Still arrived and apple cider bubbling

[Bore]

Couple questions..

It's a stainless steel still so I think I'll need to add some copper from what I've read. Good idea to stuff a copper scrub pad into the tube near the lid? Or any better suggestions?

For cleaning the new still should a scrub and rinse with vinegar be OK?

https://i.imgur.com/xp6XfVe.jpg" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;" rel="nofollow
https://i.imgur.com/dkVwSrE.jpg" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;" rel="nofollow

[still_stirrin]

Water/steam run, then 50/50 water vinegar run, and finally a sacrificial alcohol run. Don’t skimp...you’ll need them all, even on a “store bought” still...even stainless. Gotta’ get it clean if you plan to drink the product.
ss

[Bore]

Sounds good Thanks! Got a couple of weeks before the ciders ready. Still have a bit of reading up to do.

[cdd]

That's a very interesting column design to say at least. I wish there was a sticky In red color and large font size "ask for advice here before buying your first still!!!". I would have saved 200 euros and a lot of time for sure.

[still_stirrin]

Hey Bore,

You’re new here.

Most won’t follow external image links to your pictures (including me). We advocate posting your images directly on this site (there’s an “upload attachment” tab at the bottom of the input entry box). You must resize your images to 800x800 pixels (maximum) for posting here.

External posted images will eventually disappear and that somewhat destroys the value of your thread. So, please post them to the HD site so they’ll sustain.

Thx.
ss

p.s. - you can actually go back to your original post and edit it (for a time) and add the photos.

[Wino2Distill]

My experience with running cider is that it needs lots of copper. Copper scrubber in the column wasn't enough for me. A handful of small copper pipe fittings in the kettle does the trick. I would also de-gas properly by stirring the clarified cider to incorporate some oxygen into it and air out some of the hydrogen sulfide.
Don't remove too much heads as much of the apple flavour is there.
Happy stillin!

[Bore]

That's a very interesting column design to say at least. I wish there was a sticky In red color and large font size "ask for advice here before buying your first still!!!". I would have saved 200 euros and a lot of time for sure.

Cost about $420 Canadian delivered. It's a 22 Litre kettle. Going to clean it tonight as the suggestions above. Came w the sump pump and all the hoses. Not a bad deal I guess.

[Bore]

Hey Bore,

You’re new here.

Most won’t follow external image links to your pictures (including me). We advocate posting your images directly on this site (there’s an “upload attachment” tab at the bottom of the input entry box). You must resize your images to 800x800 pixels (maximum) for posting here.

External posted images will eventually disappear and that somewhat destroys the value of your thread. So, please post them to the HD site so they’ll sustain.

Thx.
ss

p.s. - you can actually go back to your original post and edit it (for a time) and add the photos.

Thanks, Makes sense. Can't see where to edit the post. Downloaded a resize app for future posts. I'll test it here

[Bore]

My experience with running cider is that it needs lots of copper. Copper scrubber in the column wasn't enough for me. A handful of small copper pipe fittings in the kettle does the trick. I would also de-gas properly by stirring the clarified cider to incorporate some oxygen into it and air out some of the hydrogen sulfide.
Don't remove too much heads as much of the apple flavour is there.
Happy stillin!

Excellent Thanks for the tips:) I'll add some copper fittings to the cider.

[still_stirrin]

Thanks Bore, for the repost of the pictures. Looks like you've got a good start.

Oh, the "edit" button is located by the "quote" button above the upper right hand side of your post. But, the edit button only lasts for a few days, or until enough follow on posts make the edit overcome-by-events. Look for it.
ss

[Bore]

Bubbling starting to slow down. Probably a bubble every second now instead of like boiling. Got the copper scrubbers. Wondering if I should use one or two in the boiler instead of fittings? Got six in the pack. I'll boil them first to get rid of factory stuff

[Bore]

Huge success! Thanks for the help:) The cider was done after 3 weeks. Almost to zero and tasted pretty good. Probably close to wine in alcohol. Had a little bit while I was siphonig. I split the six gallons into 2 batches. First batch I took out the first 50 ml and tossed it. The next half litter went in a jar. Then I filled a gallon jug halfways. The rest about a litter went into a jar. Tasted pretty waterd down. I put the heads and tails back into the second batch. Did the same took out the first 50 ml. Filled a 750ml bottle halfway and then filled the gallon jug to the top. Took a swig of the heads and burned my throat. Dang wasn't expecting that. Then continued filling the 750 bottle to the top and called it a day. Been sipping from the jug for a couple evenings now. Very nice. I'll put some oak chips in the head/tail bottle and forget about it for now. Very happy with the results. Can't wait for fall:))

Cheers