I'm working on the design for my first pot still. I have a 20qt stainless stockpot, and I want to use a 1gal thumper. First of all, its a 1gal glass wine jug. How should I seal this? I was originally going to use a rubber cork with some holes drilled in it, but it seems like maybe the rubber isn't a good idea. Other ideas?
Next, I'm a bit confused about the thermometer placement. Since I should stop collecting at a given temp, should that temp be in the still or in the thumper? I feel like if I stop when the still hits X degrees, there will still be a fair amount of usable alcohol left in the thumper. Should I put the thermometer in the thumper, use a second one, or at whatever temp just use another container and use it as tails?
thermometer placement when using a thumper
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I used a thumper for a while when I first started. My thermometer was in the thumper. I got rid of it and haven't missed it at all. I would recommend not using one. It is more of a pain than its worth. It didn't really make that much difference in proof or quality and it took a lot longer to get up to temp. A fast stripping run and a slow spirit run works much better.
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