Unclear First Strip

[bobsterman91]

I just did a sample run to test my pot still which i have used successfully one other time. The small batch of grain based mash i put in ran fine but came out light brown and not clear. It didn't do this last time, then again it was a sugar wash. what can i do to fix this? I thought about using a thumper?

Thanks

[Dnderhead]

flooded/boiled over/puked? to full?.to much heat?

[blind drunk]

Also, did you do a cleaning vinegar run and a sacrificial distillate run? Are you running with packing?

[Dnderhead]

grain tends to foam,a "hot brake" will help also only fill your boiler 1/2-2/3 full.

[rtalbigr]

I addition to what Dnder and BD have said, strip runs can often be cloudy because of the fusil alcohols that are produced and because you are collecting everything. The brown color, though, Dnder and BD got that one.

Do a spirit run and everything should come out crystal clear.

Big R

[bobsterman91]

First Thank you for all the replies,

The boiler was only filled about half way, going off your responses I probably turned the heat up too fast. Ill let it come up slower this next time. THank you very much for your help!

[rtalbigr]

Learning how your still works is an important part of all this. I know just how long I can heat at full power before I turn the heat down. One thing you can do is feel your riser. When it starts to get warm where it connects to your pot then it's time to reduce power. I always start feeling where I conect to my worm and then work back to the pot. Depending on where it's hot I'll have a pretty good idea of when I'll get distillate coming out.

Big R

[losthog]

This is why I am reading, reading, reading, the "touch" test for heat described above is experienced hands doing the job. I like it.