First true reflux run

Many like to post about a first successful ferment (or first all grain mash), or first still built/bought or first good run of the still. Tell us about all of these great times here.
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Byubuk
Novice
Posts: 13
Joined: Mon May 24, 2010 4:23 pm

First true reflux run

Post by Byubuk »

Morning all. I cranked up the Bokakob for a first complete running after all the cleaning runs a couple of weeks ago. Ran a 10 gallon UJSSM. Here's how she did before I start with the questions. Threw out about a pint, then collected 8 pints nice and clear ( 190 all the way down to around 60) after this a definate drop in proff and cloudiness appeared.
I brought the temperature up nice and slow with the valve fully closed, but could never attain close to 172. got to around 168 or so, and I let her reflux for almost an hour. Should I crank up the heat next time?
Took off forashots at a drip rate of about 3 per second, and the rest of the run at a pencil lead sized stream. Does this rate sound right?
Also, I thought my finished product would have been a little more.
I currently have a 2nd ferment of sweet feed and also a 2nd ferment of UJSSM going . They should be ready by the weekend. Thinking about running these through the pot still with doubler.
Where there's a will, there's a way... You can jus call me Will.
Braz
Distiller
Posts: 1899
Joined: Tue Jan 05, 2010 4:38 pm
Location: Indiana, USA, Inc.

Re: First true reflux run

Post by Braz »

I wouldn't be too concerned about what your temperature is reading. It can be affected by where your probe is located in the still and/or the altitude you are at. What you are looking for is a steady temp, not so much what the reading actually is.

I keep my takeoff rate at 2 or 3 drips per second. I think a pencil lead stream is a little too fast for a Bok if you are looking for a pure neutral. I get 95% and rock steady temps all the way through a run - till the very end. On mine, as soon as the temp spikes by a couple degrees I shut down 'cause at that point I am getting into deep tails.

You shouldn't be seeing "190 all the way down to 60" from a reflux still. You should be getting high proof with no dropoff till the very end.
Braz
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