Stilling and flavoring simultaneously

[Backwoods]

I don't know if this is a stilling question, a flavoring question, or both! I'm making a big batch of rum that I was planning on flavoring with cinammon, black pepper etc. When all of a sudden an idea hit me, what if I set up my still with a built in basket, where i can put my cinnamon etc., just like a gin still?

In theory the idea sounds dandy! This way when my product comes out of my still I can put some carmelized sugar in and go to drinking imediately. But I do have some concerns and questions.

1. Would this cause me to have to much flavor?
2. Would this cause problems in determining heads and tails (with or without a hydrometer)?
3. Could I put some oak in my basket and rapidly strip the flavors from it?
4. Would my basket be best off in the reflux column, or in the line just before my condensor?

If anyone has ever tried this (surely somebody must have) I would love to hear about your results! Also if you think this is a good idea I woul be more than happy to post my results once I have finished.

[Uncle Jesse]

The traditional/correct gin still has what is called a "berry basket" in the lower part of the column for doing exactly what you describe.

[Josesillo]

as i posted some time ago there is a rum distillery not too far from where i live that uses wood for their packing, for flavours i guess, they use oak chips in their column and they change it from time to timenot sure how its done but you can try and if not satisfied you can dump it back again in the pot and run it again with your usual packing

http://homedistiller.org/forum/viewtopi ... od+packing

[The Chemist]

By all means, use the oak. Be sure that it is White Oak, and char it before use. Put it in the reflux. It'll make you happy.

[Backwoods]

Thanks to all of you for the advise, I really appreciate it. I will post my results as soon as I am done with my run. I've decided to put my flavor bits (minus the black pepper corns, thanks for that tidbit!) in a thumper, and just run my still minus the reflux packing. Hopefully still come up with around 80 proof that way, or I may do another run with the packing and shoot for 120 plus, or even run it through twice. However it ends up I will keep goods notes and let you all know!