I have a couple firsts to report, but will break them up in different posts. This is my first still. I did not build it, so nothing to brag about. But so you understand what I am using, it is simple 3" copper pot still with a Leibig copper condenser on a 16-gallon boiler with two 2000W internal elements, one variable, one not. I also have a whiskey helmet (see pic) that I did not use for this first go around.
First thing I did was do a run with 50/50 water and white vinegar, then rinsed and sterilized everything. No leaks.
My first project was a sugar shine recipe.. For the mash, I boiled 4 gallons of water. Added 2 gallons of the boiling water and 14lbs. of sugar to an 8 gallon fermenter and stirred it until it dissolved. I then added the remaining 2 gallons of boiling water and 2.6 gallons of cold water. When temp dropped to 102F, I pitched turbo yeast, stirred for 1 minute, put a lid and airlock on it, and kept it in a room at 73 degrees. Note: I've read the comments regarding turbo yeast and don't plan to use it going forward. But the turbo yeast came with my set up from Mile Hi and since I was just doing this for practice, I went with it. (Same for my next post regarding rye project). Airlock bubbled strong for a couple of days and slowed on day 3. I forgot to check my OG, but my SG on day 3 was 1.001 and ABV was 12%. So I added a clearing agent and let it sit for 24 hours. Another note, I plan on letting time clear my wash in the future, but had the product and wanted to get going.
For the stripping run, I siphoned 24L of sugar wash into the boiler and turned on both burners, full power. I also added 2 rolls of copper mesh to the column. I collected the 8oz. of foreshots, then 2 hours later I had 1.5 gallons of 55% ABV low wines.
For the spirit run, I added 9.5L of water and the 5.5L of low wines to the boiler and fired up the still. I collected 10 pint jars before shutting the still down. The last jar was 46%ABV. Middle jar was 73% ABV. I haven't gotten around to making cuts. I did notice that the last 3 jars are now cloudy, everything else is clear.
All in all, I think it was pretty successful. My next post will be about my next project which was all-grain.
My first run
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Re: My first run
Sounds like a success and that's a good looking rig. Good luck with your next mash project! I'm an all grain fanatic myself
I think you'll find the clearing agent is not worth the time, trouble, or cost. I tried a few different types years ago. Ended up going back to just letting it sit and settle for a week or so before racking into the still.
I think you'll find the clearing agent is not worth the time, trouble, or cost. I tried a few different types years ago. Ended up going back to just letting it sit and settle for a week or so before racking into the still.
Plain ole pot rig.
Re: My first run
Thanks for the advice. Starting my second all grain mash today and will plan on just letting it settle.
Re: My first run
https://homedistiller.org/forum/viewtopic.php?t=15489 look at step 3
My 9" Shotgun Condenser
This hobby really is not so much about making alcohol. But bottling opportunities to make memories with Friends and Family.
This hobby really is not so much about making alcohol. But bottling opportunities to make memories with Friends and Family.
Re: My first run
Looks like your off to a good start with a nice looking set-up. I am guessing whiskey or rum is what your planning on making with the pot still. I would move to the Tried & True Recipe section as your next step. UJSSM is probably the easiest recipe for whiskey and still gives a pretty good drink. After you gain confidence moving to AG recipes is a direction you would probably want to head. I say this route although you could go straight to all grain but it involves a few more steps.