2nd post -
I have a few questions and looking for some guidance or opinions/expertise on my current pot still setup vs. some possible changes. Been becoming more and more interested in the hobby for the last several years and have been slowly building a setup over the last year or two, as money allows.
I have no experience under my belt at this point, other than reading many dozens of hours abroad on the internet, this forum, watching that popular show on TV and having a friend that makes his own on occasion. With the current state of things, I am thinking of finally jumping in.
I am primarily interested in producing my own rum, whiskey and vodka. A pot still will be good for lower proof flavored spirits, but not so much vodka, I picked up a dephlegmator with the hopes it might be possible. So far, pieced together a setup by selecting individual parts ordered online.
Currently have: 8 gallon Stainless Steel boiler - 2" Inch copper helmet - 2" Inch copper elbows - 2" Inch Stainless Steel (450mm-18"inch) 8-tube shotgun condenser - 1650 Watt Tri-Clamp heater or Propane burner ***optional 2" Inch Copper Reflux Dephlegmator***
I am wondering/considering if basically keeping the same setup but upgrading to a larger (4" Inch to 2" Inch down-path) copper head would offer any improvements over the pieces/setup I already have? Improvements in flavor, quality or speed?
Ideally, keeping my Stainless Steel shotgun condenser is preferred as I already have it, but also question if a similar copper version is better? I have read on here before that copper in up-path is desired but not necessarily in the the down-path. But then I have read that copper is more efficient at cooling in the down-path, which potentially affects speed?
I am a novice and trying to dial in my setup over time to produce well and be pieces that I can keep for a long time without replacing or out-growing too quickly. Any kind expertise/opinions would greatly be appreciated.
Thank you..