Search found 3181 matches

by OtisT
Mon Mar 25, 2024 4:07 pm
Forum: Whiskey
Topic: High rye wash in an electrical boiler?
Replies: 47
Views: 1772

Re: High rye wash in an electrical boiler?

My condolences... there might be a pellicle in the boiler that could scorch Nah, that wasn't it, man. I had my heating element burnt with the rye wort as clear as beer and with no infection in it. It was like: wow! it's clear, it's yummy, it has a fine scent, imma run it out on induction and a heat...
by OtisT
Fri Mar 22, 2024 5:09 pm
Forum: Whiskey
Topic: Wheated bourbon
Replies: 43
Views: 1275

Re: Wheated bourbon

The Booze Pipe wrote: Thu Mar 21, 2024 2:20 pm I just purchased a 26 gallon milk can for striping. Can it be modified to strip on steam?
Could you put a thumper cap on your milk can?
by OtisT
Wed Mar 20, 2024 12:04 pm
Forum: The Construction Site
Topic: CCVM design feedback
Replies: 94
Views: 4725

Re: CCVM design feedback

Any advice on the RC coil? Is this wound tight enough, or too much air space? It would be made from about 15 feet of 1/4 inch copper (3/8 inch OD). It would go inside a 3" Triclamp spool, with an ID of 2.87 inch. RC coil.png A single coil that size would be more than fine, though there is noti...
by OtisT
Tue Mar 19, 2024 4:55 pm
Forum: Rum
Topic: Larger Rum recipe
Replies: 7
Views: 224

Re: Larger Rum recipe

Hi rumblepants. I question the need for DAP with a molasses ferment. Not sure that any would be needed, but double check my assumption. Possibly check other molasses recipes in the T&T section for the need to add nutrients. I know adding too much and distilling in a copper still can lead to blue...
by OtisT
Sun Mar 17, 2024 8:08 am
Forum: Condensers/Cooling Methods
Topic: Double helix reflux coil
Replies: 30
Views: 1099

Re: Double helix reflux coil

Osse87, I would recommend you do not smell for a vapor leak. Alcohol vapor will be at 170F or greater temp and if you have a significant vapor leak and you go sticking your face in there you could get burnt. Not too safe.
by OtisT
Sun Mar 17, 2024 7:59 am
Forum: Novice Distillers
Topic: First Distillation
Replies: 21
Views: 644

Re: First Distillation

Thankyou! I've sketched one up in CAD and 3D printing an adapter which I can fix a PRT100 style thermo into my cooling hose. I'll add photos and the 3D file when I do my build blog to share the learning. Thanks! A hand held IR thermometer can also give you the exit water temp. Those also work well ...
by OtisT
Wed Mar 13, 2024 7:20 am
Forum: My First .....
Topic: First spirit run
Replies: 30
Views: 752

Re: First spirit run

I want things done in about 8 hours, including warmup. When it comes to Pot still spirit Runs , I’m in total agreeance with Otis . It’s a physics thing . Ideal Watts per litre = ideal separation . More litres , more watts ……. Less litres , less watts . ….. time = the same …. About 8 hours . That se...
by OtisT
Tue Mar 12, 2024 4:27 pm
Forum: My First .....
Topic: First spirit run
Replies: 30
Views: 752

Re: First spirit run

Hi Hunter. I run my pot still spirit runs similar to the way Normandy recommended with regard to duration. It does not matter to me how much volume I have in the boiler, 1 gallon to 13, I want things done in about 8 hours, including warmup. That usually means that after warmup and collecting fores (...
by OtisT
Tue Mar 12, 2024 2:24 pm
Forum: Novice Distillers
Topic: First Distillation
Replies: 21
Views: 644

Re: First Distillation

Hey Muse. Another bit of feedback for you that starts with a question. Why was your collection rate all over the place? That should be relatively constant throughout the run. I’m just guessing you were playing with the power and reflux throughout the run. When making a neutral you should try to find...
by OtisT
Tue Mar 12, 2024 12:26 pm
Forum: Novice Distillers
Topic: First Distillation
Replies: 21
Views: 644

Re: First Distillation

I think 3000w is way too much power for a 2” column. Yes, you can get a high ABV from a 2” running at 3000w and a lot of reflux but you are likely smearing all the components of your run. This is why they all taste the same “hot” to you. I think you should be running somewhere near 1500w, depending ...
by OtisT
Sat Mar 09, 2024 8:19 am
Forum: Novice Distillers
Topic: Some questions on 1 litre mini Alembic still and how to control hot plate?
Replies: 25
Views: 810

Re: Some questions on 1 litre mini Alembic still and how to control hot plate?

I found that using too much DAP gave me blue distillate using my copper upper (stainless boiler). I stopped using DAP and the blue want away.
by OtisT
Thu Mar 07, 2024 4:29 pm
Forum: Novice Forum Graveyard
Topic: How long wil low wines keep?
Replies: 16
Views: 1953

Re: How long wil low wines keep?

You sure that is not just oil clumping together? I would not think anything is going to grow in a 30% alcohol liquid. I can’t really get much from the pictures.
by OtisT
Thu Mar 07, 2024 4:25 pm
Forum: ** Welcome Center **
Topic: Howdy
Replies: 3
Views: 133

Re: Howdy

Welcome to HD bob. Interesting name. There are not many islands in Idaho, at least not physical islands.
by OtisT
Wed Mar 06, 2024 12:06 pm
Forum: Column Builds
Topic: 2" to 3" boiler adaptor
Replies: 17
Views: 470

Re: 2" to 3" boiler adaptor

Hi Bob The 2” section at the base of your column should not be a problem on its own. As Salt mentioned above, you should be running the 3” column at a higher power level than you did your 2” column. I would suggest that whatever screen you use to hold up the packing be placed at the base of the 3” s...
by OtisT
Mon Mar 04, 2024 6:42 am
Forum: My First .....
Topic: First stripping run, I think success!
Replies: 7
Views: 352

Re: First stripping run, I think success!

Congratulations on your first strip. Like the poster above I will typically do three strips for one spirit run, to get the most I can out of one ferment. I typically collect 1/3 of the boiler charge volume on a strip run so three strips will result in one boiler full for your spirit run. You run on ...
by OtisT
Sat Mar 02, 2024 7:16 pm
Forum: ** Welcome Center **
Topic: New to the community from the PNW.
Replies: 7
Views: 240

Re: New to the community from the PNW.

Welcome to HD BW from a fellow PNWer. Best of luck on your journey.
by OtisT
Wed Feb 28, 2024 11:58 am
Forum: Novice Distillers
Topic: Some questions on 1 litre mini Alembic still and how to control hot plate?
Replies: 25
Views: 810

Re: Some questions on 1 litre mini Alembic still and how to control hot plate?

I can answer your first question. I have a 1 liter still and I find it perfect for making one 375 ml bottle of gin at a time. It’s not as pretty as yours, but it’s a lot of fun running this little still. I’ve been able to make many small batches of gin. Here is my post, and it includes a few run de...
by OtisT
Wed Feb 28, 2024 9:45 am
Forum: Novice Distillers
Topic: Some questions on 1 litre mini Alembic still and how to control hot plate?
Replies: 25
Views: 810

Re: Some questions on 1 litre mini Alembic still and how to control hot plate?

I can answer your first question. I have a 1 liter still and I find it perfect for making one 375 ml bottle of gin at a time. It’s not as pretty as yours, but it’s a lot of fun running this little still. I’ve been able to make many small batches of gin. Here is my post, and it includes a few run det...
by OtisT
Tue Feb 27, 2024 11:59 am
Forum: Off-Topic Discussion
Topic: Is there a way to search for a THREAD we started?
Replies: 7
Views: 381

Re: Is there a way to search for a THREAD we started?

That’s handy to know. Thanks for asking Sadie and thanks for answering Higgins.
by OtisT
Tue Feb 27, 2024 11:55 am
Forum: Novice Distillers
Topic: +++2KW Induction & 5Gal Pot Distillation Process+++
Replies: 35
Views: 1365

Re: +++2KW Induction & 5Gal Pot Distillation Process+++

Excellent observation Alcross88. You just learned something very important in your understanding of how to distill, and that is to Ignore your thermometer. It’s of no use on a pot still. The boiling point of your charge is based on its ABV. Adjusting power up or down does not change this boiling tem...
by OtisT
Mon Feb 26, 2024 12:06 pm
Forum: The Construction Site
Topic: My latest baby...wide reflux range ccvm
Replies: 14
Views: 540

Re: My latest baby...wide reflux range ccvm

Beautiful TIG work. I’d be careful with your water connections and consider some pipe clamps on those hoses. When the cooling water gets hot those hoses will get softer and will be more likely to blow off. I’m sure you know this, but that Product condenser section of the head will get hot on an exte...
by OtisT
Mon Feb 26, 2024 10:10 am
Forum: Column Builds
Topic: Vm/LM head
Replies: 107
Views: 3076

Re: Vm/LM head

So are we wasting our time telling folk to build reflux stills that are 20 x the column diameter in hight when they ask........If 90 % abv makes great neutral we might as well start making those reflux stills shorter and saving on materials. You run the site. I mean this respectfully. Are you being...
by OtisT
Fri Feb 23, 2024 8:41 pm
Forum: Research and Theory
Topic: Book about making Scotch Whisky
Replies: 4
Views: 341

Book about making Scotch Whisky

Hi folks. I just read this short article on Forbs about a book on making scotch whiskey. “Was 1927 the best year for scotch whisky”. https://www.forbes.com/sites/marklittler/2024/02/23/was-1927-the-best-year-for-scotch-whisky/?sh=31a5efbe3df7 Apparently, this book goes deep into the details of how t...
by OtisT
Fri Feb 23, 2024 8:02 pm
Forum: Research and Theory
Topic: Noble Vodkas of Russia XVIII Century
Replies: 26
Views: 1210

Re: Noble Vodkas of Russia XVIII Century

I wonder if this process is related a process others have posted called “Fat Washing”. I know that process was done on finished spirits, but wonder if it’s related? I tried the fat washing once and found it stripped a lot of spirit flavors. It just did not taste right and I was not happy with the r...
by OtisT
Fri Feb 23, 2024 6:58 pm
Forum: Column Builds
Topic: Vm/LM head
Replies: 107
Views: 3076

Re: Vm/LM head

Hey Salt. Sorry for being so argumentative. I guess I’m just not understanding the logic of the linguistic gymnastics going on. Part of living with a debilitating case of OMS (old man syndrome). At the end of the day, I respect your experience and advice, and appreciate your posts.
by OtisT
Fri Feb 23, 2024 4:45 pm
Forum: Column Builds
Topic: Vm/LM head
Replies: 107
Views: 3076

Re: Vm/LM head

I don't particularly agree, the same wash or low wines refluxed to Azeo is always going to be more pure/clean. Start lowering the bar and soon you will have folk claiming that 88% or 90% is "good enough". I totally agree with this. I'd have to hear how many watts they're running at as wel...
by OtisT
Fri Feb 23, 2024 12:20 pm
Forum: Distilling News
Topic: Texas protecting its citizens
Replies: 13
Views: 944

Re: Texas protecting its citizens

What? Hypocrisy from self-righteous? Say it ain’t so.
by OtisT
Fri Feb 23, 2024 12:06 pm
Forum: Column Builds
Topic: Vm/LM head
Replies: 107
Views: 3076

Re: Vm/LM head

Same here. If your making neutral spirits, chasing after azeo is a waste of time and energy. I don't particularly agree, the same wash or low wines refluxed to Azeo is always going to be more pure/clean. Start lowering the bar and soon you will have folk claiming that 88% or 90% is "good enoug...
by OtisT
Fri Feb 23, 2024 8:58 am
Forum: Research and Theory
Topic: Noble Vodkas of Russia XVIII Century
Replies: 26
Views: 1210

Re: Noble Vodkas of Russia XVIII Century

I wonder if this process is related a process others have posted called “Fat Washing”. I know that process was done on finished spirits, but wonder if it’s related? I tried the fat washing once and found it stripped a lot of spirit flavors. It just did not taste right and I was not happy with the re...
by OtisT
Thu Feb 22, 2024 5:45 pm
Forum: Condensers/Cooling Methods
Topic: Double helix reflux coil
Replies: 30
Views: 1099

Re: Double helix reflux coil

I don’t think the paper idea would work for that without a flat top. I was relying on the sound of the paper moving as my indicator and without a descent seal, I don’t think you would notice that.