DIY

[wardyXR6]

HI
I have a SS super reflux still and a homemade still i was thinking of making a pot still to make syrups at the moment i buy Still spirit pre made syrups to make bourbon, whiskey, rum, vodka, ect. I want to make my own syrups to replace the pre made stuff, could any one give some ideas on how i could do this.

Thanks

WARDYXR6

[Aidas]

If you're going to be pot-stilling, why bother with essences or syrups? Just make the real thing!

Aidas

[wardyXR6]

How would i go about it im new to this stuff would i use my reflux still to get my basic alchol and then use that alchol in a pot still to make the real stuff.

Wardyxr6

[Aidas]

I wouldn't go about it that what at all. For example, if you want to make bourbon style whiskey, simply use Uncle Jesse's sourmash recipe (you'll find it in the recipes section of this forum). then thrown it on some toasted oak, and you'll have a drink that's better than anything you'd be able to make with essences.

Using a potstill means that you have to play with your recipes, but then you don't need to add anything to the distillate to make it tasty (except maybe oak and time).

Aidas

p.s. Read the parent site thoutoughly, because other people in the forum might not have the patience to answer very basic questions.

[Bujapat]

Agree with Aidas...
If you wanna make good bourbon like stuff, try Uncle Jesse's recipe. Make stripping runs from each wash and when you've enough of this stuff, re-distill it carefully, makin' good cuts. After that, let age on oak...
You may buy oak chips, but it's easy to make your own...

No syrup or extract should give you such a taste and... such a satisfaction!

[possum]

If you make something too flavorfull, then you can dilute it with flavorless stuff from the reflux.

You could do herbal extractions along the lines of gin using flavorless high proof macerated in with herbs and spices and stuff...then add any sweetner that you desire.

[pyrobrewer280]

I have done a few mods to my ss superreflux as follows
1 extended column
2 insulated column
3 replumbed water supply to control column and condensor seperately

Next step will be to put a T piece and valves in the distillate outflow to divert condensate back into the column and should be able to achieve total reflux

This will give you better quality neutral spirits soak on oak and then flavour with essence.

Starting this way is not such a steep learning curve[/list]

[Stangas]

yeah, but the other way is way easy once you learn

its cheaper than the cordial style too

corn is cheap
sugar
water
yeast

and the pot still can be made from a reflux if you dont want to buy another top, just disconnect you column cooler, and remove all packing. Water must still go through your condensor cooler.