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Running old alcohol for test run?
Posted: Thu Oct 08, 2009 5:17 am
by fryguy17601
I know I have heard to run old beer and wine. I might have some old alchol in the basement we are not going to drink. Should I add water to increase the amount in the boiler? I am using a keg and that would be alot of bottles of beer or wine to fill the bottom and give it something to work with.
Thanks
Re: Running old alcohol for test run?
Posted: Thu Oct 08, 2009 5:27 am
by rad14701
Beer can impart smells and flavors due to the hops... Other wines, liquors, and cordials would be fine but I'd suggest running beer separately, if at all, unless this is a test run for cleaning purposes only with the results being tossed... Is this a pot still or a reflux still you'll be testing...???
Re: Running old alcohol for test run?
Posted: Thu Oct 08, 2009 5:35 am
by fryguy17601
sorry Reflux. I am not going to keep any of it. I just want to try out the still before I run the sugar wash this weekend. Just trying to work with the reflux vs. pulling off levels since I have never done this before. If I pour all this in it is not going to cover much of the bottom of the keg that is why I thought adding water so it. So it has something to seperate. I have some old schnapps, rum and different stuff that was in a old bar in my basement from 8 years ago that are opened bottles and undrinkable but want to practice with.
Re: Running old alcohol for test run?
Posted: Thu Oct 08, 2009 5:43 am
by rad14701
Ok... With a reflux column you'll be able to do some good testing with everything but you may need to do a cleaning run afterwards depending on how much beer you add in... Another note - don't go overboard on the amount of schnapps and other cordials you put in there because you could get some foaming from excessive sugar, but a small amount won't hurt... Just make sure you rinse your packing and give it a good smell after the run... If it wreaks, do a short cleaning run again with water...
Re: Running old alcohol for test run?
Posted: Thu Oct 08, 2009 5:51 am
by fryguy17601
ok thanks, was not thinking about the residue and flavors being run. I have schnapps and captian morgans which both will be smelly and sugar contents I am sure. Should probably add water to dilute correct?
Re: Running old alcohol for test run?
Posted: Thu Oct 08, 2009 6:08 am
by rad14701
Yes...Given the mix you'll be running, I'd probably add a good 25% - 30% tap water just to clean things up and drop the ABV to the 40% range... The added water will also help hold back some of the funk at the tails end of the run...