Novice Distill asking for help or answers

[CryptoCountryBoy]

Hello everyone,

I'm a New distiller (almost a year now) and I am from "moonshine" and Bootlegging (now known as Nascar Country) state. Actually got into it due to the science behind it. Really not a drinker. Yes, I know that sounds weird but Hey... it's whatever now. lol.
Anyway here are my experiences and questions:

I built my own still and PID system. (Thanks to Youtube)

I don't rely on the PID for cuts (I do taste) just use the PID for to keep up with temps and an idea of when cuts should be made based due to temps.

I would then take the finished Spirts and run thru a Brita (Once again saw this on Youtube) However, I felt that it stripped way to much flavor out of the Corn recipe Wash I used. So I learned how to make my own Charcoal and now filter from worm to jar like the "oldtimers"

Here are some issues I have had and what I've done thus far to try to correct them. Maybe with help from you I can refine my process.

Issue 1: Felt I stripped flavors
Fix: Switched from Brita to Homemade Charcoal

Issue 2: After cuts, blending and tempering (Proofing down to 40% ABV/80 Proof) I still feel its to HOT (Alcohol burn/ Very Strong)
Fix: Extended Worm by double length to try and give it more time to cool down and condense

Issue 3: After cuts, blending and tempering (Proofing down to 40% ABV/80 Proof) I still feel its to HOT (Alcohol burn/ Very Strong)
Fix: when spirt has been collected and blended I insert an stone air bubbler (the ones you use in a fish tank) to aerate and hopefully help blend better before bottling.

Any and all info, help, or comments are appreciated.