Search found 14 matches

by ZMan3k
Mon Apr 03, 2023 5:50 pm
Forum: Boilers
Topic: Boiler size and using backset
Replies: 5
Views: 919

Re: Boiler size and using backset

I was hoping to hear that, I've kept some single malt backset before for about a month and a nice pellicle of lacto formed, may try that again, double bonus. What does the lacto add as far as flavor goes? Anytime my backset sits longer than a week I get it starting to form and usually throw it out ...
by ZMan3k
Wed Oct 12, 2022 5:57 pm
Forum: Column Builds
Topic: High accuracy digital thermometer
Replies: 37
Views: 1585

Re: High accuracy digital thermometer

EricTheRed wrote: Thu Sep 08, 2022 4:10 am For those using digital thermometers with .1° accuracy - would you mind sharing the make and model with me?

TIA
I use a Fluke 52, since I've got a couple for work as a refrigeration tech, it is top of the line and so is the price.
by ZMan3k
Wed May 04, 2022 4:18 pm
Forum: Whiskey
Topic: Bourbon 4 months old no improvement
Replies: 44
Views: 5451

Re: Bourbon 4 months old no improvement

I aged some bourbon the same way you did, mine was 15lbs cracked corn, 3lbs malted barley, 5 lbs sugar and 3 lbs honey for a 15 gallon wash. Gathered 6 gallons in a carboy and aged with 6 oak spirals, let it set in the garage for about a year when i first tasted it. Wasn't impressed at all, in fact...
by ZMan3k
Mon Apr 25, 2022 5:32 pm
Forum: Whiskey
Topic: Bourbon 4 months old no improvement
Replies: 44
Views: 5451

Re: Bourbon 4 months old no improvement

I aged some bourbon the same way you did, mine was 15lbs cracked corn, 3lbs malted barley, 5 lbs sugar and 3 lbs honey for a 15 gallon wash. Gathered 6 gallons in a carboy and aged with 6 oak spirals, let it set in the garage for about a year when i first tasted it. Wasn't impressed at all, in fact ...
by ZMan3k
Mon Jun 01, 2020 7:51 pm
Forum: Stills and still building information
Topic: Building anew still for my 13G kettle
Replies: 13
Views: 2776

Re: Building anew still for my 13G kettle

Thanks guys! keep the ideas coming! I do have access to all thread in various lengths and sizes so that is definitely something to keep in mind.
by ZMan3k
Sun May 31, 2020 8:44 am
Forum: Stills and still building information
Topic: Building anew still for my 13G kettle
Replies: 13
Views: 2776

Re: Building anew still for my 13G kettle

You can solder ss ferrules to your copper column. There's lots of info here about techniques and materials, I read Harris has good products. A plated column doesn't have any packing in it, just a number of plates. I don't have one, but my reading says a flute bumps abv but retains most flavor, but ...
by ZMan3k
Sat May 30, 2020 9:48 pm
Forum: Condensers/Cooling Methods
Topic: 4 inch shotgun with 14 tubes 1/2”
Replies: 13
Views: 2510

Re: 4 inch shotgun with 14 tubes 1/2”

Nice job, she's a real beauty! Mind if I ask where you got the template and if you'd be willing to send a copy to me? In the process of getting things together to build a 4" bubble plate column and this would work great for a dephlag above it as i'll have some extra 4" copper.

-Z
by ZMan3k
Sat May 30, 2020 6:21 pm
Forum: Stills and still building information
Topic: Building anew still for my 13G kettle
Replies: 13
Views: 2776

Re: Building anew still for my 13G kettle

Spent a few hours reading in the build forums as suggested by you fine folks. First thought about constructing a VM type still, and after seeing the recommendations to build a plated type still I think I'm leaning towards that. So I've got a few more questions now. If I build a plated column and run...
by ZMan3k
Fri May 29, 2020 12:51 pm
Forum: Stills and still building information
Topic: Building anew still for my 13G kettle
Replies: 13
Views: 2776

Re: Building anew still for my 13G kettle

Thanks for the input, this is what I was looking for, sorry forgot to say I use a stainless milk jug from moonshine distilling for a boiler. https://moonshinedistiller.com/distillation-equipment/distilling-boilers/stainless-steel-milk-can-boiler-13-gallon/ So if you had said 4" pipe and a 13G m...
by ZMan3k
Thu May 28, 2020 5:57 pm
Forum: Stills and still building information
Topic: Building anew still for my 13G kettle
Replies: 13
Views: 2776

Re: Building anew still for my 13G kettle

Now after browsing the forums a bit more I've discovered triple walled liebigs! I am confident in my soldering/brazing skills to construct either, maybe even both. Is there a benefit to a TWL over a cold finger/coil design? Just trying to keep water waste to a minimum as my backyard is mostly concre...
by ZMan3k
Thu May 28, 2020 1:23 pm
Forum: Stills and still building information
Topic: Building anew still for my 13G kettle
Replies: 13
Views: 2776

Building anew still for my 13G kettle

For the past 4 years i have been running a 2" boka that I built myself, it has done its job well, but it was never perfect. The condenser coil that I wound is a double wound 1/4" copper about 9" long, it's not long enough and I only run the still low and slow, or i get vapor starting ...
by ZMan3k
Thu May 28, 2020 12:59 pm
Forum: New distiller reading Lounge
Topic: Sacrificial Run
Replies: 34
Views: 11638

Re: Sacrificial Run

Why not just do a simple sugar mash for the sacrificial run? Cheap and easy and since it doesn't make for great likker its no big deal just to dump it or use it for campfire fuel.
by ZMan3k
Thu May 28, 2020 12:53 pm
Forum: ** Welcome Center **
Topic: Hello from the Bay Area!
Replies: 4
Views: 758

Re: Hello from the Bay Area!

Thanks for the warm welcome! Looking forward to progressing and honing my skills.

-Z
by ZMan3k
Thu May 28, 2020 6:05 am
Forum: ** Welcome Center **
Topic: Hello from the Bay Area!
Replies: 4
Views: 758

Hello from the Bay Area!

Hi all, have been creeping on these forums for a little while now and felt the need to take the plunge and make an account. Been distilling for about 5-6years now, mostly just corn and rye whiskey mashes. Really like this community, hoping to get and give some help as I can as well!