ecological reasons. When I started talking about a still a few months ago a buddy brought
me a 5 gal pressure canister for a soda fountain. It seemed like a good place to start, but
I didn't have a good way to heat it directly because of the 2 inch plastic base so I put it
in another pot, double boiler style. Then it took forever to heat up so I start playing
with vacuum. Pretty soon it looked like this. I know it ain't pretty but it does
actually distill alcohol.
I test ran a couple gals. cheap vodka solution 12
1/2%ABV. Stablized at 27in.hg and 142F. Collected 3 bottles. 14 oz. 45ABV, 14 oz.
23ABV, and 14 oz. 7 ABV. Does that look ok?
Here's a question. My product outlet is way undersize compared to an alembic stillhead. What am I compromizing there? I could probably tap the cap and get up to 2 1/2 in. or so dia. Pot still only. Don't need lots of reflux. I've been reading you old pros saying don't use a thermometer, but I need the crutch! I need the airlock, too. I need something to look at and fret about 'cause I don't know what the hell's going on inside the pot and it's making me crazy!
I think I'm ready for drinkables. Today I loaded 2 gal. 50% vinegar solution. Stablized around 20in.hg and 170F. Need to
find vinegar b.p.
I shut down the cleaning run on the forth bottle. Couldn't take any more.
Rad14701 suggested putting an electric element in the pop can. Good idea. Vacuum distilling just wasn't as much fun as it seemed like. And I don't think it's even saving any time.It took 5 1/2 to 6 hrs to collect 3 1/4 qts. of the vinegar solution. But this is my
first still, i've gothing to compare to. Anybody? And that's after 6 hrs. of screwing
with the vacuum apparatus. The pop can wants to jump around some, too. That must be what they call bumping. I've been listening to the sink run for like 12 hrs now.
Sounds like it's raining. Gets really depressing after a while.
Probably do it for $20 or
so. Thanks Rad. I'm going to the liquor store.
Appreciate feedback.