Novice Distill asking for help or answers

[CryptoCountryBoy]

Hello everyone,

I'm a New distiller (almost a year now) and I am from "moonshine" and Bootlegging (now known as Nascar Country) state. Actually got into it due to the science behind it. Really not a drinker. Yes, I know that sounds weird but Hey... it's whatever now. lol.
Anyway here are my experiences and questions:

I built my own still and PID system. (Thanks to Youtube)

I don't rely on the PID for cuts (I do taste) just use the PID for to keep up with temps and an idea of when cuts should be made based due to temps.

I would then take the finished Spirts and run thru a Brita (Once again saw this on Youtube) However, I felt that it stripped way to much flavor out of the Corn recipe Wash I used. So I learned how to make my own Charcoal and now filter from worm to jar like the "oldtimers"

Here are some issues I have had and what I've done thus far to try to correct them. Maybe with help from you I can refine my process.

Issue 1: Felt I stripped flavors
Fix: Switched from Brita to Homemade Charcoal

Issue 2: After cuts, blending and tempering (Proofing down to 40% ABV/80 Proof) I still feel its to HOT (Alcohol burn/ Very Strong)
Fix: Extended Worm by double length to try and give it more time to cool down and condense

Issue 3: After cuts, blending and tempering (Proofing down to 40% ABV/80 Proof) I still feel its to HOT (Alcohol burn/ Very Strong)
Fix: when spirt has been collected and blended I insert an stone air bubbler (the ones you use in a fish tank) to aerate and hopefully help blend better before bottling.

Any and all info, help, or comments are appreciated.

[Saltbush Bill]

Welcome to the forum Crypto.
Not trying to be negative, but much of what is on Youtube.....especially about using pid controllers to control boiler temp is just plain out wrong. They are the wrong tool for the job.
Very few if any people here filter flavored spirits......more bad youtube advice I suspect.
Running your still properly and making the right cuts should fix the harshness of your corn spirit.
If you want to know more about why PID is the wrong way to go, read some of the many threads contained within the link below.
https://homedistiller.org/forum/app.php ... itesearch=
If you have more questions please ask them in the appropriate area of the forum....we try to keep this part for introductions/ welcomes only.

[SassyFrass]

Hello and welcome to HD. I cant comment on running electric, I'm still researching that aspect.
I dont know what kind of mash/wash you are using but I'd bet it's a corn/sugar wash. If so, that hot bite you're getting is probably from the sugar and running too fast. Good ferment with happy yeast, strip then slow spirit run, then good cuts will help smooth that out. Just my .02
Anyway, do the reading here, it will help you. Be careful of the stuff on YouTube and some of those folks. Many of them only give part of the story and others just put out some bad information. Have fun and be safe.
SF

[8Ball]

Welcome CCB. The advice given to you is solid and you will be wise to take heed and observe it. I suggest that you hit the reset button and do the recommended reading here. When you are ready, pick a tried & true recipe and follow it exactly.

[azeo]

Welcome aboard, keep reading and following advice here, you'll find the understanding to adjust what you're doing now to get better results. You tube is definitely a minefield, having said that, there are some channels worth watching, just not for the be all and end all. Building your own kit is a great start.
Although you need to move on to posting questions in separate threads, I'd reccomend moving away from aquarium stones, they usually use plastic spigots and resin to bond that you don't want in your spirit. Same goes for filtering systems. The all-stainless aeration wands beer brewers use make a fine replacement for air stones. Heat comes from too wide cuts generally, usually heads, longer worms or aeration are not going to fix that in the short term. Have fun and stay safe!

[CryptoCountryBoy]

Welcome to the forum Crypto.
Not trying to be negative, but much of what is on Youtube.....especially about using pid controllers to control boiler temp is just plain out wrong. They are the wrong tool for the job.
Very few if any people here filter flavored spirits......more bad youtube advice I suspect.
Running your still properly and making the right cuts should fix the harshness of your corn spirit.
If you want to know more about why PID is the wrong way to go, read some of the many threads contained within the link below.
https://homedistiller.org/forum/app.php ... itesearch=
If you have more questions please ask them in the appropriate area of the forum....we try to keep this part for introductions/ welcomes only.

TY for the comment and info.. I have been nervous to ask questions here until this one. Yes I have watched alot of YT video's. Mainly only about 3 people but nether the less I have put many hours into reading books and trying to take old timers where I live (at least the ones that will talk. lol) I will continue reading and learning as I very much enjoy the science behind this hobby and knowing that I'm doing this the correct way.

[CryptoCountryBoy]

Hello and welcome to HD. I cant comment on running electric, I'm still researching that aspect.
I dont know what kind of mash/wash you are using but I'd bet it's a corn/sugar wash. If so, that hot bite you're getting is probably from the sugar and running too fast. Good ferment with happy yeast, strip then slow spirit run, then good cuts will help smooth that out. Just my .02
Anyway, do the reading here, it will help you. Be careful of the stuff on YouTube and some of those folks. Many of them only give part of the story and others just put out some bad information. Have fun and be safe.
SF

TYVM for the info and message. Doing stripping runs is the one thing I do not do and I'm kinda nervous about. Because I have the PID system I try to run slow only going up 2-3 degrees at a time and only when my drips have stopped for more than 2-3 seconds.

The main recipe I was using was Corn,rye,6row and added sugar to bring the OG up to around 1090. I haven't made anything new in the last 2 months because I just moved states. However, I planned on working with an all grain bill from now on. no more sugar unless 100% needed or a sugar wash.

[CryptoCountryBoy]

Welcome aboard, keep reading and following advice here, you'll find the understanding to adjust what you're doing now to get better results. You tube is definitely a minefield, having said that, there are some channels worth watching, just not for the be all and end all. Building your own kit is a great start.
Although you need to move on to posting questions in separate threads, I'd reccomend moving away from aquarium stones, they usually use plastic spigots and resin to bond that you don't want in your spirit. Same goes for filtering systems. The all-stainless aeration wands beer brewers use make a fine replacement for air stones. Heat comes from too wide cuts generally, usually heads, longer worms or aeration are not going to fix that in the short term. Have fun and stay safe!

TYVM for the info and message.. I now (last few runs I did at least) started making cuts with pint jars (smaller ones) so that if I get the cut wrong I don't lose alot of product. TY for the info on the air stones. never thought about it like that.

[Saltbush Bill]

I have been nervous to ask questions here until this one.

I read things like this far to often, don't be nervous or scared to ask things.....there are a few grumpy old members who hate answering questions.......there are many many other members who are only to happy to answer your questions and help you on your way in the hobby.