Just finished my first Birdwatchers

[Jmark]

So after my plastic jug debacle where I ruined 2.5 gals of decent neutral, we decided to give Birdwatchers a go. To be honest I was expecting a mild improvement over the turbos I have been using.

Holy cow. This is so much better as to not even compare. I am able to sip directly from the 185 that it is coming out at and it actually tastes smooth. I thought what I made before was decent, but it tasted like paint thinner in comparison.

For every new distiller on here like myself, whatever you are making, if you want to make a good neutral, try Birdwatchers recipe and just follow his calculator.

[NZChris]

What idiot told you it was safe to drink at 185?

You can't properly get the taste at that proof anyway, so it's not much of a test.

[Jmark]

People drink Everclear at 190 proof every day. I doubt taking a sip to see what the flavor is will be a life-threatening event. If I am wrong, by all means someone let me know so they don't find my corpse in the bathroom.

If anyone has ever tried a sip of 185 proof turbo and a sip of 185 proof BW, I think they will agree with me that while you may not get a good idea of flavors, the difference is astounding.

[ShineonCrazyDiamond]

People drink Everclear at 190 proof every day. I doubt taking a sip to see what the flavor is will be a life-threatening event.

Life threatening and stupid are completely different, but often go hand in hand.

[Jmark]

Ok, since this is apparently going to turn into a dog-pile instead of guidance, I will ask again: "If I am wrong, by all means someone let me know so they don't find my corpse in the bathroom."

Now that I have been called stupid, I wonder if someone would mind explaining so that if it is something dangerous I can be sure to be safe.

[ShineonCrazyDiamond]

Yes, you are wrong, do not drink anything over 50% ABV. Will you die immediately? No. Does it do harm to your internal tissue and organs? Absolutely.

This hobby is for a more mature audience, that when told not to drink a highly concentrated solvent, doesn't respond with "well I did one time and didn't die, so give me one good reason not to"

[ShineonCrazyDiamond]

...I wonder if someone would mind explaining so that if it is something dangerous I can be sure to be safe.

No one here is obligated to change your mind. The first Google result in this forum, however, should show you that you are far from the first person to come along and argue. They pointed you in the right direction... you do the work and figure out why.

viewtopic.php?f=15&t=46177

A bread crumb.

[Jmark]

Thanks for the answer. I have learned a couple things:

1. Drinking 185 proof is not a great idea
2. Asking why makes you stupid and immature
3. You have absolutely no idea what quotes are for

Then again, when your guidance includes calling people stupid, why expect any different than strawmen?

Take your rude, condescending patronization and shove it. You could have politely offered guidance, instead you ran off a new member.

[NZChris]

Anything that causes cell damage carries a heightened cancer risk. High proof does damage in the mouth and esophagus.

To check spirits for flavor during a run, or when choosing the cut, knocking the proof down to around 70 lets you taste the flavours better than if it is too high.

[Jmark]

Anything that causes cell damage carries a heightened cancer risk. High proof does damage in the mouth and esophagus.

To check spirits for flavor during a run, or when choosing the cut, knocking the proof down to around 70 lets you taste the flavours better than if it is too high.

Thank you, that makes good sense.

[fizzix]

Amazing, huh Jmark?
Yeah we're not dissing turbo just to be snobs, and now you'll be one of the messengers.
I made gallons of neutral for use in Odin's Gin and all of it is refluxed Birdwatcher's.

I'm truly happy that you can put the plastic liquor behind you, and that you've got something good to present.

[Jmark]

Amazing, huh Jmark?
Yeah we're not dissing turbo just to be snobs, and now you'll be one of the messengers.
I made gallons of neutral for use in Odin's Gin and all of it is refluxed Birdwatcher's.

I'm truly happy that you can put the plastic liquor behind you, and that you've got something good to present.

It truly blew my mind. Even the smell is remarkably more pleasant. I will also try a Wineos sugar wash at some point as I have heard nothing but good things. I was probably a bit too overly anxious and excited by the great results as seen above, but I just wanted to spread the word that it definitely made a believer out of me!

[ShineonCrazyDiamond]

You keep misquoting me. I'm finally deciding to correct you.

I never said you were stupid, anymore than I said you were life threatening.

What I said was that drinking high proof spirits may not be immediately life threatening, but it certainly is stupid.

You inferred the rest.

[Jmark]

So add "intellectually dishonest" to patronizing and condescending.

The irony of you saying anything about misquoting given your actual, literal misquote above is interesting to say the least. One wonders if it is projection or simply self aggrandizement that drives you?

[ShineonCrazyDiamond]

I have no reason to go back and forth with you. Anyone that comes along after will not be confused as to whether there is a gray line in the safety of drinking such proof. That is all care about here, and really have no other benefit from your opinion or ultimate decision to take such advice for yourself.