Stripping run with a super reflux still

[Rod]

I have a 5 litre super reflux still .

I normally run 4 litres at a time and run the still at 82°C , about the lowest I can get it to run .

I get about 600 ml per run

discard the 1st 50 ml

Do it 6 times ( from a 25 litre wash )

My spirit is not bad , but not odourless and tasteless

I normally mix essences with it.

should I rerun it thru the still with some added water to keep the level above the heater at the end .

will I be able to run it cooler

can I put the 1st 50 ml foreshots in the batch before distilling ( save up to 250 ml )

Should I put some bicarbonate into the spirit before doing the initial stripping run ( to minimize acetates ), and if so how much

I have done searchs on this forum and have come to the above conclusions , but would like a expert comfimation

[modul8]

Hi Rod

Personally for myself I would keep everything from the first runs (fore shots, heads, tails etc) and re-run it.
Definitely cover the element with water before doing the rerun.
Do not add the bicarb until you have performed the initial strip.

You can throw about 100ml of the foreshots from the final run.

Only what I would do but seems to work for me.

Sean

[junkyard dawg]

I'd keep the fores out of it...

but its your choice. You might squeeze out a few more ml of drinkable spirit if you redistill everything. I just tend to make very generous fores and heads cuts.