New to Distilling, first attempt with Mangoes!

[ianvice]

Hi, this is "Ianvice" from Australia,
Thanks to all who have made this site what it is. I look forward to learning as much as I can and contributing in some way. I am attempting to make "Mangovice" ... in a sort of Czech style spirit inspired by my wife's family in which many uncles etc follow a proud tradition of spirit making using plums, making 'Slivovice' which I have been lucky enough to sample when over there. Right now my mangoes are fermenting away merrily while I busily go about researching how to make a good, safe still. I am determined to make it myself not only to save money but for the pride and joy of it too. I will post some questions shortly because just when I thought I was on track with things, my local homebrew guy put the fear of God into me regarding methanol poisoning and the danger of using coppper (??!!).. All the best and 'Na Zdravi!!' (Czech for 'Cheers')

[waterford]

Umm, I dont know who you're talking too, but All you should be using in your still is copper and stainless steel. Nothing else.

[rednose]

Welcome Ian

There is no way of copper or methanol poisoning in homebrewing, that's for sure.

Would be good to read the novice section, all is explained there.

Please keep us updated on your mango receipt, I will try it in the next mango season which wil be end of the year.

Joe

my local homebrew guy put the fear of God into me regarding methanol poisoning and the danger of using coppper (??!!) (Czech for 'Cheers')

[LlamaFarma]

Hi Ian,

Mangoes, eh ? You must be from QLD.

I learnt the hard way that you're better off getting your info here than at the home brew shop. They're only interested in lining their own pockets, not the quality of the spirits you're producing. Follow Kiwi's guide for making pot still cuts and you're in NO danger of poisoning yourself.

As far as still design goes, I'd be getting your relatives in CZE to email you some photos and specifications - definitely some proven designs there.

Welcome and Good Luck

LF

[LWTCS]

As far as still design goes, I'd be getting your relatives in CZE to email you some photos and specifications - definitely some proven designs there.

Very good advice. And then please post to the forum.

[olddog]

Just keep your eye on the PH with mangoes, they tend to be a bit acidic, for a still, just a column on a keg can't be beaten for a starter potstill.


OD

[ianvice]

Thanks to all for the welcome! Yes indeed I see no problem with stainless steel and copper. Tried and true materials even I as a novice know from my research and speaking to folks who have done this for decades. I plan to use a SS stockpot or similiar (readily available and fairly cheap for reasonable quality), perhaps 15 litres or thereabouts and distill in 2 batches, 2 runs each of course, discarding the first 100ml on the second runs and watching/tasting/smelling the tails.. I will use copper for the lyne arm and coiled tube for the condensor in a bucket with running water through it. As for the seal at the top of the boiler, I will try making my own with silicone as suggested in the 'how to make a still' section.
If all goes well and I am happy with the end result, I woul love to share the details of my still design and my recipe for fermenting the mangoes. I really hope it works. Hopefully I will have some lovely 'mangovice' to enjoy with friends in my 40th birthday next month.
Fingers crossed!
Ianvice.

[olddog]

I will try making my own with silicone as suggested in the 'how to make a still' section.

I would keep away from silicone, chemicals could leach into your wash, stick to either flower and water paste or natural cork.

OD