Home Distiller

OK, I have some input here. First off, this morning before I left for work, both fermenters had an active head/krausen and airlocks were bubbling nicely. SO... while I seem to have found a method to solve my immediate problem, I have in the interim found a better mode of pH adjustment requiring less...

Ok, I live in the PNW...today we had our first rain in 56 days...a new record. It has been steady high 80's for several weeks now. Temps not an issue. Split the batch to 2ea @ 15gals. Added 5gals of tap water. Ph still at 3.8. I have a reliable and calibrate the blower and verifiable with my reef co...

GD, Try diluting, aerating a bit and repitching more (fresh) yeast. Also, make sure your temps are correct for the yeast strain you're using. Seems to me like a lesson in following a Tried & True recipe would be less risky (and costly). But then again, "hindsight is 20/20". ss I did f...

OK, it's me again. Well I was hoping it would rectify itself over time but my washer is still upwards of 1.090...WTF?? I finally got frustrated, and picked up 10 sachets of champagne yeast which, when I added to my peach and apricot washes Took off like a ROCKET...I awoke this morning to check in th...

HEY HEY!!!! I've got bubbles!!!! I think the Ph buffer may be my huckleberry... thanks for everyone's input

GD

35gal food grade poly drums. Rubber sealed screw tops. I cut hole for bung with hole saw. 3/4 dump valve about 2" off bottom to leave lees behind. Same vessel for Dunder Pit but valve is 18" off bottom for drawing clean Dunder GD Hadn't really thought of that. Just re-seated the airlock st...

Hadn't really thought of that. Just re-seated the airlock stopper... I'll check in an hour.

GD

Thanks Shady, me likem big words. Just checked my Ph...4.3 my only issue with the "active fermentation" theory is I get NO activity in my airlock. None, not even a sign of positive pressure.

GD

Gonna go with Occam's razor on this one. Only leak I've had has been a crack in my steam jacket. Convinced it's fermentation related. Went got some powdered oyster shells and sprinkled in about a Cup. Within 30 seconds there was an ominous "krausen" building and I realized a serious possib...

I TOTALLY get what yer sayin on the knowledge through repetition and observation. Much appreciated input. DG at first i thought you have 5 lbs of molasses, but i re-read 5 gallons, which would put you in 14-15% potential territory. ph and nutrient should not be the problem. stressed yeast maybe if y...

Ok, I have SEVERAL hydrometers... but what good is taking a reading with a device that doesn't read accurately if there are unfermented solids left? The final gravity reading only has context if you have an original gravity reading. Because we all know there's no chance of fermenting back to 1.000.....

Hey Rummy's, So I have been having difficulty my last couple of stripping runs on Molasses washes. I have not been able to take starting gravities as I do not own a brix refractometer... a deficiency I will correct on Monday when I order one. But I have been fermenting things for a very long time an...

OK...an update: It never did adjust Ph, just took forever to finish out. finally ran it at 1.018...just a single long slow spirit run from the strained/clarified wash. ended up with 1 gal of 80%ABV after a meager dilution from 91%. Oaked with home charred medium toasted white oak for two weeks. proo...

Ok, not discounting ANYthing HB Had to say but after some further research, and consulting several sources I have decided that my system which will have a total space for 12 gallons of liquid but will only need about 5 gallons of liquid to safely cover my element, that a pressure gauge, a potentiome...

I truly appreciate that you are not being arrogant or dick-ish and are just asking questions to learn how to properly do this. I also am not trying to be arrogant or dick-ish with my replies, but trying to give the best and safest information to you and others that will read this. I design, build, ...

OK, I understand you're not doing anything but give me the tools to stay safe. With that in mind, my goal is to make sure that I am not setting up something dangerous. I am not certain, and it's most definitely solely due to my own ignorance, why an expansion tank is necessary if I am going to inclu...

Update…

Got home from work this morning and took a gravity reading and it is down to 1.015... and still sounds like a bucket of rice Krispies in milk. At this rate, it should probably be ready to strip next weekend. Thanks for all the help and suggestions everyone.

GD

Check this out. http://noblecompany.com/storage/docs/resources/NB012017-11_Noburst_PIG.pdf" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;" rel="nofollow We use Noburst 100 a lot at work but for this application I would use Super Noburst. Just remember you do lower your thermal c...

Why not use plain water? It's almost free, no worries about leaks into mash, and transfers heat better. He's not cooling with it and at the moment not running a pressurized vessel. Zackly. straight water will just evap. Did just get off the phone with a local(ish) metal joint that will sell me a 20...

:D Mate Ethylene glycol is poisonous . You would be better of using the food grade Propylene Glycol just in case there is a leak or other cross contamination issues . It is sold n HBS specfically as a heat transfer fluid . It's dearer than the cheaper ethylene glycol used in car radiators but you c...

Got my boiler back from the welder today. STOKED. Had 6' legs welded to bottom of Sankey half barrel. bought a stainless pot about 2" larger around than keg. Had 2" long sleeved ferrule cut to length and welded to bottom of keg side wall for mash dump. He cut a hole outter pot and dropped ...

For over pressure it would be safer to use a pressure switch to shut off the heat to the boiler than to rely on a relief valve that could get blocked in the event of a puke. I'm not sure I can for see how it would "puke?" It will be eight sealed jacket containing nothing more then 50/50 E...

Think I'm just gonna play it safe and get the AC/DC jobber you recommended RWHB. when it blows does it blow out the top, or out the holes on the side so needing some kind of cover like a bucket or sturdy cup forcing the hot discharge downward. Would seem kinda dumb and sortof anti personnel mine-li...

Dosage for 25 gals??


GD(the mad mash scientist)

Think I'm just gonna play it safe and get the AC/DC jobber you recommended RWHB. when it blows does it blow out the top, or out the holes on the side so needing some kind of cover like a bucket or sturdy cup forcing the hot discharge downward. Would seem kinda dumb and sortof anti personnel mine-lik...

can I sub tomato paste for DAP? I don't have any... And my fermentation room is an upstairs bedroom with a thermostatically controlled space heater...toasty as balls in there.

GD

ok, got home and was preparing a short funeral and then a sad 5-6 trips to the toilet with a 5 gallon bucket when I figured I should take a final analytical look at it. First, damn if its not STILL pushin CO2. slowly but obvious production in airlock. cracked fermenter lid and put my ear to it...reg...

You might be able to use a simple check valve https://www.amazon.com/dp/B007GDXA60/ref=biss_dp_t_asn" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;" rel="nofollow So just screw it into my manifold and leave the suction end open? Will it handle the five psi pushing out? That's a ...

I'm working through the necessaries to convert my current setup to a steam jacketed BM. I can't seem to find any vacuum relief valves that actuate at low pressures. I am planning to use a five psi PRV. Anybody have any suggestions or appointing the right direction to find something for this applicat...

Just simple German rye bread baked fresh at a local German bakery. Gonna pitch it and wash my hands.

GD