Another fellar from TEXAS

[deepseajb]

Hello everyone, I recently built a valved reflux still from the plans on this site. OMG crystal clear 88% combined batch 1st run. I just came in from making my third run % should be higher. On my quest to make world class spirit I have one initial question. I have been racking once adding sparkalloid and distilling 5-7 days later without a clear wash, what can I do to achieve the really clear wash.I also built a carbon filter and I already beleive this is a must what a smooth difference it makes.Good evening to everyone.

[ammo man]

Oh my gosh. Does every man in Texas make his own hootch? I am from East Texas. See post below.

Bert (ammo man)

[rad14701]

I don't shoot for clear, merely sediment free...

[deepseajb]

Sediment free I am close but I am using dextrose and water mash with a turbo, so no need to worry about clarity ?

[LWTCS]

Out of curiosity;
How big are your typical washes?
And, how much does it cost to put together your typical batch?

[deepseajb]

My washes are about 6.5 gallons I use 23 lbs dextrose which I get a 50 lb bag for $36 and $2-$7 for various turbos I'm trying.My last run I collected 1 3/4 gallons of 89% . I have seen where people say that lower % washes make for better product I will try that next.

[LWTCS]

I recon you should put Rads "Gerber" recipe over in Tried and True on your to do list.

No nasty stuff and cheap.

[deepseajb]

Thanks for the tip it looks very simple and cheap, but I have some questions in my reading '' authors '' suggest not using bakers yeast because it may produce some off flavors. So is bakers yeast a must or can I use some of my bulk distillers yeast.If there are some post covering this please direct me, it would be greatly appreciated. In the meantime I will continue being overwhelmed with all the stuff on this great forum THANKS FOLKS!!

[Tater]

Use either bakers yeast from what Ive read is made in a molasses environment.I also use distillers yeast I really like it in hot weather.And favor ec1118 ic cooler weather .Try a search on yeasts theirs lots of discussions on it . Were working on separating this info out and making it easier to find in the future.Had some great times in the 5 years i spent in Texas welcome to the forums .

[HookLine]

Bakers yeast makes quite good rum and neutral washes. Some think it is particularly good in rum.

[mjdtexan]

Good to see ya. I am between Houton & Humble. Yes, alot of Texans like to brew our own. I just joined this group myself and I am only in the collecting parts stage but I will be building one soon. I still have some things to work out in my head first (which kind of condenser, mostly). I do make my own wine though. I use a couple of 3 gallon glass carboys, one 5 gallon glass carboy, and two six gallon glass carboys. I make ALOT of hard apple cider. I cant keep that stuff. My neighbors actually pull into my driveway just to drink the stuff. I've also got 6 gallons of strawberry wine going right now. I will be distilling soon. Nice to meet ya

[deepseajb]

Yeah same too ya nice to meet all these guys, such great info at ya fingertips. This is a hobby I have wanted to do since my beer making days in the 90's. And as I did then I have completely immersed myself in it and going full bore with at least 2 batches going at once. I have 3 stills now, MILKCAN , keg pot still , and a keg valved reflux like the one on this site with building instructions.So i will be on daily as I challenge myself to produce unique WORLD CLASS SPIRIT.