to strip or to spirit run?

[Steve Broady]

Not a bad looking setup, Titan. I’m sure you’ll refine it over time as your experience and equipment change. One observation I’ll offer is that I saw a DRASTIC improvement in speed (and quality, though that could be other factors) when I replaced that vapor tube with something larger and a condenser to match. I first moved up to 3/4” copper pipe, and then to 1.5” triclamp fittings. It’s a little work adding the appropriate fittings to the boiler, but well worth it.

[jonnys_spirit]

I’d suggest proofing down to 25-30%abv with fresh ferment and low wines if needed to get a full’ish boiler charge.

Cheers,
-jonny

[Stonecutter]

+1 there Jonnys

Titan- you’re running gas applying heat from the bottom so like Sporacle and Broady stated earlier if your charging with a small batch you’ll want to make some running calculations to ensure you don’t run completely dry. Good luck. Looking forward to hearing your opinion on double and single distillations

P.s. I believe there are calculations available within this site to help you determine what’s left in the boiler per your abv charge. Honestly I’m too lazy to look them up or do the math for you. Cheers

[Saltbush Bill]

Do as jonnys says, boiler charge at around 28% and you should be OK.
You'll be way into tails before anything goes dry.

[8Ball]

I’d suggest proofing down to 25-30%abv with fresh ferment and low wines if needed to get a full’ish boiler charge.

Cheers,
-jonny

+1