Vertical or Angled Condenser?

Centimeter · Post by **Centimeter** » Tue Apr 08, 2008 9:38 pm

I'm currently constructing a pot still, specifically for making whisky. Subsequently, I want my distillate to be as "flavorful" as possible. I've seen a lot of stills on this forum with condensers that are angled rather than vertical. From what I understand, the angled condenser yields a more flavorful distillate. Have any of you found this to be true? It seems counter intuitive to me as both condenser designs would knock down the same volatile compounds right?

As a side question. I plan on doing stripping runs with only slightly cleared wash. Certainly no grains, but some suspended yeast. I'm designing my boiler with two 3000W 240V elements. If I run both of these elements at 120V, yielding a total of 1500W over a significant heating element surface area, will I still get burning?

Anyhow, this site is amazing! I really appreciate all the effort you guys put into helping novices get into this hobby.

kingearwig · Post by **kingearwig** » Tue Apr 08, 2008 9:41 pm

The angle of the condenser is less important than the angle of the lyne arm. I think. If you want more flavor angle the lyne arm downward on its way to the condenser.

Centimeter · Post by **Centimeter** » Tue Apr 08, 2008 10:12 pm

My still is essentially a 2" column with a T fitting on top and a 90* elbow leading to a vertical condenser. I'm debating whether or not to convert the 90* elbow to a 45* elbow. If the more angled the lyne arm, the more flavor, then shouldn't I stick with the 90* elbow? That seems like it would maximize flavor right?

On that not, is a 3' column too long to produce flavorful whisky?

QDanT · Post by **QDanT** » Wed Apr 09, 2008 12:30 am

kingearwig wrote:The angle of the condenser is less important than the angle of the lyne arm. I think. If you want more flavor angle the lyne arm downward on its way to the condenser.

The brass elbow allows any angle to be set up.

cheers all Danny

Rudi · Post by **Rudi** » Wed Apr 09, 2008 3:38 am

It wouldnt make any difference to reflux(taste) unless the angle was above 90deg going into the condensor . Well in my mind anyway. (can be a strange place at times)

Post by **theholymackerel** » Wed Apr 09, 2008 7:02 am

The angle of the layne arm effectin' flavor is a well entrenched myth here.

How ya run yer potstill and how ya make yer cuts is is at least an order of magnitude more important to the finished flavor of yer spirits.

This all is assumin' yer usin' a real potstill. If yer layne arm is huge, outside in a windy place, or has any other design flaw that allows reflux then the angle will make a small bit of difference.

I wish ya luck.