Stripping Run Spirit Run Definition

[Stonecutter]

I have seen some confusion in the forum regarding the definitions of a stripping run versus a spirit run and this time I thought I’d actually add something of substance rather than my own sly quips into the forum. I hope this post is intelligible and articulated enough to provide some information to somebody and I gladly welcome any criticism and critiques

There are all manner of blending and re-distilling that can be done but the object of this topic is to shed some light on the two main and simple processes which we hobbyists are concerned with. A stripping run and a spirit run.

A stripping run is performed at a fast collection speed and considered as any run that will be put back into the boiler for later distillation. It is used in the distillation process to eliminate some of the unwanted congeners trapped in the wash/wort while at the same time boosting ABV. A forescut is usually taken during the stripping run and the rest of the distillate, defined as “low wines”, is collected into one large vessel. In order to get the most out of the wash or wort most hobbyists will collect the distillate until the total volume equals 30% ABV or lower and many hobbyists will strip until the distillate coming out of the product condenser is around 5% ABV. It is recommended to distill the boiler charge UNTIL THE TOTAL COLLECTED VOLUME OF THE STRIPPING RUN IS EQUAL TO A MINIMUM 40% ABV.
Important safety tip: Never charge a boiler with anything over 40%ABV.
In order to reduce flavor profiles and/or excess oils from being carried over into the spirit run some of the hobbyists stripping wash for a “neutral” spirit will add water to dilute the spirit instead of using the tails. It generally takes 3-4 striping runs to properly charge the same boiler for a spirit run.

The spirit run is considered as any distillation process in which the majority of the spirit is kept for consumption. Spirit runs can be a single distillation or a double, triple etc. Even if you add fresh wash to the boiler charge along with your low wines; if you plan on saving what you collect for consumption this is still considered a spirit run. Spirit runs are performed at a slow collection speed in order to reduce “smearing” and the distillate is usually collected into many jars which we call “cuts”. However, if you’ve already taken a forescut during your stripping run your heads cut can be greatly reduced maybe even eliminated for the spirit run. If you are unsure about cuts the following link may be of some help…. viewtopic.php?t=13261

It is helpful to note that there is no all encompassing collection speed for either runs. Collection speeds will vary depending upon the efficiency of the product condenser, size of still and a few other factors. What is important to remember is that you don’t overpower your product condenser and to prevent the contents “puking” into the still.

If you’re just starting down the rabbit hole or if it’s a new style of spirit that you’re making it is highly recommended during your spirit run to collect a small amount into a bunch of jars. As you chase the white rabbit you may be capable of adjusting the manner in which you collect, for example, collecting all your hearts into one jar and late heads and early tails in a few smaller jars.

To this I’ll add the hybrid “1.5” method. In this fashion one would perform a stripping run and then add the collected low wines and enough fresh wash to charge their boiler to then perform a spirit run.