Ethanol Flash Point

[Andy Capp]

This is an interesting subject. We always dilute to 40% but for what purpose? The flash point of 60% ethanol is 22C while 40% ethanol is 26C. Once heated up in the boiler, it doesn't really matter what the % is. Even a 10% solution can be ignited at 49C. While i'm not arguing against diluting our low wines before distilling, i question whether it will make us any safer once the solution is heated past its flash point.