I am new to this hobby but I have made several vodkas, a rum I spiced and an attempt at Scotch. The drink of choice for me. My problem with distilling the grain wort was in my still, a reflux thumper, I didn't place enough pottery on the bottom and I scorched it. I asked the still builder about this and he said I needed two layers on the bottom for a clean tasting Scotch. I used all malted 2 row barley, cooked it and cooled before the fermenting process. That went well and I had a robust ferment with about a 12% abv.
My question is, I have researched this and other forums and never have I seen pottery as an insulation for distilling grain wort. Is this something I missed? I also watched the moonshine show on Discovery and they don't use pottery either and have a huge fire below their pot.
Second question is peat. I'm a fan of low peat Scotch like Glenlivet and I'm thinking about buying peat from Scotland. http://caledoniasbest.com/categories/Fo ... ning-Peat/
If I get this peat do I smoke dry malted barley or do I soak it first? I'm trying to make the best single malt I can and any help is appreciated.
Never try to argue or reason with idiots and morons, they will drag you down to their level and beat you with experience.
