Hello, new member here.

[damon_th]

I’m a UK citizen living in NZ and I’ve just started distilling, although I have been brewing beer for a few years. I’m now off to find some info elsewhere in the forum telling me whether the wash (sugar) I have just used is likely to still be OK to drink /use.

Essentially, I did the wash 2 months ago but, thanks to a variety of problems, I’ve only just been able to distil it. Got 87% and was about to water down to 40% when I though that a lot of bad things could have happened to that wash in two months. It was sealed but it’s been 25 degrees + here for most of that time so no idea what condition it’s in.

Cheers, Damon.

[acfixer69]

Welcome to HD. I'm sure it is fine many go that long to clear it. I have gone longer. Only time I lost a sugar wash it went to vinegar.

[fizzix]

Welcome, damon_th. Yep your distillate is fine.

[damon_th]

Cool, cheers ... actually, my other half reckons the wash was made nearer 4 months ago! Time flies, man.

Welcome to HD. I'm sure it is fine many go that long to clear it. I have gone longer. Only time I lost a sugar wash it went to vinegar.

[TDick]

Welcome Down The Rabbit Hole!
Please update how your wash goes. I've got some older than that I need to just RUN!

[acfixer69]

Got 87% and was about to water down to 40% when I though that a lot of bad things could have happened to that wash in two months. It was sealed but it’s been 25 degrees + here for most of that time so no idea what condition it’s in.

It's already run and at 87%. Not much can survive that environment at high temps. May taste like shit but you took the cuts.

[damon_th]

Many thanks. Diluted to 40% and it’s lovely and clear but does smell a bit like paint stripper still (yeah, I did the heads and tails). I might run again before ingesting any though.

Welcome Down The Rabbit Hole!
Please update how your wash goes. I've got some older than that I need to just RUN!

[TDick]

I believe those with more experience than I would suggest to let it sit and air a few days.
If it doesn't "settle down", you could always rerun it.
Also, if you are not confident with your cuts, +Yummyrum's Guide and method made a lot of sense to me.
viewtopic.php?f=15&t=68702

Best of luck!

[Hilltop]

Welcome to HD. I know what's wrong with it, it ain't got no corn or rye in it. Yep I would toss that sucker.

[damon_th]

Welcome Down The Rabbit Hole!
Please update how your wash goes. I've got some older than that I need to just RUN!

OK, so thanks for the advice. It’s been sitting ‘airing’ and it still has that unmistakable air of nail polish remover and still quit harsh, even with botanicals in. It’s been cut quite brutally down to 3 litres ... so I’m concluding, don’t let your wash sit around for 3+ months, hahaha.

In the meantime, I can recommend ‘buddha’s hand’ citrus fruit for limoncello if you can get your hands on some. Yum! With the added bonus that it looks like you’re making booze out of Sideshow Bob’s head.

[damon_th]

I believe those with more experience than I would suggest to let it sit and air a few days.
If it doesn't "settle down", you could always rerun it.
Also, if you are not confident with your cuts, +Yummyrum's Guide and method made a lot of sense to me.
viewtopic.php?f=15&t=68702

Best of luck!

Thanks for this link, much appreciated and very helpful. Love this forum!

[6 Row Joe]

Many thanks. Diluted to 40% and it’s lovely and clear but does smell a bit like paint stripper still (yeah, I did the heads and tails). I might run again before ingesting any though.

Welcome Down The Rabbit Hole!
Please update how your wash goes. I've got some older than that I need to just RUN!

Hello and welcome. A newbie here too. You could let it "air out" and that might help. You might want to save what you have and put it in your next run. I have found out early that running things slow and throwing my thermometer away is the best you can do. I use my fingertip to capture a drop and smell and taste. As usual the first few shots need to be thrown away. They smell like finger nail polish. They are dangerous and shouldn't be consumed. The next smells floral to me but is over the top alcohol tasting with a burn to the tongue. The next level smells more like alcohol but tastes more sweet/floral. I have been saving these for next runs. The hearts of the run have a basic neutral smell/taste and you want to keep these for sure. The tails come in smelling first like wet cardboard and then getting very weak alcohol tasting. If you use a hydrometer these may still be 50% and probably should be saved for the next run. A feints run will clean up a lot of that non drinkable product. Much better than throwing it out. Sorry to ramble on. I am under the influence of a fresh dose of sugar shine myself. The home made stuff is more powerful and smoother than store bought for sure.