Newbie questions on "cuts"

[Fretman124]

Hello…. I have a couple questions.

First off, I have read the main site many times. Have done lots of reading and searches in the forums. Still can’t figure some things out.

Mostly my questions are about “cuts”. I have done an amazing two (2) runs with my clabbered together potstill. 23 quart pressure cooker, leibig condenser with icewater in its veins. Propane for heat. I’m making UJ sour mash…….

First run I got about three quarts. I collected the first cup and set it aside. The next pint came off clear, a bit sweet and was 60%. The remaining pints looked like dishwater. I collected down to 25% Saved them for the next run. Got to reading and figured I was running it too hot, hence the mash in the distillate. Total time from start to finish was 2.5 hours.

Second run, I ran the heat a lot lower. Tossed the first cup, and got a gallon of crystal clear drippins. Testing as I went, in pints, started at 60% and turned the burner off at 40%. Only because it was late and I had to get up early for work. Total time was 5.5 hours. I was still getting a good flow and feel I could have collected another ½-3/4 gallon.

I’m trying to discern heads, hearts and tails. I can’t seem to taste, smell, feel any difference. Was I even into tails at 40%? Do I just go with ABV for now? Do I let them sit for a couple days? Should I test them at room temp? The distillate is very cold coming out of the condenser. And it’s colder the hell in the garage where I’m doing this.

Or, do I just not worry about it. I’m planning on doing two more runs, then throwing it all back in the pot to distill a second time.

Any advice accepted