Stainless vs Copper Gin Basket

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Moonraker
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Stainless vs Copper Gin Basket

Post by Moonraker »

Hi,
In 3273 posts, I can't find any opinions on which is better copper or stainless gin baskets.
My real (newbie) question is doe anyone know of issues putting a stainless gin basket in line with a copper pot still and condenser?
Thanks!
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NZChris
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Re: Stainless vs Copper Gin Basket

Post by NZChris »

Copper is needed to clean up sulfides in stripping runs and spirit runs. Spirit that goes into the gin still should be clean already.
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Twisted Brick
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Re: Stainless vs Copper Gin Basket

Post by Twisted Brick »

Moonraker wrote: Fri Nov 25, 2022 4:19 pm
My real (newbie) question is does anyone know of issues putting a stainless gin basket in line with a copper pot still and condenser?
That's a good question. Some of my earlier research revealed that one gin distillery may favor a stainless tray while another distillery employs a copper tray. Laverstoke Distillery in Whitchurch, UK pushes a French 96.3% GNS through botanicals housed in perforated stainless trays (below) to make their Bombay Sapphire gin. I used to have a pic the same kind of trays (copper) but can't find it in my current condition. I'll look for it later on.

If you plan on making an in-line gin basket, you'll want to do some research regarding the impact of residue falling from spent botanicals back into the boiler. By your kit, you're already aware of the benefits of spirits distilled in copper.
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NZChris
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Re: Stainless vs Copper Gin Basket

Post by NZChris »

Note the size of the gin basket.

There are plenty of offset gin baskets for sale on the net that are aimed at new distillers but are undersized for the stills they are being sold for.
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Saltbush Bill
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Re: Stainless vs Copper Gin Basket

Post by Saltbush Bill »

Moonraker wrote: Fri Nov 25, 2022 4:19 pm In 3273 posts, I can't find any opinions on which is better copper or stainless gin basket
I guess the next question is what makes you think that a gin basket will result it a better gin?

Cool photos of the baskets TB.
Moonraker
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Re: Stainless vs Copper Gin Basket

Post by Moonraker »

Thank you!!
tiramisu
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Re: Stainless vs Copper Gin Basket

Post by tiramisu »

Seems like many of the whisky guys like their gin macerated rather than london dry.
I am more of a gin basket kind of guy.

Copper vs Steel probably matters not at all unless you are using something fruity as a base and have a sulfur taste to remove.
In any base I would use for gin it wouldn't matter and stainless is cheaper and more robust. Copper is sexier though.
OtisT
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Re: Stainless vs Copper Gin Basket

Post by OtisT »

If I had an option I would choose stainless, only because I find it easier to clean.
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NZChris
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Re: Stainless vs Copper Gin Basket

Post by NZChris »

OtisT wrote: Mon Nov 28, 2022 7:21 pm If I had an option I would choose stainless, only because I find it easier to clean.
My stainless Carter Head basket is lined with sticky green tar at the end of a Bombay style run. I doubt that it being made out of copper would make it any more difficult to clean.
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