backset looks like used dishwater?

[ben stiller]

I did a 5.5 hour reflux run on about 2 gallons of rum that I just didn't like. The only variables
were new marbles in the column and I added one quart of oaked that was amber in color. The marbles were boiled in water and vinegar and rinsed very well. When I opened the boiler to dump it out the backset was dark in color. When a small amount was put into a glass it had a clear gray look to it kinda like used dishwater. I am at a loss as to why this happened and more importantly should I toss the product? Before I saw the backset I sampled a small amount and it lost the aftertaste it had and tasted pretty good. Need some
help on this one.

[still_stirrin]

Concentrated rum oils, protein, yeast, and other substances left behind. This isn't unusual at all. Its just concentrated because you've pulled all of the goodness off already. Backset is the waste that you leave in the boiler. If you don't want it, dump it. If you want to use some of it in your next ferment, then go ahead. There's probably lots of nutrients in it that yeast will feed on.
ss

[MichiganCornhusker]

When a small amount was put into a glass it had a clear gray look to it kinda like used dishwater.

Molasses? I can't see through a glass of my rum dunder. Scorch?

[rad14701]

I have had backset in the boiler turned a vastly different color than it went in... Various chemical reactions during the boiling process, as mentioned, was what I have surmised to be the culprit... I don't even pay attention these days, I just dump it down the drain...

[ben stiller]

Was thinking maybe rum oils. Thank you all for your
Reassurance. I thought it was probably ok but wanted
To check here first. Someone always has the answer .