A couple of safety related questions

[mjdtexan]

I've noticed in some of the pictures where valves are used, they are sometimes brass valve bodies. Is this safe?

Concerning abv%. I've noticed that yall recommend reducing to 40% abv. Why? Will it kill you iffin its 60% abv? What is the absolute level at which you can not drink it? I remember buying "EverClear" as a youngster and I believe the label said 180 proof.

I am unclear about cork. What is the rule? Is there a rule?

I am sure I have more questions, I just cant bring them to mind right now.

[MuleKicker]

dont know about the brass thing, i have used brass and it seems ok, it might tarnish a little more. as far as abv% ( i assume your talking about neutral) cutting to 40-50% is just so it is easier to mix, i have left my final product at 95% and just mix it light, the problem being it is hard to judge, especially when you start getting tipsy, the tendancy is to mix it way too rich. also if you carbon filter your product, it the carbon doesnt work well on that high of %. Cork is ok, but there is alot of what is called "cork rubber" this stuff is not good. Cheers man.

[rad14701]

Brass can contain varying levels of lead... There are numerous topics in these forums which cover this information as well as methods of pickling brass to help remove surface lead...

It is unwise to serve neutral spirits at higher than 100 proof (50% ABV)... It's just plain dangerous... High proof alcohol can kill and will dehydrate you at the very least... Most members here don't even store at high ABV, although some age on oak in the 65% range... Bottle proof should be 80 - 100 proof (40% - 50% ABV)...

Cork should be natural cork/musical cork which is free of rubber or adhesives...

[mjdtexan]

Thank yall both for the answers. Yes, I did mean "neutral spirits".

I will look for those threads dealing with "better brass".

I was just curious about the abv% thing. It makes total since that you would not want to mix someone a drink that might hold two shots of 180 proof alcohol, or even worse, make them two drinks and then send them home. One drink with two shots of 180 proof would be like having 4 shots of Jack, huh?

[LWTCS]

Cept the jack would taste like shite