First Pot Mode Run

[Hawk_]

Started out with 20l Gerber oat and bannana 12%

MileHi Dual Perpose only running the out take condensor.

Brought the temps up as slow as I could

Collected 11 bottles

first 4@200ml ea
second 7@300ml ea
Third 1600ML tails down to 20%

first 2 bottles deffinatly headsy

Here is my Problem. I could not get above 65% to save my life. I know, I know it was running too fast but I just couldnt slow it down without completly stopping it as the internal eliment shuts off at a certain temp. I can smell the differences between the heads-hearts-tails. My tails didnt start till about 45%

Should I conciter keeping the hearts for drinking or should I just call this a stripping run and add to the next batch. I am going for the sour method by adding backset with sugar to the original ferment.

Im kinda pissed. Ive done very well with a few birdwatchers batches and achieved up into the 90s. Im thinking this still with this power just may be better for Neutrals.

Help?

[Dnderhead]

first if hearts taste good to you keep them. next your not going to git hi ABV running once in a pot still.
if you want higher ABV from a pot still you need to run more than once.

[Prairiepiss]

You can't control the temp on a pot still. What you can control is takeoff speed. That's gona be what you need to work on. You said your internal element shuts off at a temp? This is not good. You need to be able to control the amount of heat you put into the still. You need a controller that won't cycle the element on and off. But can be adjusted.

Running your still in cm mode you are controlling it with the coolant flow. In pot still mode you no longer have that control.

By the way a good controller will help you run it better in cm mode also.

[Hawk_]

first if hearts taste good to you keep them. next your not going to git hi ABV running once in a pot still.
if you want higher ABV from a pot still you need to run more than once.

Multiple runs all diluted together Im taking it. I can take a few bottles of the hearts that I like most and keep them for myself. Wont need much dilution I guess. The rest Ill set to run in the next batch. I did pull my fores so thats good.

[Prairiepiss]

I generally at last check the middle jars of each run. If I like them I pull them out. But I also take big heads and tails cuts. With the intention of running them again for an all feints run in the reflux mode. To get more neutral out of it.

[Hawk_]

You can't control the temp on a pot still. What you can control is takeoff speed. That's gona be what you need to work on. You said your internal element shuts off at a temp? This is not good. You need to be able to control the amount of heat you put into the still. You need a controller that won't cycle the element on and off. But can be adjusted.

Running your still in cm mode you are controlling it with the coolant flow. In pot still mode you no longer have that control.

By the way a good controller will help you run it better in cm mode also.

Prairie, where would I look to find a controler? I am assuming I can not use this eliment to do that. Maybe another that I can not find. Not asking for a hand out, Just a little help.

This still works great as a neutral still though. LOL

[Hawk_]

I generally at last check the middle jars of each run. If I like them I pull them out. But I also take big heads and tails cuts. With the intention of running them again for an all feints run in the reflux mode. To get more neutral out of it.

I will add them to the next run of oat bannana minus the 4-5 jars that seem to be good hearts. If I get the same result, I may just reflux them with the next BW wash and make more Green Chai Tea!

[Prairiepiss]

What kind of element is it?

There are some good threads around about different controllers. You mite start out looking through this one.
http://homedistiller.org/forum/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=3342

There are more in the new distiller reading lounge.

[Hawk_]

What kind of element is it?

There are some good threads around about different controllers. You mite start out looking through this one.
http://homedistiller.org/forum/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=3342

There are more in the new distiller reading lounge.

Thanks PP. Here is the element that I have in my 8 Gal Boiler. http://www.milehidistilling.com/heater- ... 500w-115v/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;" rel="nofollow

Any other element will have to fit in the same size port as what I have now.

[Prairiepiss]

Oh I see. Yeah you would be better off getting a 1500w water heater element and a controller.

Depending on how good you are with electrical stuff. You mite be able to use the element you have. By bypassing the thermostat circuit it has. And wiring it to a controller. If your not comfortable with that. A water heater element is cheap. The controller is the pricey part.

This mite give you some ideas.
http://homedistiller.org/forum/viewtopi ... 46&t=28179

[Hawk_]

Oh I see. Yeah you would be better off getting a 1500w water heater element and a controller.

Depending on how good you are with electrical stuff. You mite be able to use the element you have. By bypassing the thermostat circuit it has. And wiring it to a controller. If your not comfortable with that. A water heater element is cheap. The controller is the pricey part.

This mite give you some ideas.
http://homedistiller.org/forum/viewtopi ... 46&t=28179

Ill look into finding one. Harbor freight may have something that is good for 110.

Also, what if I used my cm jacket just mildly, Do you think I could help control temp just a little enough and still keep some of this flavor? I ended up with 1700ml of hearts, just a tad of heads and tails for flavor and is airing out in a 1 gal glass jar. I only kept bottles 4 through 9. The rest including the 2000ml of tails will be re ran after the next batch is ready.

[Hawk_]

Also one more question,

Is is thought of as undesirable or bad JUJU to take your distilate off at 55%, right at a oaking and drinking level? Ive got lots of flavor, which is new to me being an oat and banana gerber. I thought I could put it in 2 bottles, one white and one on dark char oak. If needed I can add more water if the ABV is too much for my taste.

[Usge]

Hawk...hell no it's not bad juju. Lots of people distill at or near drinking proof to retain as much flavor as possible for things like whiskey, brandy, etc.

[Hawk_]

Hawk...hell no it's not bad juju. Lots of people distill at or near drinking proof to retain as much flavor as possible for things like whiskey, brandy, etc.

Well Hell then, If it is done like that for those reasons that is good enough for me. Only drawback is less hearts. But one can run them again on the next batch for sure..

[Usge]

If it tastes good to you...that's what counts. And just to add....you don't have to single run wash to get lower proofs. You can mix and match single, double, wash/mash, etc...and use water as well to proof your still charge down to where it runs off closer to drinking proof (or barrel/aging proof). And yes, run this way...you get less overall yield because you are starting with less alc in the pot. But, if it gets the flavor you want...it is what it is. If that's the case...you should think about starting with more overall "volume". ..ie., use 10 gal still charge instead of 5. That's one way around it anyway.