Does Anyone Else Do This?

[BlackStrap]

Hey all be awhile since I've posted anything... I've was running stripping Tomato Pate Wash (TPW)
Typically I'll do a collections of strip runs, and then a combined strips for a spirit run.

I start out running low and as the strip starts I'll collect any 4s and heads, then turn on the reflux (set is a hybrid, pot still with controlled/off reflux) and take out a couple pints when the hearts start coming through...Take those and cut them back with water to a 100 proof (whatever would be palatable)

The rest of the wash would have the reflux off and run fast and hard to complete the strip run.

Does anyone else "steal" from the strip as something to sip on while waiting for good stuff?
Or anything similar?

[LWTCS]

Definitely sampled if my strip was slow enough to provide a distillate that was bright enough to not feel like it was growing hair on my tongue. Never made a habit of that once my proper keeper spirit was stockpiled.

[8Ball]

During the first part of my strips, there is a sweet spot where I can get a couple spoonful tastes that give me a good idea of what my end product will taste like and also provides me with an idea of what my cuts should be during the spirit run.

My strip sizes are 3.5-3.75 gallons in a 5G copper pot. I start doing mini sips with a breakfast spoon starting at the 16 oz mark and ending at the 32 oz mark.

[SW_Shiner]

I like to pull 500ml or so out of the middle of a strip run sometimes. Depends how full, or empty my drinking bottle is.