did something wrong?

[wallyb23]

the first mash i ran through was of flaked corn and malted barley. i got 110 proof out of it. thought it was due to no suger. the second witch i just finished was with corn 1 lbs corn meal, and 4 lbs sugar. it came out at 98 proof. it was a little silky/slimmy. i am running a small 3gal pot still. did i do something wrong or... please let me know. thank you.

[Dnderhead]

so what do you want?

[wallyb23]

was wondering if the corn meal should feel silky/slimmy and does it come out to be more than what i got out of it? and if anyone else had gotten something over 98proof

[Dnderhead]

not if converted right.
the percent you put in will determine the percent you git out..
so if you put 5-6% in you mite git 30-40% out,,,if you put the 40% in then it will be closer to 80%

[Frosteecat]

There are so many variables that would influence smell/touch/taste/feel/proof, etc. that it is nearly Impossible to say. Still type (post a pic), heat source and the way it was used, temperatures, SG and FG, condenser, yeast, etc etc etc.

Go to the Secret Forum Of Arcane Knowledge and read everything there then maybe ask a bit more informed question and we may be able to answer it. Good luck!

[wallyb23]

heat source is my stove ( with fire extiguisher in the room) cooler full of ice water and a 120 submusable pump. temp was between 185 -195. i was using turbo 48 hour yeast.

not too sure what you mean by SG and FG. i will let you know if it is explained better or i read it soon.

[Dnderhead]

OG original gravaty,,,FG final gravaty,,,SG,,specific gravity
OG-FG=corrected gravaty,,,,X129=ABV (alcohol by volume

the temperature on a pot still dont mean $#!t.
but the thermometer will give you something to play with..

[RedTopMtn]

I have the same set up except my pot is 5 gals.
The few runs I have done is I get better results
going low and slow trying to stay under 180 degrees F.

[Dnderhead]

with a pot still your not going to git hi proof spirits.
it will be a multiple of what you put in.
how you run make some difference ,the slower you run, the spirits will be slightly higher proof.
i see your using turbo this is not a good choice for a pot still (not for anything for that mater)
a pot still is best for flavord spirits like rum/whisky/brandy and these you distill at or below 80%.

[wallyb23]

thank you. i am trying a new recipie now and did not use turbo. redtopmtn what are your runs coming out like?

[RedTopMtn]

thank you. i am trying a new recipie now and did not use turbo. redtopmtn what are your runs coming out like?

Well the first one I ran basically sucked, I experimented with a mash, so I blame it partly on me running to fast and the experimental mash.

Since then, I started using the tried and true Gerber Barley, have made some mistakes but lerning as I go. For example,
tossing the yeast when the mash is tooo hot, the last time I let it get down to 90 degrees F.

The best ones I have had was after the the second run I started making heads/hearts/tails cuts.
Ran 3 runs and cutting out most of the heads and then weaker tails, The end result no as much yeild but a smoother taste.
Warning, be careful, do not so shots, it will sneak up on you real quick.

Next am going to venture into wood chips and some cinnamon sticks and other things.
Learning as I go..........loving every minute of it.

Good luck!
Be safe.