Home Distiller

@runforthehills, you have got some good advise here. The wind is playing a part in you not really being able to reach an equilibrium so insulate the column. I have 2" foam inulation around mine but as grayson suggested you can also use two differant sizes to make it around the column. Most split insulation like this has adhesive at the joint so it can be stuck together with the end or the next peice of insulation. Around my boiler I have "foil back insulation". This just helps the elements maintain the heat inside the boiler. I would say that your first run was a success. Sounds alot like my first run and you will only get better from this point. If I remember correctly you are running a throught tube type reflux, this machine will be hard to get into equilibrium from my guess but next run you will learn a little more and soon you will have it all figured out. Good job, keep it up and you will be a pro soon.

@runforthehills, you have got some good advise here. The wind is playing a part in you not really being able to reach an equilibrium so insulate the column. I have 2" foam inulation around mine but as grayson suggested you can also use two differant sizes to make it around the column. Most split insulation like this has adhesive at the joint so it can be stuck together with the end or the next peice of insulation. Around my boiler I have "foil back insulation". This just helps the elements maintain the heat inside the boiler. I would say that your first run was a success. Sounds alot like my first run and you will only get better from this point. If I remember correctly you are running a throught tube type reflux, this machine will be hard to get into equilibrium from my guess but next run you will learn a little more and soon you will have it all figured out. Good job, keep it up and you will be a pro soon.

Guys thanks for the input....It seemed like a total failure to me.....but at least I have something to work with...

I plan on starting another wash ASAP....

Im guessing as the weather warms, that insulation will become less important and staying cool 'roun the still will become more of a problem...

Thanks...

In my opinion the insulation is always important on a reflux still. No matter what the temperature outside or the gust of winds blowing or just you walking by the column, you want to keep it at an undisturbed temperature.

runforthehills wrote:Guys thanks for the input....It seemed like a total failure to me.....but at least I have something to work with...

I plan on starting another wash ASAP....

Im guessing as the weather warms, that insulation will become less important and staying cool 'roun the still will become more of a problem...

Thanks...

"A total failure", not even close, ever run is a learning experience and I am sure you learned alot. Besides, if every thing was perfect the first time around, what would you have to look forward to??

Get yourself a few fermenters, you can get 20 liter buckets from any restaurant for free. Start one batch after the next then you will have a batch ready to run every weekend.

Point taken....

Ive been thinking the same thing about more than 1 ferment bucket....keeping something in rotation ....

Now I can start thinking of the blending, etc and finally the sampling...

Is it natural to be a little nervous about the first drink ?? LOL

You got that right THM

Ok To follow up....I had a couple of 500 ml jars working with charred oak chips/slivers and a peppercorn all week... The spirit took on a dark amber color and odor changed....(had cut to 45% +/-)

Tonight I filtered off through a coffee filter and have had a couple of "mixed" drinks with my product. (I know,,,,I know...its blasphemous to mix...but hey, this it my first try so I thought if I diluted it might not kill me as fast if all is not well !)

So anyway.....cant really describe the flavor.....but I think I like it...after a couple...its getting better LOL

My next wash is working as I speak....looking forward to getting it ready to go...

I was surprised how fast the color change came on with charred white oak strips in the jar...but I think I like it !

runforthehills wrote:Tonight I filtered off through a coffee filter and have had a couple of "mixed" drinks with my product. (I know,,,,I know...its blasphemous to mix...but hey, this it my first try so I thought if I diluted it might not kill me as fast if all is not well !)

LOL

something i saw yesterday , i was in my shop , running a batch , the door was closed ONLY to keep eyes off me , was a really nice day in SC .. MY daughter came & opened the roll up door , soon as she did, the temp droped 8 degrees , i dont have mine insulated yet , BUT that showed me how important it is