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Is my mash done

Posted: Sun Mar 20, 2011 5:24 am
by Mick503
Please excuse me for my newbieness. I have read everything I can on here (note* it is IMPOSSIBLE to read everything) I have my first batch of UJSM going in the basement. I think it is done. I did not get a hydrometer until thursday, so I didn't measure until today. It has a SG of exactly 1.0 and while it sill releases bubbles into the ferm lock, there is no longer a froth on top or visible bubbles in the mash.

Also, it has a VERY sour smell to it. I am assuming this is correct.

Anyway, going to strip it this afternoon. If it goes quick enough I may stay up late and make my cuts. I will keep ya posted.

Re: Is my mash done

Posted: Sun Mar 20, 2011 5:33 am
by Fastill
I have had mine go down to .995-.990 a few times, but also have run it at 1.00 if that is when I had the chance to run it. If you have time, let it sit Untill it stops dropping sg.. I have had airlocks that would bubble for a while after ferment was complete.
Check it now and again in a couple days, if it doesn't change, run it.

Re: Is my mash done

Posted: Sun Mar 20, 2011 5:36 am
by Bull Rider
If you're at 1.000 then it's either fermented out, or close to being fermented out. Sometimes my washes will go under 1.000.
Mick503 wrote: If it goes quick enough I may stay up late and make my cuts. I will keep ya posted.
Most folks don't do cuts on a strip run, just strip it out. You should end up with about a gallon of low wines for each four or so gallons of wash (give or take). Save the low wines until you get enough for a boiler charge when diluted to 40% ABV, then do a spirit run.

Spirit runs are where you do the cuts. The bigger the boiler charge for the spirit run, the easier it is to make cuts. Just don't overload the boiler or it will puke.

Bull.

Re: Is my mash done

Posted: Sun Mar 20, 2011 5:39 am
by Mick503
I should have been a little more clear. If I have time to do a spirit run I will make cuts. Is it ok to do both on same day? I really just did the UJSM for a quick and easy first mash, probably not going to keep going with it. Just curious as to my output and such. A little troubleshooting before making a big go at it.

Re: Is my mash done

Posted: Sun Mar 20, 2011 5:42 am
by Bull Rider
Mick503 wrote:If I have time to do a spirit run I will make cuts. Is it ok to do both on same day?
Sure, but usually there's not enough product to do a decent spirit run from one strip run. But there's no reason why you can't give it a go, you're probably going to end up with a product that's difficult to make cuts on.

Bull.

Re: Is my mash done

Posted: Sun Mar 20, 2011 5:46 am
by Fastill
Even in potstill mode, I don't do stripping runs for my ujssm type washes, I run slow, make my cuts and age on oak. I like the flavor I get this way but stripping runs will also make a fine spirit and you can do several washes fast and only do 1 slow run to save time overall.
Let the jars air out for a day or two before making your cuts, you will have a better time figuring out what you have.

Re: Is my mash done

Posted: Sun Mar 20, 2011 6:06 am
by Mud Mechanik
Mick, you can taste your mash to determine if it is done, if it tastes sweet it is not done, if it tastes like stale flat beer, it's ready to run.

Re: Is my mash done

Posted: Sun Mar 20, 2011 7:46 pm
by Mick503
Well, I just got done running it. Everything worked great. No hitches in my setup, except I wish I had a little more heating power to get me up to temp, but it maintains nicely. End result after tossing the first 150ml was exactly a pint of 70%ABV liquor. Very clear, and has a good smell to it. I only had a chance to run half of my wash, so a pint of 140proof off of 2.5 gal. of wash is pretty good to me.

Any thoughts?