Temperatures

[NO1DLR]

Does the temperature of the still always increase at the end of the hearts, even if the water flow is quite high to ensure a lot of reflux?

[olddog]

Yes because water boils at a higher temperature than alcohol. As the alcohol percentage decreases, the water percentage increases, causing the temp to rise.


OD

[NO1DLR]

For someone like me, who is a relative newbie at distilling, is it wise to go by temperatures to dictate when I am running into the tails? I don't have the skills to pay the bills when it comes down to determining whether or not I'm running into tails simply by taste or smell alone, so if I keep my temperature at a steady 78-79C, should I stop stilling once the temperature goes up beyond 84C, or is that a rather crude method?

[Dnderhead]

first we have to know what kind of still. a good reflux still you can monitor by temps..but not with a pot still.
but even so the final decision should be taste/smell. if you do a run into smaller containers (keep in order)
it wont be long and you will learn.

[LWTCS]

if you do a run into smaller containers (keep in order)
it wont be long and you will learn.

Yep, Just collect (better) 250ml to 300 ml at a time with some mason jars. U can get a dozen for 6 bucks.
Or start recycling your glass jelly or tomatoe sauce jars.

Let your collected spirits air out for a day. Then you'll be in good position to make some real definitive observations on all of your collection jars.

Temps can not tell you what will smell or taste good. You'll get it.

Good luck.

[NO1DLR]

first we have to know what kind of still. a good reflux still you can monitor by temps

SS super reflux