First Run of UJSSM

[Firestorm34]

Last night i did my first run of my UJSSM. I had done several previous runs, just getting used to the still and trying to get use to and trying to make cuts. I used my 3 gallon pot still and had it around 2.75 gallons in it. I had a thermometer on my still but i don't really pay attention to it, i just tried to keep the output to a few drops a second.

I used 6- 1 pint mason jars. Each time the mason jar got to a little under half or 1/3 full i would switch. I could tell a difference.

My Results are:

I threw out the first 4 oz.
Jar # 1: 95 proof - This jar was pretty 1/2 full - figured this was heads and maybe a little of the hearts.
Jar # 2: 88 proof - This jar was a little 1/2 full
Jar # 3: 80 proof - This jar was a little 1/2 full
Jar # 4: 68 proof - This jar was about 1/3 full - My water in my cooling bucket was getting warm, so i added some cooler water. figured this was the reason for the drop in proof.
Jar # 5: 60 proof - This jar was about 1/3 full - i could defiantly tell a difference in the smell, started to smell like wet cardboard.
Jar # 6: 50 proof - This jar was about 1/3 full - The tempt started to climb to around 210 and the smell was of wet cardboard so i stopped running.

This was my first run actually trying to take make cuts. i know i still have a lot more to learn but i know this was a great learning experience and will continue to read and practice making cuts. Got my Second fermentation going! Thanks!

[Boda Getta]

Congrats on your first run. It sounds like you made a single run batch in your pop still; there are a few guys who do single run whiskey and seem to be pleased with it. I have collected hearts a few times while doing the stripping run of a double run and was pleased. Most of us two a double run, stripping several batches (with your small still I suspect this is what you will do at some point), then saving the low wines and doing a spirit run.

Your ABV numbers seem low even for a first run with a pot still. You didn't say what the ABV of your wash was but it appears it must have been pretty low. Did you check the OG and FG and try to determine the ABV of the wash? Most of my UJSSM batches end up around 9-10 ish % ABV and my low wines end up around 110 'ish proof even after going fairly deep into the tails. After the spirit run my final blend usually is around 130 ish proof.

This was a good first effort and will definitely be valuable in your learning curve.

Good luck
BG

[Firestorm34]

Thanks for the response, i have done several stripping runs and have kept the low wines that has came out and i am keeping them to do a spirit run. I had the wrong type of hydrometer to read proofs and SG. i bought the wrong one, got a beer and wine one on accident. I finally got a proof and tralles hydrometer and that's how i was able to make readings. I don't know what my ABV was but assumed it was low.

Thanks,

Fire

[Firestorm34]

I've searched all over the forums and the main page but havent been able to fine the answer so ill just ask.

Question: I know the term low wines means "a low ABV level", but what proof or percentage actually mean it?

and secondly,

what is the best ABV to have when i do a spirit run.

Thanks,

Fire

[rad14701]

I'd suggest that for future runs you reduce the amount collected per jar even further so you and up with a minimum of 9 - 12 jars... You'll be able to hone in on the cuts a bit better which should result in a bit larger and cleaner amount kept and less saved as feints... Sounds like you're well on your way...

[Boda Getta]

Firestorm34:

" I know the term low wines means "a low ABV level", but what proof or percentage actually mean it?"

I believe "low wine" is an old moonshiners term and there's no set proof or ABV. It's simply the result of a first run or stripping run of a wash or mash. There are many variables, including the ABV of the wash or mash, type of still, speed of running etc etc.

"what is the best ABV to have when i do a spirit run"

The answer to this question is all over this forum, particularly the Safety section. The rule of thumb is generally to never run a batch over 40% ABV or 80 proof. The reason for this is safety; 80 proof is not flammable. You wouldn't think of heating a boiler full of gasoline especially with a open flame and the same is true for alcohol. From a quality standpoint I dilute mine down to 35% or even 30%; IMHO the resultant product is "cleaner" (less undesirable compounds)

Good luck
BG

[Stilly]

To go further with the point that boda getta was speaking of, if you dilute with fresh wash so that your second run is in the neighborhood of 28-30% your final run will not need much dilution if at all to get to the aging zone of 60-65%. More flavor carries thru this way. On a second run of UJ, I collect from about 78-80% down to 55-60%, taste thru them after a couple days of airing and make my cuts by taste.

Age that UJSSM on some toasted white oak for 6 months to a year and you will be a happy camper, or leave it white for a few weeks and enjoy for the Holidays.

cheers
stilly

[Firestorm34]

Thanks for your guys input i have another batch of UJ ready to run tonight, i will work on my cuts some more!

Fire

[ipee7ABV]

i keep collecting down to 20% then add the tails to the next run. it increases you abv% and adds a little flavor imo

[Firestorm34]

I have two hydrometers, i have a proof and tralles one that i use to measure the proof and ABV of my spirits, i have another one which is a beer and wine, triple scale reader.

My question is, could i use the beer and wine hydrometer to measure my SG. or do i need to get a different hydrometer that reads SG

Thanks,

Fire

[Durace11]

Beer/Wine triple scale is the only one you can use to check your specific gravity. The Proof/Tralles is only used to "proof" alcohol & water. If you add anything to your alcohol & water distillate it can throw off the proof/tralles and if you use the triple scale hydrometer on distilled spirits it will read incorrect.