 Rank: Junior Member Groups: Registered
Joined: 11/28/2012(UTC)
Posts: 17
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I'M A DISTILLER!!
OK, I just ran my first (sugar wash) run and I think I did pretty well but would like some expert opinions. Here's what I did:
2" simple copper pot still, 12" tall
packed column with copper mesh
keg on propane with 240v 5500w low density element
110v (about 1400w)
Yeast - 48hr turbo pure
25L batch - 16lbs sugar
Ferment time: 6.5 days
70F
SG: 1.100, FG: 0.990 = 13.8% ABV
Did not clear the batch, just put all but the bottom sludge in the keg. Ran both the element and propane for about 20mins, when top of column was finally warm, I turned on the water and turned off the propane. Ran the element only for most of the run and it was admittedly a little fast (steady thin stream), but I don't have a method of turning it down yet. Started getting fore shots very early and collected 250ml and discarded (into my can of solvent).
Started collecting in pint jars, filling each half way (some full in the middle), numbering, testing proof, and putting the ring back on holding a paper towel over it to let it breathe overnight before recombining cuts.
Here are the results:
1 - 1pt - 140
2 - 1/2pt - 140
3 - 1/2pt - 140
4 - 1/2pt - 140
5 - 1pt - 137
6 - 1pt - 132
7 - 1/2pt - 130
8 - 1/2pt - 130
9 - 1/2pt - 127
10 - 1/2pt - 125
11 - 1qt - 120 (could see output change)
12 - 1qt - 115
13 - 1qt - 92
14 - 1qt - 78
I will probably just store those last four tails (and any heads I don't blend) and put them into the next run of wash.
Well, that was really fun! The wife was calling me a mad scientist with the grin I had on my face. I really enjoyed the process, and things see to be working well. Tomorrow, I'll smell and sample the cuts and blend up a batch...and see if it's a keeper. The finger lick samples were pretty darn smooth but I think it had just a hint of a yeasty taste.
I have some carbon...I'm planning to put it into the jars of the "keeper" and let it set for a week (shaking occasionally), then filtering it out. Does that seem like a good plan? I have another batch brewing slowly, and will start another 48hr turbo batch tomorrow.
I welcome all input and suggestions!
Wheeee!!!!
-Jimmy
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Rank: Junior Member Groups: Registered
Joined: 8/7/2012(UTC)
Posts: 86
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"expert opinion not available here--dummy questions always lol--- if pot stilling with a short tower why FILL it with copper rather than just one winding??
We all can relate to the childish pleasure we get from our hobby-- its a real escape from political bull."
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 Rank: Advanced Member Groups: Registered
Joined: 8/22/2012(UTC)
Posts: 201
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Sounds good.. Only thing is I believe with the carbon you want to pack some tube with it and let it run down through it. Soaking it in a jar won't do much.
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Rank: Advanced Member Groups: Registered
Joined: 7/14/2012(UTC)
Posts: 217
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Originally Posted by: Jimmy Highflyer  I'M A DISTILLER!!
OK, I just ran my first (sugar wash) run and I think I did pretty well but would like some expert opinions. Here's what I did:
2" simple copper pot still, 12" tall
packed column with copper mesh
keg on propane with 240v 5500w low density element
110v (about 1400w)
Yeast - 48hr turbo pure
25L batch - 16lbs sugar
Ferment time: 6.5 days
70F
SG: 1.100, FG: 0.990 = 13.8% ABV
Did not clear the batch, just put all but the bottom sludge in the keg. Ran both the element and propane for about 20mins, when top of column was finally warm, I turned on the water and turned off the propane. Ran the element only for most of the run and it was admittedly a little fast (steady thin stream), but I don't have a method of turning it down yet. Started getting fore shots very early and collected 250ml and discarded (into my can of solvent).
Started collecting in pint jars, filling each half way (some full in the middle), numbering, testing proof, and putting the ring back on holding a paper towel over it to let it breathe overnight before recombining cuts.
Here are the results:
1 - 1pt - 140
2 - 1/2pt - 140
3 - 1/2pt - 140
4 - 1/2pt - 140
5 - 1pt - 137
6 - 1pt - 132
7 - 1/2pt - 130
8 - 1/2pt - 130
9 - 1/2pt - 127
10 - 1/2pt - 125
11 - 1qt - 120 (could see output change)
12 - 1qt - 115
13 - 1qt - 92
14 - 1qt - 78
I will probably just store those last four tails (and any heads I don't blend) and put them into the next run of wash.
Well, that was really fun! The wife was calling me a mad scientist with the grin I had on my face. I really enjoyed the process, and things see to be working well. Tomorrow, I'll smell and sample the cuts and blend up a batch...and see if it's a keeper. The finger lick samples were pretty darn smooth but I think it had just a hint of a yeasty taste.
I have some carbon...I'm planning to put it into the jars of the "keeper" and let it set for a week (shaking occasionally), then filtering it out. Does that seem like a good plan? I have another batch brewing slowly, and will start another 48hr turbo batch tomorrow.
I welcome all input and suggestions!
Wheeee!!!!
-Jimmy Sounds like a hell've first run. Thinking your ABV might have been a bit higher then 13.8, your water sugar ratio should have bumped you up to around 17, anyhow you got a damn fair amount of likker, congrats! Don't think I would just pour the carbon in, get you a piece of pvc and pack it with the carbon and a tiny hole in the bottom and filter it down through the carbon. Happy hooching.
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Rank: Junior Member Groups: Registered
Joined: 11/28/2012(UTC)
Posts: 17
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Made the cuts today. I must say, this stuff came out very good for a single run through the still, no filtering...nada.
I made the selection just the way the folks on here say too...and it was just like described. I ended up mixing #2 thru #10 together for a yield of 2-5/8qts
130proof. #1 was rather sharp and #11 didn't taste too good, #10 was not too bad but could tell it was getting more "taste" from the wash.
It's very smooth, tasty, just a hint of sweetness, and very little sharpness (burn). It does have just a hint of the wash's smell...not that it's bad, just there.
In all, very pleasant. I made one bottle of 80proof and I'll sample some in earnest tonight and see how it mixes.
Started another 48hr turbo batch (different brand) this morning.
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Rank: Advanced Member Groups: Registered
Joined: 7/14/2012(UTC)
Posts: 217
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Originally Posted by: Jimmy Highflyer Made the cuts today. I must say, this stuff came out very good for a single run through the still, no filtering...nada.
I made the selection just the way the folks on here say too...and it was just like described. I ended up mixing #2 thru #10 together for a yield of 2-5/8qts
130proof. #1 was rather sharp and #11 didn't taste too good, #10 was not too bad but could tell it was getting more "taste" from the wash.
It's very smooth, tasty, just a hint of sweetness, and very little sharpness (burn). It does have just a hint of the wash's smell...not that it's bad, just there.
In all, very pleasant. I made one bottle of 80proof and I'll sample some in earnest tonight and see how it mixes.
Started another 48hr turbo batch (different brand) this morning. Get you a bottle of cranberry flavored water, throw some on Ice and add your likker.........yum yum, the colder the smoother!!!!! :) Peach water id good too.
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