Nuclear Whiskey / Nuclear Rum and Spirits Rapid Ageing

[F6Hawk]

Well, I can report my experience... I am not a huge straight whisky drinker. And the SF wash that I run is NOT very palatable to me after a few days, and still pretty damn harsh after 2 weeks. But I took a fifth, put it on some JD chips on 8 April, and two days ago, prior to reading this thread, I thought it was still purty nasty, and I was gonna give it away to a guy I don't like at work. Then I read this, nuked it 4 times over 2 days, added 1/4 tsb of brown sugar, a few drops of vanilla (don't have any beans ATM), and tonight... NOT BAD!! I'd sip it on ice!

Now, maybe it just needed 14 days to settle out on its own; I can't say, cuz it's the oldest thing I have made to date. But the process makes sense to me, so I tried it. Perhaps what we are reading here is... progress?

Remember, 50 years ago, heads were just more moonshine, and turpentine simply increased the quantity you could sell. I'm pretty damn proud that I can make something better than I can buy, and it's all thanks to the fine folks here at HD.

[Bushman]

I did approve this post Kinda straddling the fence myself on this one..Figure we will learns something either way.Will be either try this or top the list on things Not to do. Time and member participation will tell the tale . you fokes play nice now .

I agree, this is a public forum and should be treated as such. If its a safety issue you explain your position or feelings but lets not personally attack each other.

On another subject I don't like the tags we assign to the number of posts we have. Fully Silenced is a mentor on another forum and has worked and helped a lot of people. When everyone raved about his method he decided to come here and share it with us. This is not something he tried overnight and then posted. A lot of people are using the technique and like Odin said, "I have tried ultra sonic aging and it just doesn't seem right that a microwave should work". A lot of us are traditional in our ways but like the CM reflux still a few years ago it was thought of as a very inefficient still compared to the LM and VM but with modifications to the reflux design (dephlagmator) it is now a pretty good system. I don't think this method is meant to replace aging just give it a bit of a kick start.

[junkyard dawg]

between his offensive private messages and his smart ass public response... I stand by what I said to him.

distress aging is nothing new and this method is just another better mousetrap.

fun to play with, but that is all...

[Doogie]

I think this is a solid method - I am going to test it on my first UJSSM and see the differences. Lots of positive reviews here, and as a public forum it should be discussed openly - to either validate the method, or tell people not to do it because it sucks or is unsafe.

Remember, not all of us have stashes of great likker built up yet ... a lot of us will be stillin and drinking right after we are done. If we can improve the quality, great! Then we can build up supply and maybe start a more traditional aging process. Ultrasound is starting to make an appearance in commerical production, maybe one day you will see nuclear bonded crap start selling also.

As for the PM stuff, just tell a moderator ... they can view it all ...

[Husker]

As for the PM stuff, just tell a moderator ... they can view it all ...

Mods do not have access to your PM's.

Admins do have access to the entire database as a whole, so can dump raw database records IF some intervention was actually required, but so far, it has not been required.

H.

[jarheadshiner]

I am having a second go at this method as I type. My first attempt turned out great but I left it on the oak after my last session and it "overoaked" overnight. Yes overnight so once I get it to the flavor I desire I will remove the oak and filter out the sediment. I am using single run SF wash that had alot of tails added in because I am getting ready to start a different ferment. The ABV is 60% and I am using 2 medium plus and 1 heavy char oak stave about 1 1/2 inches in width and 3 inches long to one quart. Will post my results with pics this evening hopefully.
I would also like to say that I was the one who suggested that FS post this method over on this forum. To be honest I didn't even know if it would be allowed so let me say thanks for that Admins. This is by far the most conservative forum around and at the same time one of the most informative. I have to add that anyone who participates in this hobby understands the potential dangers involved. For me, and I dare say others, it makes it more exciting to an extent. Although NO ONE wants to be unsafe or do anything to endanger themselves or others.
That being said FS was considerate enough to ask for permission before he even posted this as he knew it would be controversial to say the least. It would be a great disservice for this to turn ugly and be locked before all of the results are in which I think will surprise many. Please keep an open mind and stay safe.

[Doogie]

@Husker - some forums, some mods do, but nice to know ... but yes, report it if needed. It keeps the issue off the topic of discussion.

I just started 3 separate quarts of UJSSM (Uncle Jessie - Peace be upon him for making a very tasty batch 1&2) - one was only JD chips (Blessed be Mash Rookie for his chippy idea), one was 2 pieces of cherry I had used for my rum (1/2"x1/2"/4"), and one with some JD chips and 1 piece of cherry.

Nuked as per the instructions of the prophet FS, at 62% ABV, immediate colouring noticed. Will let them cool outside (around 10'C) and then sample. Unfortunately I forgot to add the V-bean (1/3 piece) so those go into round 2. Will sample again, and decide if round 3 in needed.

Again, thanks to all - from UJ for that nice cheap recipe, FS for the method, MR for the chips idea, and all the rest of you for validating this (and other) methods.

Remember - if it tastes good to you - that is all that matters.

[jbird1992]

I am having a second go at this method as I type. My first attempt turned out great but I left it on the oak after my last session and it "overoaked" overnight. Yes overnight so once I get it to the flavor I desire I will remove the oak and filter out the sediment. I am using single run SF wash that had alot of tails added in because I am getting ready to start a different ferment. The ABV is 60% and I am using 2 medium plus and 1 heavy char oak stave about 1 1/2 inches in width and 3 inches long to one quart. Will post my results with pics this evening hopefully.
I would also like to say that I was the one who suggested that FS post this method over on this forum. To be honest I didn't even know if it would be allowed so let me say thanks for that Admins. This is by far the most conservative forum around and at the same time one of the most informative. I have to add that anyone who participates in this hobby understands the potential dangers involved. For me, and I dare say others, it makes it more exciting to an extent. Although NO ONE wants to be unsafe or do anything to endanger themselves or others.
That being said FS was considerate enough to ask for permission before he even posted this as he knew it would be controversial to say the least. It would be a great disservice for this to turn ugly and be locked before all of the results are in which I think will surprise many. Please keep an open mind and stay safe.

GREAT POST


I have occasionally drank my product over the last several months that I have been distilling. Since I have been going nuclear I have had some almost every night.

[LWTCS]

Plenty of results are scattered here and about at this point. The subject matter has been covered on multiple levels.
Not at all implying that nuclear is better than time.
My assertions are that :
* nuclear is not any more risky than running a still.
*Can help get you on top of the curve at "gifting season"
*Can help you conclude weather it is worth putting a quantity down for real aging.

The outcomes are well in favor of nuclear at this point,
This does not at all minimize or dismiss the opinions of the folks that would rather not nuke.

IMO this nuclear technique can also lop some time off of maceration's (think bitters) as well.

Take it or leave it.The proof is in the pudding.

I like it. My 2 cents.

[Expat]

* nuclear is not any more risky than running a still.

That's a poor assertion; not much chance of an electrostatic discharge inside your still, you definitely can't say that about a microwave.

Much as you guys might like this method, there's no way you should be promoting it as safe.

[Richard7]

* nuclear is not any more risky than running a still.

That's a poor assertion; not much chance of an electrostatic discharge inside your still, you definitely can't say that about a microwave.

Much as you guys might like this method, there's no way you should be promoting it as safe.

I am on the same page. The method may work great but don't sit too close have a fire extinguisher an be ready to use it.
I read the post about the guy that set his timer wrong and evaped all of his product with no mishap. All I can say is lucky.
If you are trying this please be careful.

[Rng4]

After reading about this method I decided to try it. I used 2 quarts of 60% ujssm and added jack Daniels chip. It took my microwave 2:30 to get it to 150 degrees, and I did 3 cycles. One thing I did was place a folded dish towel over the open top of the jar to hopefully keep any vapors in. Looks like it worked to some extent as there was condensation on the side of the jar above the liquid line. After the third cycle the color and flavor was awesome. I'm not a jack guy (um, well the liquor anyway) but I let some guys who are try it and they were very impressed. It does not have a bite at 80 proof like the commercial stuff does, which my may be in part to proper cuts. I was doubtful at first, but I will be using this method again. Thx for posting it.

[LWTCS]

That's a poor assertion; not much chance of an electrostatic discharge inside your still, you definitely can't say that about a microwave.

Much as you guys might like this method, there's no way you should be promoting it as safe.

Ah,,,And and open flame?
Better yet,,,a recirc pump that fails while running with an open flame.... I do not promote any of that as safe.
Nor do I promote getting in your car (missile) and driving down the interstate at 80 mph ( along with other,,,,"drivers") directly adjacent to densely populated regions within the States,,,,or cell phone use when the industry knows it is directly responsible for,,,,,sickness. Or eating at McDonalds 3 times a week. Or drinking alcohol 4 out of 7 nights a week........Never mind.

Take it or leave it. The opposition has done it's job of publicizing the down side of potential hazards.

[NcMoonLight]

That's a poor assertion; not much chance of an electrostatic discharge inside your still, you definitely can't say that about a microwave.

Much as you guys might like this method, there's no way you should be promoting it as safe.

Ah,,,And and open flame?
Better yet,,,a recirc pump that fails while running with an open flame.... I do not promote any of that as safe.
Nor do I promote getting in your car (missile) and driving down the interstate at 80 mph ( along with other,,,,"drivers") directly adjacent to densely populated regions within the States,,,,or cell phone use when the industry knows it is directly responsible for,,,,,sickness. Or eating at McDonalds 3 times a week. Or drinking alcohol 4 out of 7 nights a week........Never mind.

Take it or leave it. The opposition has done it's job of publicizing the down side of potential hazards.

+1

Amazing Point

[F6Hawk]

* nuclear is not any more risky than running a still.

That's a poor assertion; not much chance of an electrostatic discharge inside your still, you definitely can't say that about a microwave.

Much as you guys might like this method, there's no way you should be promoting it as safe.

I disagree. Ever see an electric element blow up? I have. It ain't pretty.

[Richard7]

Like I said before I'm not knocking the process, just be aware of the danger and be careful. There is no way this is safe. I have not tried it yet and not saying I wont, just saying be careful!!!! There is no booze worth getting hurt over!

[HolyBear]

Ok, I have a question...

I've been reading this post since it began and haven't commented or tried it myself. For those who have both tried this method and have experience with aging in barrels, what dicernable difference can you tell???
Is this just another method of infusion? Or are you claiming that nuking booze actually is speading up the complex chemical process's that have traditionally used time and environmental elements to produce a smooth product???

[Tater]

Lets keep this on topic only people trying this method or wanting to or original poster should be posting from here on out.Ill delete any others .Start a new thread if ya want to debate the safety of this method.

[F6Hawk]

Holy Bear,

I am newer to this hobby than a closed-eyed wet kitten. But My first run seems very harsh to me, even after 2 weeks of sitting. Ran thru in pot still more.

Second run seemed a little better, attributed it to being 2nd gen (SF), all the whopping experience gained from first run ... but after a week, it still had a bite I did not like. Much than my BW that was only 3 days old.

So I tried it. Heated/cooled with JD chips 4 times. Third time it went into the fridge to accentuate the temp differences. Other 3 times, it was micro to room temp. Today, I can sip it. Doesn't bite. Doesn't make me wish I hadn't made it. Not saying it will win any awards, but it's better than anything I or my comrades have made thus far without aging for months. Gonna take some to my brewing friend tmrw and get his opinion (he likes sippin' the shine more than I).

Mine has a tad more wood taste than I'd like, so I took it off the wood and will let it sit in the bottle. I also added a few drops of vanilla (no beans here, darn the bad luck). But it sure beats the heck outta my other, non-micro'd stuff. I'm gonna keep at it, personally. Will prolly throw a towel over the jar next time.

[FullySilenced]

Thank you Tater....

[jarheadshiner]

Well as promised I had another go at this and the results are in.

1st session

2nd session

3rd session

The results in color speak for themselves but the flavor you will have to take my word for. Think I may have overreacted on the strong wood flavor the first time I attempted this. I may have not went far enough in the sessions of nuking the spirit. At any rate the results I have now are excellent in flavor even with the spirit still warm. I think this may be a trial and error process for each individuals taste but very much worth the effort. Thanks FS. Excellent method! and the pics were taken in the microwave after they had been heated then the lids were placed on.

[haggendas]

Thanks FS....

I did the micro aging with neutral soaked in dark char wood chips...impressive!
Gonna try micro aging cognac clone I found on here to see how it turns out.

BTW...anyone try to overdo the chips and see if makes a good essence?

HD

[Doogie]

Wonder if a final nuking without chips would help at all?

Reason I am asking is that if the nuking excites the molecules (similar to ultrasonic), I wonder if you can smooth it out after nuking a few times with wood by just nuking it. Will have to try it ... on round 2 after a nite outside ... forgot the damn bean ... that has to push to round 3

[Odin]

Wood extraction and ageing are two different things, but you can use this method for both. So with or without wood.

Odin.

[ErnieV]

I found this on the web, sounds like he's using the same method.

There's no way he can patent it if he is. It's not new, it's here.

http://www.cleveland.com/business/index ... _proc.html" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;" rel="nofollow

[FullySilenced]

The article was from 2010 which predates anything i have done.... I have patented a few things... and its a horse race... whoever proves the date and the concept gets the patent... pain in the ass process and its a money pit unless you have a means of putting the patent in use.

Not sure of his method and i don't plan to even spend the time to look up a patent application to see what it consists of..

Happy Stillin,

FS

Edit:
Found this on youtube. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gtdg2u1YSkQ" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;" rel="nofollow

its an interview and he seems to be using a pressure cooker type process... its worth a watch

[Doogie]

http://ip.com/patfam/en/43332827" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;" rel="nofollow

Refers only to whiskeys - so any other thing is open
Also he refers to the high end temperature range as 200'F, with variations down to 35'F (so 165'F) - your method FS refers to 155'F right?
Also the patent refers to the cycle per 24 hours being minimum of 3 per cycle - so do 2
No reference to microwaving - the Nuking method could state that it is necessary

But I am not a patent lawyer

But it is an interesting read - to bad it does not show the Figures and pics ...

[FullySilenced]

Thanks for posting that ... good stuff of course i never planned on doing barrels. The process is basically what's happening with what were doing in the microwave.... other than the applying high pressure to force the alcohol into the wood... i am sure he is using a vacuum pump to pull it back out and then force it several times. 2 day process i think i saw in the video...

EDIT: Please not that this is patent pending.... also note the prior art notes at the bottom of the patent descriptions Any of the prior art footnotes can prevent a final patent from being issued... been there done that its a heatbreak and you realize you just wasted xyz thousand dollars...


I have seen similar processes used to pressure water and flavorings into meat products... they put the meat in a vessel cover it with the liquid they want to flavor... then they vacuum, then pressure then vacuum and so forth until up to 15% of the weight of the meat can be salt or sugar water etc.... look at virtually any meat product you buy....

Happy Stillin

FS

[mash rookie]

Patent pending doesn't mean squat. Trust me. Big difference between a provisional patent and a utility patent. Patent pending means you have thrown money at an IP attorney and filed an application. One missed comma or vague similarity to another patent and it can be rejected so your attorney can charge you more, re write the application and start a patent search all over again. Not a process for the weak of heart or wallet. I know!

So.....to update my opinion. (And stir the pot) As much as I respect the traditional methods and those that believe in them, I am quick to encourage creative thinking.
I have made stuff in 8 weeks better that any top shelf I have ever tasted.

The techniques and process you develop can be applied with heat exchangers or electric hot plate double boilers if proven affective and safety is still questioned.

I do think someone with a large lot, 100-200 foot cord and a garage sale microwave oven should settle the safety question by nuking a Pyrex cup full of 190p until boiled dry or exploded.

Outdoors, Far Away. No added issues.

[Bushman]

http://ip.com/patfam/en/43332827

Refers only to whiskeys - so any other thing is open
Also he refers to the high end temperature range as 200'F, with variations down to 35'F (so 165'F) - your method FS refers to 155'F right?
Also the patent refers to the cycle per 24 hours being minimum of 3 per cycle - so do 2
No reference to microwaving - the Nuking method could state that it is necessary

But I am not a patent lawyer

But it is an interesting read - to bad it does not show the Figures and pics ...

I also found it interesting that they had to repeat statements in the patent and change one variable multiple times so someone can't copy the idea and get away with it by just changing the amount of times they expose it to the process.