Birdwatchers Questions

Other discussions for folks new to the wonderful craft of home distilling.

Moderator: Site Moderator

Post Reply
StillCity
Novice
Posts: 50
Joined: Thu Jul 08, 2021 1:31 pm

Birdwatchers Questions

Post by StillCity »

Hey y'all,

I just built my first still (boiler: 15L stovetop pot, column: 1 5/8" x 24", CCVM condenser, 15 ft, 3/8" worm condenser), and I am trying to plan my first run. I will try to make a vodka with Birdwatchers TPW to start with.

My thoughts on how it could go are as follows:
  • ferment 36L batch of Birdwatchers to 10% ABV
    strip run it in 3 batches of 12L (pot still mode)
    Spirit run ~10L of ~36% low wines (reflux mode)
Does this seem reasonable, or is there a better way to do it?
How much clean Vodka will this yield?
User avatar
Saltbush Bill
Site Mod
Posts: 9675
Joined: Thu Mar 17, 2011 2:13 am
Location: Northern NSW Australia

Re: Birdwatchers Questions

Post by Saltbush Bill »

That is the way to do it......time to start collecting clean jars and reading up on how to make cuts.
There are too many variables to say what you will get.
Still type....what abv it puts out.....how you make your cuts........what parts of the run your nose and sence of taste tell you is worth keeping.
All those and more will play a part......remember this is a craft/ art as much as a science.
User avatar
still_stirrin
Master of Distillation
Posts: 10337
Joined: Tue Mar 18, 2014 7:01 am
Location: where the buffalo roam, and the deer & antelope play

Re: Birdwatchers Questions

Post by still_stirrin »

Just don’t forget the cleaning runs for your new still.
ss
My LM/VM & Potstill: My build thread
My Cadco hotplate modification thread: Hotplate Build
My stock pot gin still: stock pot potstill
My 5-grain Bourbon recipe: Special K
greggn
Site Donor
Site Donor
Posts: 1380
Joined: Sun Jul 27, 2014 11:59 am
Location: East Coast

Re: Birdwatchers Questions

Post by greggn »

StillCity wrote: Sat Jul 24, 2021 4:37 pm How much clean Vodka will this yield?
Technically speaking, nearly none. It's going to be difficult to create a temperature gradient in a 24" column. I suspect you'll see a fair amount of smearing across your run given that your boiler charge is only going to be 12L or so.

I highly recommend adding a column extension.

Additionally, you didn't mention the type of packing used. That will also affect your ability to hit a high ABV off the spout.
________________

I drank fifty pounds of feed-store corn
'till my clothes were ratty and torn
StillCity
Novice
Posts: 50
Joined: Thu Jul 08, 2021 1:31 pm

Re: Birdwatchers Questions

Post by StillCity »

still_stirrin wrote: Sat Jul 24, 2021 4:53 pm Just don’t forget the cleaning runs for your new still.
ss
doing a vinegar run today, and a cleaning wash is in the fermenter right now
greggn wrote: Sat Jul 24, 2021 5:29 pm Additionally, you didn't mention the type of packing used. That will also affect your ability to hit a high ABV off the spout.
I will be using SS or copper scrubbies as packing. Any recommendations on which to use (Copper/SS), and how much to use?
User avatar
Bushman
Admin
Posts: 17988
Joined: Tue Mar 30, 2010 5:29 am
Location: Pacific Northwest

Re: Birdwatchers Questions

Post by Bushman »

Never used stainless scrubbers if you do make sure they are 100% stainless. We had the following copper wire tested to make sure it was 100% copper then I made my own packing and have been using it for over 5 years.
https://homedistiller.org/forum/viewtop ... 17&t=47650
Post Reply