New uk shiner

[Greengrass]

Hi folks, thought id join the site, seeings as im just about to build my first pot still.
I had um'd n ah'd about buy a 25ltr reflux still, but declined at paying that extortionate cost.

Im on a tight budget, so i got a 7.5ltr ss stockpot, gonna attach a 26'' column of 22mm copper tube
(its expensive here in the uk, and its all i could get), with a 45 degree up for a few inches (any ideas how long?),
going into a 90 degree down to a 8mm coil up to 10m long (as i have no way to cool it yet, a pump will appear
at some time).

Got a 25ltr batch of rum wash started tonight, and ready to go.
(made a basic sugar ready to run through to clean before hand).

1 question i got about ss wool.
Can i leave some in the pot as its boiling (instead of ceramic pieces to stop it bubbling?),
and should i put some in the bottom of the column too?

[LWTCS]

Well you really don't need packing if your going to potstill but some do use it to boost ABV.

Stainless wool???

The meshed copper potscrubber material seems to be the prefered material but it seems you already have a copper column.

Folks do also use the mesh in lieu of boiling chips.

If your gonna try and make a proper rum then the pot still is the way to go rather than the reflux unit. Although some do have good success with the later.

Measurements on any given potstill posted here on the forums are rather,,,,,,academic.
Find yourself a picture of a unit that tickles your fancy and/or your available materials, and approximate the build to suit your working space/budget.

Lots of good rum recipes here in the Tried and True section.
Lots of latitude for adjustment with the rums.

Cheers

Don't expect to get that familar rum nose till a few generations into your cycle.

[blanikdog]

Welcome GG. What LWTCS said. Good luck.

blanik

[Greengrass]

Thanks for the welcome guys.

Yeah, lots of interesting posts on rum, and am taking notes.
Once the pot still's built, i'll bung some piccies on.

[ty-tek]

Welcome from another Brit!!!

With a name like Greengrass I'd guess you live near Goathland - am I close??

Good luck with your brew!!!

[Greengrass]

Welcome from another Brit!!!

With a name like Greengrass I'd guess you live near Goathland - am I close??

Good luck with your brew!!!

Ha ha ha...nah, but i wouldnt wanna put my real name on here
Im from a bit further south...about 4 hours via A1M

[rubber duck]

Welcome aboard.

Looks like you have what you need for a pot still. If I where building it I wouldn't use steel wool or any packing material.

[Greengrass]

Welcome aboard.

Looks like you have what you need for a pot still. If I where building it I wouldn't use steel wool or any packing material.

Just gotta get the pot lid drilled, and its ready to go.
Decided not to muck about with any packing, and keep it a simple.

my first 25ltrs of rum wash is bubbling away.... bring it on!