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I have a newly minted batch of pumpernickel rye that I am nuke aging prior to barreling. The white whiskey after cuts measures 63% ABV but after two nuke cycles it measures 57%. I am careful to keep the temp of spirit under 160F during the microwave sessions so I don't think I am cooking off the alcohol. I don't get it.

Has anyone else experienced this drop in ABV after nuking?

Some high end ethanols will evaporate... heat it then put the lid on tightly till it cools and goes into a vacuum state...

Just call the loss... the angels share...

happy stillin, and keep on nuking

FS

Doesn't matter if you are keeping it under 160, liquids do in fact evaporate below their boiling point.

read some more... some start at 145F

FS

When I use my Ultra Sonic Cleaner for flavoring/aging I leave the lid on till it cools and haven't noticed a drop in either abv or through evaporation. I do have to say that it has been mostly an eyeball thing so next time I do it I will take closer readings in both areas.

Thanks all. I've done the nuke thing a number of times but this is the first time I've checked the before/after proof. I do routinely cap the jars immediately and let the vacuum build. I like hearing the lids on the Ball jars pop. I will hold the peak temp down a bit on the next batch and see what happens.

I thought 150f was the recommendation and that is the highest I've aimed for. My losses were never significant. I have had a microwave with a poorly aimed wave that spot heated the top of the jar, causing boiling. It went to the tip.