019 12:35:15 PM(UTC)  | Reason: Not specified

Those two posts describe a standard pot still run, you can also do a stripping run (really pour the heat to it) where you collect everything that comes over,combine all your liquid, do that for a couple of mashes, mix them all together in the boiler and then do your slow and steady run and they say that is really good too. Neither is wrong or better so try them both and see which is best for you. Again you will still have forshots - heads - hearts - and tails but by then you will know how to decserne where to make your cuts and keep only the good stuff.

"In learning to make your cuts on a 5 gallon batch is it better to do this with 8 ounce or 4 ounce samples. I've been playing with my EasyStill for 6 months I'm ready to use my PSII with a corn based mash's (have 3 sample 5 gallon mashes to try out). I have a spare 5 gallon container that I'm going to take the heads and tails and combine them all into to use again later from all three batches (why waste I say).

Any advice?"

Just another note on the - off gas - and evaporation thing. Its true hooch will indeed evaporate if left uncovered for an exteneded period of time, like in your garage where its 110F every day . The overnight thing is to off gas some of what we dont want to keep. Just use a piece of paper towel to keep the bugs out, that will let it offgas and keep it clean. In the morn I just remove the paper and BEFORE I sniff I just gave a puff of air to remove any lingering smells in the jar. You can really pick out the yuckies if there are there.

I'm sure you can but you are making this process waaaaaayyyyy more difficult than it needs to be. But if that idea works for you then go for it brother!!!!!