is there a safe proof to distill at !

[puig]

Hello Good Folk

Just a quick questions , Im using a 8gallon botstill on my kitchen stove so safety is a big aspect ! im looking at double, triple distilling but need to know whats the max proof i can distill at each time after the stripping run , ive read most people take it down to 20% is this for safety or quality.

Thanks & Regards Michael

[Husker]

Most water down to 40% ABV or below. I am of the 'below' belief. At 40%, alcohol will not burn. However, when distilling, we get it very hot (boiling), so the burning point ABV is probably lower than 40%.

I usually run my spirit runs at 32-35% ABV.

The main reason it is lowered, is so that if there is a cato failure, and the boiler cracks and leaks material from the boiler, than it will not burn, or if it does burn a little, it will go out pretty much right away.

Also note, that the ABV of the boiler load will drop pretty quickly, as the product is removed.

To sum things up, the 'rule of thumb', is to never run a boiler load over 40% ABV. Lower than that is up to you.

H.

[puig]

Big Thanks Husker ... Thats the answer i was looking for.

Again thanks , Michael