WPOSW - Importance of keeping below 10% with VM reflux still

[Big L]

Hi All,

If running a VM reflux still how important is it to keep the wash ABV below 10%? I understand why it would be important with a pot stills but if you're going for a neutral with all that reflux would it still make a difference?

Am asking because i've got two lots of 50% ready to run through the reflux - some where i did keep it below 10% and some where I didn't - wondering if its worth doing them separately or if its fine to just throw them in together.

All the best

[StillerBoy]

Assuming I'm understanding your question, your asking the abv load putting in boiler before running..

If you are reducing the load to 10% abv, that's way to low for neutral.. the boiler load should be between 35 - 40% abv..

As to mixing different abv of low wine together, good to go, as long as your are aiming for the abv mention above..

Mars

[shadylane]

I think he is asking about the potential ABV of the fermented wash.

I'd recommend running them separate just to see if one of them is better

[Big L]

Yeah sorry for not being clear: I will load the boiler with 35-40% - what i am asking if loading them separately is worth it. One which was over 10% and one under 10% at the fermented wash stage (but have now both been stripped).

Annoyingly Shadylane I don't think i'll have quite enough of the under 10% to load it on its own but that is okay i'll get some more going and do it separately. Its worth checking you're right.

[StillerBoy]

Sorry for not understanding your question..

In a sugar wash, it is best to stay under the 10% as it will have less of the sugar bite vera a batch over 10%.. as to running together, provided they are of the same makeup / recipe, there is no issue there..

Mars

[MartinCash]

One of the reasons for the recommendation is that, even if your column is good at producing a very neutral product, you will still have more heads and tails from a higher ABV wash, and less usable product (to a point) so it's a case of diminishing returns. You may also carry detectable off flavours, depending on your wash and still.

[shadylane]

Yeah sorry for not being clear: I will load the boiler with 35-40% - what i am asking if loading them separately is worth it. One which was over 10% and one under 10% at the fermented wash stage (but have now both been stripped).

That's My secret recipe
Several 10% washes stripped to 35-40% then redistilled in a reflux column

[Yummyrum]

I get best results when I strip wash first in my Pot still and then run through the VM @ 30-40% abv

[bluefish_dist]

The less than 10% is simply to make better tasting product. Has nothing to do with the still, but is a good rule of thumb for fermentation. Yeast don’t like high abv and produce off flavors when stressed. By keeping the abv down, the yeast are happy and make good flavors.

[Big L]

Thanks all! New washes on the way!