Home Distiller

If this has been discussed previously, forgive me, but trying to search for 'water' or 'diluting' didn't seem to get me too far with what I'm looking for.
I've been distilling with a nice column still with offset head for several batches, to a point where I'm getting a very consistent, very smooth neutral spirit. I've been diluting it down to 80 proof with RO water from my under-sink system, which has resulted in a good overall product.

So what I want to know is this: Since the mixing water is making up about 55% of the final product, the quality of the water (I'm assuming) is tantamount to the quality of the final product. If this is the case, what water are y'all using to cut the vodka to provide a superior product in terms of crispness, mouthfeel, etc...? How much does pH and mineral content play a factor? Purified (like Aquafina) vs. Spring (Fiji, Poland Spring, etc...)
Frankly, I'm perfectly happy with my RO system, but am intrigued by the possibilities and wondering if anyone has done a taste test with different waters. If not, maybe I'll do a blind test with my next batch with the Grey Goose crowd at work....

Hi cc!

This has been discussed before. The commercial stillers make a big fuss about their uber-secret water that nobody can get close to. I think it's mostly in the wash if not in the dialootin.

I use the cheapest supermarket 'spring water' for thinning the product down to normal drinking strength. It's slightly effervescant and so i have to wait a while before testing with the alcometer, but it will be filtered and free of chlorine and extra flourides.

Good cuts are the hard part, then 'best' water at <$1/L is a fitting tribute. Having a secret spring is a bonus.

Cheers!

Aquafina comes straight from the tap. (verified by AP news service, in the last few weeks) For Vodka/neutral spirits, the RO water is probably your best choice. For whiskeys and such, I would use spring water.

just use "soft" water with no or little minerals,, spring/branch,,filtered,,distilled,,some bottled waters.
as minerals can "cloud" do not use "softened" water as they just use salts to counter react the hardness.

I just use my city tap water run through a brita water filter jug. Seems to clean it up nicely.

I honesty can't tell the difference between my tap water filter water and distilled water but my tap water is really good.

Yeah, I got very good tap water here. Tried bottled 'spring water' but wasn't any better than my tap water.

We don't have reticulated water supply. It's rain water in tanks for drinking and cooking - complete with bird and possum shit for nutrients - and we pump water from the river for washing and garden.

The shit sure helps fermentation. :

blanik

Edited to make sense.

This is a bit later than the rest of the posts but no matter, I use rainwater run through a fine charcoal type filter. Don't know whats in the town water by the time it gets to my place. I sure ain't drinking it.