Search found 1673 matches

by cayars
Mon Apr 13, 2020 8:18 am
Forum: Novice Distillers
Topic: Column height vs pack height
Replies: 62
Views: 8234

Re: Column height vs pack height

Depends on the time it takes. For example just throwing numbers out for illustration only. Strip run takes 3 hours. So 3 strip runs about 9 total hours. Now one 8 hour spirit run of those 3 strip runs for a total of 17 hours. How would that compare to 3 separate 8 hours runs of 24 hours? The point o...
by cayars
Mon Apr 13, 2020 7:37 am
Forum: Novice Distillers
Topic: Temps seem high (and a few other issues)
Replies: 31
Views: 3776

Re: Temps seem high (and a few other issues)

By using a pid what you get is a boil, then as you take out the alcohol it slowed down and stoped boiling. When you step up the temperature it will boil again and then stop. This is not what you want. Depends bluefish_dist, Set the correct temp on known batches and the heads will comes to a crawl, ...
by cayars
Mon Apr 13, 2020 7:03 am
Forum: Novice Distillers
Topic: Temps seem high (and a few other issues)
Replies: 31
Views: 3776

Re: Temps seem high (and a few other issues)

Mash and ferment looked good. Run looked fine looking at the glass thermometer reading. Can you also confirm this was the first run after ferment? You did not do a strip run correct? Where is the probe attached to the PID located in your still? Is this probe in the liquid? If so wrong place. You wan...
by cayars
Mon Apr 13, 2020 5:53 am
Forum: Novice Distillers
Topic: Column height vs pack height
Replies: 62
Views: 8234

Re: Column height vs pack height

I'd suggest you pull the coil and cap the top of the CCVM and learn to run it as a pot still first. Learn how fast you can run your still without puking and making sure you have enough condenser to knock down your vapors running fast. You can do this with any ferment after it's finished to strip it ...
by cayars
Sun Apr 12, 2020 7:54 am
Forum: Novice Distillers
Topic: Column height vs pack height
Replies: 62
Views: 8234

Re: Column height vs pack height

As an engineer I like using known measurable things to control my process. I used thermometers on my column and power meters to control power input and abv. I should have also used atmospheric pressure as I did get burned on one vodka run. Pressure changed enough that alcohol boiling temperature ch...
by cayars
Sun Apr 12, 2020 2:43 am
Forum: Off-Topic Discussion
Topic: Making two face masks from a bra
Replies: 25
Views: 4223

Re: Making two face masks from a bra

A thick bandana or scarf probably works just as well without the frilly bits.
Funny how times quickly change when everyone in a store looks like they are their to rob the joint. :)
by cayars
Sun Apr 12, 2020 2:22 am
Forum: Off-Topic Discussion
Topic: Lost More than a Drinking Buddy
Replies: 24
Views: 3569

Re: Lost More than a Drinking Buddy

Sorry to hear about your family's loss Twisted Brick. You'll forever have lots of wonderful memories to last you your lifetime. Treasure them like you did you dad in life and they'll help carry you through the tough times!

All the best to you and your family,
Carlo
by cayars
Sun Apr 12, 2020 2:12 am
Forum: Novice Distillers
Topic: How fast Can you go when distilling?
Replies: 9
Views: 1718

Re: How fast Can you go when distilling?

Sounds like you started off good getting fores and the start of your heads compacted. But then you made the fatal flaw for a neutral, cranking things up to make up for lost time. Doesn't usually work out well as you found out. What you did is similar in nature to how some people run whiskey on a col...
by cayars
Sat Apr 11, 2020 12:54 pm
Forum: Novice Distillers
Topic: Column height vs pack height
Replies: 62
Views: 8234

Re: Column height vs pack height

You did say you had an 18" spool right? :)
by cayars
Sat Apr 11, 2020 12:01 pm
Forum: Novice Distillers
Topic: Column height vs pack height
Replies: 62
Views: 8234

Re: Column height vs pack height

I'd use black lava rock instead of marbles. Lighter, works better and likely cheaper.
If you ever spill them both one piles up neatly while the marbles roll all over the place.
by cayars
Sat Apr 11, 2020 12:00 pm
Forum: Novice Distillers
Topic: Cleaning a long unused still
Replies: 19
Views: 3738

Re: Cleaning a long unused still

If it's just blue/green I'd just run some spirit through it which should clean it just fine. Rinse with water after and you're good.
I personally don't like using any acid unless a small alcohol run doesn't work. (not talking about a new still or new parts)
by cayars
Sat Apr 11, 2020 9:07 am
Forum: Yeasts, Enzymes, Fungi, Nutrients
Topic: DADY PH issues
Replies: 16
Views: 4047

Re: DADY PH issues

What size ferment and how much yeast did you start with at that high temp?
by cayars
Fri Apr 10, 2020 4:48 am
Forum: Pot Distillation/Thumper and Design
Topic: Improving speed with a bigger pot still/condenser
Replies: 24
Views: 4877

Re: Improving speed with a bigger pot still/condenser

The 2" to 1" drop in pipe diameter is a new variable. Any time you reduce the pipe size you are pushing vapor a lot faster. This could be why you need to use ice water to fully condense the vapor as it's moving a lot faster than if you didn't do the reduction and don't have enough contact ...
by cayars
Thu Apr 09, 2020 8:55 pm
Forum: Off-Topic Discussion
Topic: Making two face masks from a bra
Replies: 25
Views: 4223

Re: Making two face masks from a bra

Just remember the style on the left is better for driving. :)
Image

Hey, did she give you a choice of colors? LOL
by cayars
Thu Apr 09, 2020 8:03 pm
Forum: Novice Distillers
Topic: Getting around the Air Still Flaws
Replies: 41
Views: 8659

Re: Getting around the Air Still Flaws

How would you deal with all the Water needed to run a Reflux still in an RV ? I guess “powered sites “ would also have a tap . But then you’d have to get rid of the hot water exiting the still . Most campsites in the USA provide hookup for water and electric but don't know how that is in other part...
by cayars
Thu Apr 09, 2020 11:10 am
Forum: Novice Distillers
Topic: Getting around the Air Still Flaws
Replies: 41
Views: 8659

Re: Getting around the Air Still Flaws

OK so we know to end up with around 2.25 gallons of 80% vodka you'll need roughly 1 gallon of 180 proof spirit. You can get to 180 proof with a short packed column usually without much problem especially doing careful heads/tails cuts/separations. Then a quick filtering with activated carbon will do...
by cayars
Thu Apr 09, 2020 3:20 am
Forum: Novice Distillers
Topic: Getting around the Air Still Flaws
Replies: 41
Views: 8659

Re: Getting around the Air Still Flaws

Hey, if you don't mind a "step back". How much neutral at 180-190 proof do you need/want to make per month or quarter year? Do you need 1 gallon month or quarter? Do you need 2 liters a month? Tell us what you want to produce each week/month/quarter (whatever). We can work the math and giv...
by cayars
Thu Apr 09, 2020 3:06 am
Forum: My First .....
Topic: How long before first success?
Replies: 71
Views: 9540

Re: How long before first success?

WithorWithoutU2, Something to think about you mentioned "stick with one recipe and protocol." If the recipe isn't the greatest or the protocol is flawed you could have problems continuously until one is changed. Maybe tell us what general type of spirit you want to make, what current reci...
by cayars
Thu Apr 09, 2020 12:15 am
Forum: Novice Distillers
Topic: Trying my hand a scotch...some questions. and a story....
Replies: 10
Views: 2240

Re: Trying my hand a scotch...some questions. and a story....

Mannye, Scotch means different things to different people so help us understand the type of Scotch you like or want to try and make that's similar. Is there any particular type of Scotch you like, either brand or region (ie Highlands, Islay) Do you prefer Single Malts or Blends? How much smoke are y...
by cayars
Wed Apr 08, 2020 11:10 pm
Forum: My First .....
Topic: How long before first success?
Replies: 71
Views: 9540

Re: How long before first success?

The Baker, I prefer grains for neutral/vodka/gins over sugar washes (or 1/2 grains and 1/2 sugar) not for taste so much, but for body. For example a 20 to 25% use of oats in the recipe really improves the body of the spirit. Since the vodka is basically flavorless the oats makes it stand out and see...
by cayars
Wed Apr 08, 2020 10:11 pm
Forum: My First .....
Topic: How long before first success?
Replies: 71
Views: 9540

Re: How long before first success?

Ahh, but I did answer both, just with additional information as to why
1) Enough runs to realize sugar wasn't going to cut it for me
2) Switching to grains, molasses and fruits which are what whiskey, rum and wine/brandy are made from
by cayars
Wed Apr 08, 2020 9:52 pm
Forum: Novice Distillers
Topic: Getting around the Air Still Flaws
Replies: 41
Views: 8659

Re: Getting around the Air Still Flaws

I don't have a problem with a couple of the stills you linked to other than the price but they are the WRONG still for making neutral. For making neutral you want a reflux still. The bigger the better as size DOES MATTER. As still_stirren mentioned a smaller still makes cuts much harder in pot still...
by cayars
Wed Apr 08, 2020 9:12 pm
Forum: My First .....
Topic: How long before first success?
Replies: 71
Views: 9540

Re: How long before first success?

You can't use some half arsed $50 chinese pot still such as Cayars stated that he was using in his introduction. Jokes on you as it makes great flavored spirits. Why wouldn't it as it's SS & copper? I got it specifically for playing with whiskeys vs neutrals/reflux and I'm now working on replic...
by cayars
Wed Apr 08, 2020 7:32 pm
Forum: My First .....
Topic: How long before first success?
Replies: 71
Views: 9540

Re: How long before first success?

So I have ran several spirit runs now and have not had a successful run that I would be glad to share or even drink myself. A couple here have given me encouragement and given some good advice. I'd also like to hear the #1 bit of advice that helped you get over that hump. If using sugar washes, sto...
by cayars
Tue Apr 07, 2020 1:43 pm
Forum: Pot Distillation/Thumper and Design
Topic: Improving speed with a bigger pot still/condenser
Replies: 24
Views: 4877

Re: Improving speed with a bigger pot still/condenser

If you have a modular still here is an experiment you can do with just water. Fill one of your boilers with a measured amount of water say 7 gallons in your 8 gallon boiler. Bring it up to temp say 210F or 99C (just before boiling). Start a stop watch and record the total time to run off 2 gallons. ...
by cayars
Tue Apr 07, 2020 12:46 pm
Forum: The Construction Site
Topic: What Would You Build With This?
Replies: 21
Views: 3394

Re: What Would You Build With This?

I see lots of boilers and fermenters in that pic.
by cayars
Tue Apr 07, 2020 12:42 pm
Forum: General Stilling questions
Topic: Ice vs Cold Water
Replies: 43
Views: 11847

Re: Ice vs Cold Water

Yep, It's not unusual to see the lyne arm length as long or longer then the height of the still itself. https://www.irishtimes.com/polopoly_fs/1.3666730.1539807178!/image/image.jpg_gen/derivatives/box_620_330/image.jpg Look how long they are at the Midleton Distillery. Lots of copper contact and a c...
by cayars
Tue Apr 07, 2020 12:27 pm
Forum: Novice Distillers
Topic: A vinegar run is necessary but how do I get rid of the smell?
Replies: 19
Views: 4095

Re: A vinegar run is necessary but how do I get rid of the smell?

Try water at this point and see if it comes out blue or not. If so run a few jars worth and see if it is getting lighter in color.
by cayars
Tue Apr 07, 2020 8:19 am
Forum: Off-Topic Discussion
Topic: Share something good! (Keep it positive)
Replies: 61
Views: 7152

Re: Share something good! (Keep it positive)

Sure! However not mine - this recipe was as close as I remember - last time was prior to 1994 Follow the oven rack and bake time in a preheated oven - first bake time was 5 minutes, then shuffle the racks quickly, and then continue the bake for 6 minutes - have fun! https://www.bonappetit.com/recip...
by cayars
Tue Apr 07, 2020 8:16 am
Forum: Novice Distillers
Topic: A vinegar run is necessary but how do I get rid of the smell?
Replies: 19
Views: 4095

Re: A vinegar run is necessary but how do I get rid of the smell?

You can get the blue color when you leave your still sit without cleaning it after the last run. This happens quite easily in copper stills. Typically when you restart the still after having not cleaned it you will get a jar or two like this but it will clear up. If it's just a strip run discard tho...