Running old alcohol for test run?

[fryguy17601]

I know I have heard to run old beer and wine. I might have some old alchol in the basement we are not going to drink. Should I add water to increase the amount in the boiler? I am using a keg and that would be alot of bottles of beer or wine to fill the bottom and give it something to work with.

Thanks

[rad14701]

Beer can impart smells and flavors due to the hops... Other wines, liquors, and cordials would be fine but I'd suggest running beer separately, if at all, unless this is a test run for cleaning purposes only with the results being tossed... Is this a pot still or a reflux still you'll be testing...???

[fryguy17601]

sorry Reflux. I am not going to keep any of it. I just want to try out the still before I run the sugar wash this weekend. Just trying to work with the reflux vs. pulling off levels since I have never done this before. If I pour all this in it is not going to cover much of the bottom of the keg that is why I thought adding water so it. So it has something to seperate. I have some old schnapps, rum and different stuff that was in a old bar in my basement from 8 years ago that are opened bottles and undrinkable but want to practice with.

[rad14701]

Ok... With a reflux column you'll be able to do some good testing with everything but you may need to do a cleaning run afterwards depending on how much beer you add in... Another note - don't go overboard on the amount of schnapps and other cordials you put in there because you could get some foaming from excessive sugar, but a small amount won't hurt... Just make sure you rinse your packing and give it a good smell after the run... If it wreaks, do a short cleaning run again with water...

[fryguy17601]

ok thanks, was not thinking about the residue and flavors being run. I have schnapps and captian morgans which both will be smelly and sugar contents I am sure. Should probably add water to dilute correct?

[rad14701]

Yes...Given the mix you'll be running, I'd probably add a good 25% - 30% tap water just to clean things up and drop the ABV to the 40% range... The added water will also help hold back some of the funk at the tails end of the run...