Search found 50 matches

by Thirsty Bob
Sat Dec 27, 2008 1:34 am
Forum: Mashing and Fermenting
Topic: Pros and cons
Replies: 6
Views: 1160

Pros and cons

I'm not really sure where this question should go, so feel free to rant if I'm out of bounds. I've been studying still design and made some good headway, but the whole thing about ferments has me a bit confused. After the cooking/mashing/ferment there seems to be many ways to treat the beer/wash/mas...
by Thirsty Bob
Wed Dec 24, 2008 5:39 pm
Forum: Research and Theory
Topic: high abv vrs. low abv
Replies: 27
Views: 5850

Re: high abv vrs. low abv

The Wiki is open for anyone willing to take the time to work on it. All you have to do is make yourself a user account. Go for it. The more of us that get into it, the better it will get. Um, 'k.... thanks Hack, I think.... I'll stumble around and see what I can do but I don't want to stuff anythin...
by Thirsty Bob
Wed Dec 24, 2008 5:31 pm
Forum: Off-Topic Discussion
Topic: noobs
Replies: 86
Views: 7277

Re: noobs

But the yeast has got to want to grow. It has to take responsibility for itself. We will not be around forever to hold its hand. At some point it has to learn to stand on it own two feet, to grasp the nettle, seize the day, put its best foot forward, and make some hard but rewarding choices. Where ...
by Thirsty Bob
Wed Dec 24, 2008 12:42 pm
Forum: Research and Theory
Topic: high abv vrs. low abv
Replies: 27
Views: 5850

Re: high abv vrs. low abv

I may be the one with the vocabulary problem here, but my understanding is that backset is what's left in the boiler No, not at all Hack, 'tis I. This is one of the toughest things for a newbie. Technical terms can easily be Googled, but the more arcane stuff (and outright slang) makes it a tough s...
by Thirsty Bob
Wed Dec 24, 2008 11:48 am
Forum: Off-Topic Discussion
Topic: Merry Christmas
Replies: 26
Views: 3060

Re: Merry Christmas

ive been flat out brewing for chrissy so atleast I HAVE THE BOOZE side of things takeing care of lol From seeing many Christmases, you really don't need much else. :) Everyone: May your ferment never stick. May your mash never burn May your tipple always be smooth and drank with good friends. Best ...
by Thirsty Bob
Wed Dec 24, 2008 11:41 am
Forum: Research and Theory
Topic: high abv vrs. low abv
Replies: 27
Views: 5850

Re: high abv vrs. low abv

Here in the US you can check Sam's Club... I just purchased 2lbs of Fleischmann's, in 2 - 1lb blocks, for $4.16... I haven't put a dent in the first pound yet... I'm a Costco guy, but never looked. I'll be checking out sugar, yeast, molasses etc. in a whole different light. Considering how cheap it...
by Thirsty Bob
Wed Dec 24, 2008 11:22 am
Forum: Research and Theory
Topic: high abv vrs. low abv
Replies: 27
Views: 5850

Re: high abv vrs. low abv

Rad, Eternal: Thanks for clearing that up. I thought adding backset to the next ferment was for nutrients (dead yeast) and I guess it would be if one fermented to the high teens. I didn't think about active yeast carryover, and wherever I read it, :oops: it wasn't clear. I am also still fighting my ...
by Thirsty Bob
Tue Dec 23, 2008 11:43 pm
Forum: Research and Theory
Topic: high abv vrs. low abv
Replies: 27
Views: 5850

Re: high abv vrs. low abv

I bought a pound of distillers yeast a year ago and still have most of it left. For the last few monthes I've just been recycling yeast from the last batch. Hmmm, I thought the yeast died, when all the sugars were converted or when the %ABV got too high. How do you put some aside for the next ferme...
by Thirsty Bob
Tue Dec 23, 2008 9:39 pm
Forum: Off-Topic Discussion
Topic: noobs
Replies: 86
Views: 7277

Re: noobs

Dr_T wrote:
Anybody else either doesn't know, or has too big a stick up his ass to answer the question.
So now I'm asking- what does yeast need to grow?
I'm sure I don't know, but I sure know what thread hijacking looks like, and rude at that.
by Thirsty Bob
Tue Dec 23, 2008 2:54 pm
Forum: Column Builds
Topic: stripping with packing
Replies: 25
Views: 3530

Re: stripping with packing

however, in this case i am not sure if it matters. because if i remember correctly, thermal energy flows from high TEMPERATURES to low, not from high energies to low. so assuming the condensate is at the vapor temp, no thermal exchange will happen at all Aarrghhh! Right again.! I think I'll go pond...
by Thirsty Bob
Tue Dec 23, 2008 2:32 pm
Forum: Novice Forum Graveyard
Topic: Question?
Replies: 12
Views: 1434

Re: Question?

Hi Farmer: I'm a novice too, but from what I have learned, it depends a lot on what you are going for. Sound to me like you are or will be using a pot still. Many people use the first run as a stripping run, no collection at all. Many also run several batches of ferment through a stripping run and t...
by Thirsty Bob
Mon Dec 22, 2008 11:15 pm
Forum: Off-Topic Discussion
Topic: noobs
Replies: 86
Views: 7277

Re: noobs

Hey BT

I think what you are looking for is here:

http://homedistiller.org/wiki/index.php/Category:Glossary" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;" rel="nofollow

Cheers,

Bob
by Thirsty Bob
Mon Dec 22, 2008 1:52 am
Forum: Column Builds
Topic: stripping with packing
Replies: 25
Views: 3530

Re: stripping with packing

Because it is a condensate, it is by definition cooler than the vapour that isnt true, two different states can have the same temperature. for example, in a glass of ice water both the ice and the water are 0C. or look up "triple point" in chemistry I have re-read this post, for my own be...
by Thirsty Bob
Sun Dec 21, 2008 9:52 pm
Forum: Column Builds
Topic: stripping with packing
Replies: 25
Views: 3530

Re: stripping with packing

that isnt true, two different states can have the same temperature. for example, in a glass of ice water both the ice and the water are 0C. or look up "triple point" in chemistry Doh! You got me there. Yep, triple point, latent heat et al. In theory :) just as a side note,an IDEAL condens...
by Thirsty Bob
Sun Dec 21, 2008 7:57 pm
Forum: Column Builds
Topic: stripping with packing
Replies: 25
Views: 3530

Re: stripping with packing

but i would wager the effect is pretty small. at least on mine, the condensate come out HOT if you do not use the liebig. the takeoff tube above the liebig is hot enough to burn you if you touch it. so the liquid cant carry away much heat from the vapor and condensing it on the plates I'm not so su...
by Thirsty Bob
Sun Dec 21, 2008 6:33 pm
Forum: Column Builds
Topic: stripping with packing
Replies: 25
Views: 3530

Re: stripping with packing

Dave: I think you may be reading more into what I said. Several posts ago, there was a misunderstanding about capturing condensate when doing a stripping run. If 100% of the condensate is not captured before it returns to the column, then you are wasting energy, that's all. The original question was...
by Thirsty Bob
Sun Dec 21, 2008 2:01 pm
Forum: Column Builds
Topic: stripping with packing
Replies: 25
Views: 3530

Re: stripping with packing

Lowerarchy: I wasn't talking about the condensate blocking the column, I was talking about the slant plate. I was just pointing out a limitation of the slant plate design, that it couldn't capture 100% unless it covered 100% of the column, which would be silly 'cos nothing could get past it in eithe...
by Thirsty Bob
Fri Dec 19, 2008 9:51 pm
Forum: Flavoring and Aging
Topic: Lookey what I found
Replies: 9
Views: 3902

Re: Lookey what I found

They're interesting, but this post; http://homedistiller.org/forum/viewtopic.php?f=4&t=6890 seems to accomplish the same thing more or less, and can be made by anyone with a table saw, or even a router, maybe even with a circular saw if you have fingers to spare. A little toasting in the oven an...
by Thirsty Bob
Fri Dec 19, 2008 8:34 pm
Forum: Pot Distillation/Thumper and Design
Topic: Ceramic or Pottery Still
Replies: 15
Views: 4270

Re: Ceramic or Pottery Still

Very cool! Thanks, Pint
by Thirsty Bob
Fri Dec 19, 2008 8:21 pm
Forum: Off-Topic Discussion
Topic: Jokes
Replies: 4219
Views: 586721

Re: Jokes

One for the Brits........

A white horse walks into a bar, sits on a stool and orders a pint.

The bartender serves up the ale and tries to make conversation:

"Y'know, we have a whiskey named after you."

The horse replies, "Wot? Eric?"
by Thirsty Bob
Wed Dec 17, 2008 11:35 pm
Forum: Novice Forum Graveyard
Topic: Shot measure for 95%
Replies: 45
Views: 4380

Re: Shot measure for 95%

Cool punkin.

The written word has drawbacks, unless you are The Bard. Your post appeared to be derogatory/aggressive and I probably overreacted.

I am a newcomer to the site and I like the "feel" of it so I may put my nose in where it is not appropriate.

Mea Culpa

B.
by Thirsty Bob
Wed Dec 17, 2008 10:09 pm
Forum: Flavoring and Aging
Topic: Glass aging
Replies: 19
Views: 4618

Re: Glass aging

It's equilibrium, baby!!! Here I was looking for a chemist and I get The Chemist Thanks for filling the blanks. Funny, I have been fighting entropy as a way of making a living, but it's entropy that knows how shine should taste. I think I just figured out how soup, stew and chili always taste bette...
by Thirsty Bob
Wed Dec 17, 2008 6:10 pm
Forum: Mashing and Fermenting
Topic: 60 gallon fermenter for christmas...
Replies: 5
Views: 1787

Re: 60 gallon fermenter for christmas...

Methinks you will have many new friends.

Nice looking rig.
by Thirsty Bob
Tue Dec 16, 2008 11:59 pm
Forum: Novice Forum Graveyard
Topic: Shot measure for 95%
Replies: 45
Views: 4380

Re: Shot measure for 95%

all I can think is that if you can tell the difference between pepsi with 95% and pepsi with 50% then you are wasting your tastebuds.... LOL, perhaps we are taking ourselves a bit too seriously. After all, booze makes us all a bit foolish, so let us just keep it in that frame. Unlike some of you, I...
by Thirsty Bob
Tue Dec 16, 2008 11:22 pm
Forum: Novice Forum Graveyard
Topic: Shot measure for 95%
Replies: 45
Views: 4380

Re: Shot measure for 95%

Whoa Punkin! Someone hit a nerve. This just sounds like an extremely dangerous, unsafe practise to me. What a load of crap that Pepsi doesn't have water in it. :roll: Have you seen how it's mixed anywhere you buy it like a pub or bar on tap from a dispensing machine? It comes in bladders of syrup (a...
by Thirsty Bob
Tue Dec 16, 2008 10:54 pm
Forum: Off-Topic Discussion
Topic: Strange Looks.... or worse?
Replies: 66
Views: 8132

Re: Strange Looks.... or worse?

Eternal. Just my point, I wondered what the level of paranoia/risk is in the ole US of A? The cute "busted" stories are great too. I'm a Canuck, so we have a much higher tolerance for illegal, but harmless activities. There is a bill still pending to decriminalize pot, but there has been s...
by Thirsty Bob
Tue Dec 16, 2008 8:47 pm
Forum: Flavoring and Aging
Topic: Glass aging
Replies: 19
Views: 4618

Re: Glass aging

Just a thought from my organic chemistry. Thanks for that pint. Some logic emerges from the mystique! Organic chemistry? I zoned out calculating partial pressures and faded after that. Physics and math are my game. Oh, and booze. Did I mention booze? B. PS I did not know that about water. :oops: Cool
by Thirsty Bob
Tue Dec 16, 2008 5:22 pm
Forum: Flavoring and Aging
Topic: Glass aging
Replies: 19
Views: 4618

Re: Glass aging

I have to question the role of oxidation in that scenario. Wine makers would go to great lengths to avoid exposing the wine to oxygen for fear of changing its flavor. I wonder if that could be at play here? Same here, because the batches are sealed with presumably little head space. Glass is obviou...
by Thirsty Bob
Tue Dec 16, 2008 1:33 pm
Forum: Off-Topic Discussion
Topic: Strange Looks.... or worse?
Replies: 66
Views: 8132

Strange Looks.... or worse?

"He'd buy a hundred pounds of yeast and some copper line Everybody knew that he made moonshine" Copperhead Road (Steve Earle) Just wondering if anyone has had any knowing looks and/or hassle when they buy 6 feet of 3" copper pipe and a roll of soft tubing. Or when they go into a stor...
by Thirsty Bob
Tue Dec 16, 2008 11:20 am
Forum: Column Builds
Topic: stripping with packing
Replies: 25
Views: 3530

Re: stripping with packing

Punkin:

You are 100% bang on. The key word is "capture". Eternal misunderstood my point, as you noticed, and I misread his reply.

Good catch!