Just to make sure!!

[W.S.C.beachman]

Ok so Ive done umpteen hours of reading on hear. I feel confident I can make my pot still solid no leaks.
What I am wondering is how large does the collem( the tube that runs off the lid) have to be on a 24qt s.s. boiler? I have 3/4"ID copper tubing going to a 3/8" ID lyn arm to coil. The 3/4" tubing is 24" now and I was wondering should I leave it long or cut it down to 10" ex.
Thanks for any input and much much thanks for this sight.

[Dnderhead]

with what you have it is going to work but whould be slow, basics- the larger the head/column the more vapor is available,,the taller more reflux,
now, the larger the take off port/lyne arm , the faster you can remove the vapor, last the condenser , if to small it is going to restrict , and if
way to small you will just "push "vapor threw it with out condensing. thank of it much like a funnel.

[W.S.C.beachman]

Cool I knew that I was going to be making another trip to Home Depot!!!I am already envisioning the copper top I am going to build. I will see what I can get in an 1.5"-2"!!!! The more reflux the higher %alc., but you get less flavors. Am I close?

[Dnderhead]

yes I like aging at 60%

[kiwistiller]

The more reflux the higher %alc., but you get less flavors. Am I close?

spot on. if you've ever had glenmorangie scotch, you'll know it is very smooth and subtle, and aside from their narrow hearts cut, their high stills are partly responsible: http://www.whiskybase.com/images/distil ... _still.jpg" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;" rel="nofollow

[W.S.C.beachman]

Those are some nice pot stills!!! Quick question: How does the onion shaped head on the copper alembic still work, adds more reflux?

[kiwistiller]

pretty much. it is an expansion chamber, so as the column expands, the vapour slows down, enhancing reflux and (I think, someone correct me if i'm wrong) helps to prevent puking.

[W.S.C.beachman]

Thats good , the last thing we want is for us to get puke in our spirits. LOL