G'day from Stinking hot Australia

[Rum_Angel13]

Hi,
I'm possibly an abnormality... A woman who wants to learn to distill.

My preference is Rum, however a mate makes everything and it smells divine raw and when essences are added, it is amazing and now I want to do the same. I've tried Turbo Yeast, twice, and made something that smelt like rocket fuel... It has to be wrong. Restilled both batches in my T500, my thermometer scared me stupid at 67°C. I'm terrified of stuffing up. And haven't drank anything of yet because when it smells that bad it can't be good- essences couldn't cover the stench.

I was starting blind and don't really have a lot of local people to help guide me... So I've come here. I hope not to get confused by the F/C difference.

[Saltbush Bill]

Welcome Aboard Rum Angel.

I'm possibly an abnormality... A woman who wants to learn to distill.

Quite a few women join, some stay, some don't, that can be said for men too.

however a mate makes everything and it smells divine raw and when essences are added

Very few if any here use essences, mostly we use the same raw ingredients used by commercial distillerys.

I've tried Turbo Yeast, twice, and made something that smelt like rocket fuel... It has to be wrong.

Very few here will use Turbo yeast either.......at least you have learned what doesn't work.
Suggest you read through our Tried & True Recipe section. Shadys Sugar Shine would be a good starting place for you with a T500 it will be much ,much, much cleaner than any turbo wash.
You also need to learn about making cuts.... https://homedistiller.org/forum/viewtop ... 15&t=11640 .....without that you will never make good booze.....regardless of what the T500 user manual told you.

Last but not least you can run a T500 very well with out looking at the thermometer .......fiddle with the water flow, watch what effect it has...more water, =less spirit leaves the still= more reflux= cleaner /purer spirit and higher ABV.........less water the opposite effect. In short the slower the spirit leaves the still the cleaner it will be.
You don't need a thermometer to do that. Eyes to look ...nose and taste buds to taste and smell.
The thermometer and temps given by the manufacturers are only a rough guide for people who don't know or cant understand any other way.

[shadylane]

Welcome to our rabbit hole of bad habits.
If it gets too hot for you folks downunder
I'll trade ya 20'f of cold air for 10'c of your hot weather.
Shipping, taxes and handling charges not included

[SassyFrass]

Hello and welcome. My wife can/has run our outfit as well as or better than me. She would just rather do macerations, infusions, and flavoring. I've no experience with the T500, but a bunch here can and will give you advice, You have a bunch of learning and reading to do. Have fun, stay safe.
SF

[Demy]

Welcome from me. Don't be discouraged, with a little patience and practice you will be an excellent distiller. A first advice is not to use turbo yeast, I have never used it but it does not enjoy much fame. Read a lot of information here on the forum then ask the questions about your doubts, I'm sure you will get a lot of answers.

[Yummyrum]

Welcome , from another sweaty Aussie . Where abouts are you ? .... roughly .

LOL I remember when I first started distilling and all I knew was from what I had seen in a Home brew shop . I discovered this site and it was like my whole world was shattered . It was like no..... whatttttt....Rums made from Molasses
I love rum , and had tried all the Rum essences and they all tasted like crap .

Finally after many years making something I can stand . But essence flavoured Gin is still our go to in rhis stinken weather

[The Baker]

Welcome, from northern Victoria.

Geoff

[HDNB]

welcome from frozen cold Canada.

So much good info here, i hope you enjoy the place. You've already learned turbo is bad, bread yeast is a fine alternative....but the secret really lies with the cuts and blending and aging.
All good practice though on your way to a great drop. cheers.

[BourbonStreet]

Welcome from the USA. I think it’s fantastic that a woman wants to join. Several of the legal operations around here have females as distillers, and they make solid stuff.