I have redistilled some UJSSM that had a trace of tails in it. Tried oak chips (1.2gms/L @ 65%) but after 2 weeks thought this will not get rid of the tails smell/taste and better to re-run it.
After redistilling to 95% through my LM and making my finest cuts there is an unpleasant astringent flavour going through the whole run...I suspect it is the worst of the oak flavours more concentrated.
I have read about hops being bad news when run through the reflux and now think that oak may be doing a similar thing.
Has enyone else found this to happen?
redistilling oaked spirits
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redistilling oaked spirits
cornflakes...stripped and refluxed
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Re: redistilling oaked spirits
I re-ran some oaked product with about the same results.
Might be best to dump it in with fresh wash instead of low wines.
Haven't messed up lately though.
Might be best to dump it in with fresh wash instead of low wines.
Haven't messed up lately though.

It is the very things that we think we know, that keep us from learning what we should know.
Valved Reflux, 3"x54" Bok 'mini', 2 liebig based pots and the 'Blockhead' 60K btu propane heat
Valved Reflux, 3"x54" Bok 'mini', 2 liebig based pots and the 'Blockhead' 60K btu propane heat
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Re: redistilling oaked spirits
I recently did the same thing and had the same problem. It kinda reminds me of my first ever run that I pushed to fast, ran it on #8 on my stove. Tastes like heads and tails smeard through the whole run. I do a normal run between 4 and 5 now. I reran this last batch on 6. I have done on a single run on # 6 and it came out fine but I think with stripped runs you need to run a bit slower. Please correct me if my thinking is wrong I have not done enough to prove this theory.
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Re: redistilling oaked spirits
funny, I had some UJSM that just didn't turn out like I'd like, tossed it in the thumper and loaded my main boiler with just water.
came out smooth and flavourful, without a trace of oak.
of course that may be the differnce between a column still and a steam injected potstill.
came out smooth and flavourful, without a trace of oak.
of course that may be the differnce between a column still and a steam injected potstill.
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Re: redistilling oaked spirits
Thanks for the suggestions. Wow there's another reason to build a thumper!
I am treating one of the bottles with activated carbon and will see what happens. That may get rid of the off taste (which is different to a tails taste) and it will either be good to drink or clean enough to run again one way or another.
The following generation of UJSSM came out very well with no mistakes.
The lesson for me has been to sort it all out and only add oak to known good stuff. Once the oak is in there's no going back, not with my reflux still anyway.
I am treating one of the bottles with activated carbon and will see what happens. That may get rid of the off taste (which is different to a tails taste) and it will either be good to drink or clean enough to run again one way or another.
The following generation of UJSSM came out very well with no mistakes.
The lesson for me has been to sort it all out and only add oak to known good stuff. Once the oak is in there's no going back, not with my reflux still anyway.
cornflakes...stripped and refluxed
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Re: redistilling oaked spirits
Adding 1 tablespoon of acitvated carbon granules/litre of UJSSM (66%ABV) has completely removed the bitter after-taste in 3 days of soaking. Now it's very smooth and neutral
. I'll let it soak another day and then filter through a coffee filter to get the carbon out.

cornflakes...stripped and refluxed
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Re: redistilling oaked spirits
Ayay, do you just add it straight from the bag into the jar? Cheers, bd.Ayay -
Adding 1 tablespoon of acitvated carbon granules/litre of UJSSM (66%ABV) has completely removed the bitter after-taste in 3 days of soaking.
I do all my own stunts
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Re: redistilling oaked spirits
Hi BD, yes spooned straight into the jar and I give the jars a shake or stir once or twice a day.
cornflakes...stripped and refluxed