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I take a proof reading as I put it in jars when distilling ,After I air out for 24 hours it goes down in proof 6 to 10 points.
Is this normal ,what it does for everyone?
Thanks
NIGHTOWL

I had a batch that lost an average of 30% volume while airing out over a 36 hour period.

I left the 4oz cuts uncovered. My loss - I did not figure in the surface area ratio to volume.

Your difference could be a temp thing. Your distillate could be warmer or colder after sitting in a room for a bit. Try correcting for temperature.

Temp and humidity levels will dictate what evaporates. If the ambient temps are high and the humidity levels are low. More water will evaporate. If the humidity level is high. More alcohol will evaporate. Basically if the air is saturated with water. It doesn't need any more. And it will evaporate less. Cooler temps will evaporate less.

Things like a breeze blowing across it will increase the effect.

And yes the temps of the spirits must be the same. When taking measurements. Or you will get different readings.

Open jars compared to open small neck bottles. And open jars compared to jars covered with a coffee filter. Will also have a big effect.

So really when airing out a product. You could loose or gain proof points. Depending on the ambient environment.

This may be a good thing or a bad thing. But one of the reasons to air it out. Is to allow some of the more volital alcohols to evaporate. So the loss is a good thing. But in jars that have little volital alcohols. Now you are loosing good stuff. But in my opinion. It all ends up better afterwards anyway. So the angles need their share. To make it a good product. Think of it as a sacrifice to the angles. For their blessings.

I do use coffee filters and the jar ring screwed on ,and the temp I dont take a reading on ,but seem pretty close.
When it comes out at 140,after 24 hours its about 132 or 134%.
NIGHTOWL

Also one more question,I aged some on oak for 4 /5 months then strain through a coffee filter,and still after it sits for a few days I have charcoal settle in bottom of bottle.
Is this normal,or is there a better way?
NIGHTOWL

After it settles pour off what you can then use double filters and filter the rest.