pot still vs. valved reflux

deaddog · Post by **deaddog** » Fri Dec 21, 2007 8:39 am

Hello, new to form and in the research phase of distilling. I am trying to figure out what I should build and my thoughts are leaning to a valved reflux still. It is my understanding that a pot still will give flavor and a reflux will give high content with one run. The question is if manipulating the valves on a valved reflux to where the ratio is refluxing low can you get similar results as a pot still will produce?

Post by **HookLine** » Fri Dec 21, 2007 9:12 am

Some take the packing out of a reflux column (called 'detuning') and use that for a pot column. Most build two different columns (or even stills), a reflux and a pot.

A pot column has another use besides flavoured alcohol, stripping or 'low wines' runs, where you separate all the alcohol from the rest of the mash first, before running it through the pot column a second time, or the reflux for the first time.

CoopsOz · Post by **CoopsOz** » Fri Dec 21, 2007 12:43 pm

I personally think go straight for the pot, many build a reflux first only to discover neutrals are rather boring (myself included), once I had my pot still built I never looked back. Run a UJSM or DWWG through it and I guarantee that you will be satisfied.

Post by **Husker** » Fri Dec 21, 2007 12:58 pm

I built a offset valved job first also. Now it almost never gets used, and the pot still does 90% of what I do. About the only time I use the reflux is to clean up the nasties of the feigns.

Good flavored whiskeys and rums and brandies are so much more fun to make (as coops mentioned).

H.

wineo · Post by **wineo** » Fri Dec 21, 2007 2:25 pm

I would build the potstill first.I,like husker built a large valved reflux first that never gets used now.With the reflux,you can get high% booze off of one run,but its going to take 6-12 hours to run.I can run my potstill 2 times in 6-7 hours,and get about the same % with a little more flavor.
Even if you have a reflux,you can strip a wash in the potstill first,and cut the time it takes to do a reflux run.
My valved reflux is going to get remodeled this winter into a 36 inch tall 2 inch column with a 4 ft leibeg condencer for running vodkas.It should be able to run a 12 gallon wash in 3-4 hours at 80-85%.

deaddog · Post by **deaddog** » Fri Dec 21, 2007 3:26 pm

Thank you for your replies. I have heard no positive comments on the valved reflux. It will be cheaper to build a pot still and I will lean in that direction in my research. Thank you for your input………

Post by **blanikdog** » Fri Dec 21, 2007 4:17 pm

CoopsOz wrote:I personally think go straight for the pot, many build a reflux first only to discover neutrals are rather boring (myself included), once I had my pot still built I never looked back. Run a UJSM or DWWG through it and I guarantee that you will be satisfied.

I agree entirely with coops, dog. I now only run UJSM, DWWG, HGGGP rum and Brandy. Just can't be bothered with neutral spirits and if you really want neutral spirits you can still do it with a pot still. As coops said, you will be satisfied. However, that is just IMHO.

blanik