So for starters I'm new to distilling. Only ran a few washes over the past 5 yrs. Each run has given me approx 1 gal of 180-190 proof.
First question, how do you determine the abv of a wash after it's done fermenting? Hydrometer?
Second question, I have seen birdwatchers recipe requiring tomatoe paste and lemon juice. I have not used either and produced a great spirit as far as I can tell. I throw out approx 2 shots of heads and the rest goes into the same container. Smell and taste is sweet. 30 liter wash 14lbs sugar 6tablespoons active dry yeast.
Is there any reason to need improvements? Your probably thinking I have no taste buds if I include the tails but I would beg to differ since I'm picky on what bottle water I drink based on taste. I use well water also.
First question, how do you determine the abv of a wash after it's done fermenting? Hydrometer?
Measure the starting gravity with your hydrometer before pitching yeast then measure the final gravity when fermentation is complete. This is very basic and you should do your homework lol.
Second question, I have seen birdwatchers recipe requiring tomatoe paste and lemon juice. I have not used either and produced a great spirit as far as I can tell. I throw out approx 2 shots of heads and the rest goes into the same container. Smell and taste is sweet. 30 liter wash 14lbs sugar 6tablespoons active dry yeast.
Is there any reason to need improvements?
Simply stated - Yes but If you're happy then why even pose the question?
Towman28 wrote: ↑Fri Jul 31, 2020 8:04 am
Smell and taste is sweet. 30 liter wash 14lbs sugar 6tablespoons active dry yeast.
Is there any reason to need improvements?
Based on the above, well no.. well yes.. since you ask the question, it would indicate you are not totally satisfied.. maybe learning to make cuts would improve whatever it is you make..
There must be more to you wash than just sugar, wash and yeast.. so I am of the view the whole recipe isn't stated..
Plus just removing a little in front and the rest goes as good stuff.. well that only indicates that you are not very learned in spirit making after all the years..
As to the question on how to determine the abv of a finished wash, that has already been answered..
" I know quite certainly that I myself have no special talent. Curiosity, Obsession and dogged endurance, combined with self-criticism, have brought me to my knowledge and understanding "
Look through the Tried and True recipes, and pick one then follow it. Id suggest the Gerber wash for a plain sugar wash, (or the BW) and follow the advice given for determining ABV of the wash. You'll know if you missed something becasue the T&T will tell you what you should have.
Then while its fermenting read up on making cuts. You'll have at least week to study and prepare. Then run a stripping run to collect the Low Wines from your wash down to about 20-30%. Once you have enough LW for a spirit run, collect up your jars and practice what you learned about making cuts to improve your final product.
Fear and ridicule are the tactics of weak-minded cowards and tyrants who have no other leadership talent from which to draw in order to persuade.
jonnys_spirit wrote: ↑Fri Jul 31, 2020 8:14 am
Measure the starting gravity with your hydrometer before pitching yeast then measure the final gravity when fermentation is complete. This is very basic and you should do your homework lol.
This is doing my homework. But thanks for the criticism
StillerBoy wrote: ↑Fri Jul 31, 2020 9:26 am
There must be more to you wash than just sugar, wash and yeast.. so I am of the view the whole recipe isn't stated..
This is literally the whole recipe. No joke
StillerBoy wrote: ↑Fri Jul 31, 2020 9:26 am
Plus just removing a little in front and the rest goes as good stuff.. well that only indicates that you are not very learned in spirit making after all the years..
Once again I have only done a few washes over the years so yes we know I don't have much experience.
Is there anyone that has tried the simple recipe I have stated?
jonnys_spirit wrote: ↑Fri Jul 31, 2020 8:14 am
Measure the starting gravity with your hydrometer before pitching yeast then measure the final gravity when fermentation is complete. This is very basic and you should do your homework lol.
This is doing my homework. But thanks for the criticism
Hi Towman, you’re asking to be spoonfed complex and detailed information and the second of your two initial questions requires detailed and complex answers. I answered your first basic question now please do your homework for your other question and read through the following links and arm yourself with a better understanding so you can ask more thoughtful questions.
I am calling you out because it appears that you haven’t completed the required reading or really done any research on the basics. You’ve come to the right place to learn about making quality home distilled product but it does require some research and thought up front. We do all want to help and learn as well.
jonnys_spirit wrote: ↑Fri Jul 31, 2020 8:14 am
Measure the starting gravity with your hydrometer before pitching yeast then measure the final gravity when fermentation is complete. This is very basic and you should do your homework lol.
This is doing my homework. But thanks for the criticism
StillerBoy wrote: ↑Fri Jul 31, 2020 9:26 am
There must be more to you wash than just sugar, wash and yeast.. so I am of the view the whole recipe isn't stated..
This is literally the whole recipe. No joke
StillerBoy wrote: ↑Fri Jul 31, 2020 9:26 am
Plus just removing a little in front and the rest goes as good stuff.. well that only indicates that you are not very learned in spirit making after all the years..
Once again I have only done a few washes over the years so yes we know I don't have much experience.
Is there anyone that has tried the simple recipe I have stated?
Hi Towman,
I can vouch for you my first was was a sugar was. I didnt drink it as it was my sacrificial run but yes its 3 ingredients sugar, water and yeast.
as far as homework goes can i suggest you check out the youtube channel "still it" i will try to post a link but it is also mentioned in this forum already somewhere.
anyway in the few weeks leading up to purchasing my first still I watched the shit out of these videos. to the point where my wife complained that she felt like we had a house mate! anyway the channel has been going for about 3 years and they basically progress as his knowledge progresses so there is heaps of good learning videos.
Sooner or later the people who run the planet all end up choosing one drink....
With only sugar and no nutrients (nitrogen) your yeast are stressed and producing ethyl acetate which tastes sweet. The tried and true recipes are well tested and successful. You can add some tomato paste or even plant fertilizer to you sugar wash for nutrients and you'll have a better (more neutral) product. Since you like your current product, try it with and without nutrients and compare for yourself.
Oh and with your sugar wash recipe, that is what tons of home distillers use to make a basic alcohol and then add flavour syrups. It's nothing outlandish just a simple sugar was. Use it to practice and learn then work you way up when your ready to experiment.
Sooner or later the people who run the planet all end up choosing one drink....
Well.. Well.. the true idenit are showing up.. Trolls are in the process of taking the forum over..
jayka wrote: ↑Sun Aug 02, 2020 5:10 am
that is what tons of home distillers use to make a basic alcohol and then add flavour syrups
Now only trolls, but user and advocate of turbo washes..
But it's ever worst, they are advocate of George's, Youtube junk, and Still it..
No wonder they are all having issues.. sad state of affairs..
Mars
" I know quite certainly that I myself have no special talent. Curiosity, Obsession and dogged endurance, combined with self-criticism, have brought me to my knowledge and understanding "
StillerBoy wrote: ↑Sun Aug 02, 2020 7:09 am
Well.. Well.. the true idenit are showing up.. Trolls are in the process of taking the forum over..
jayka wrote: ↑Sun Aug 02, 2020 5:10 am
that is what tons of home distillers use to make a basic alcohol and then add flavour syrups
Now only trolls, but user and advocate of turbo washes..
But it's ever worst, they are advocate of George's, Youtube junk, and Still it..
No wonder they are all having issues.. sad state of affairs..
Mars
Come on man. What is the problem? First off. While I don't personally like to make sugar washes if he wants to learn by running a few sugar washes who is that hurting? At least if he stuffs up he has only spent $5 on some sugar.
And secondly what is wrong with the youtube videos? from what I can see Jesse from "Still it" learnt most of his stuff from here and youtube is a good way to pump in a lot of basic info like learning how to use a hydrometer and what not.
Sooner or later the people who run the planet all end up choosing one drink....
jayka wrote: ↑Sun Aug 02, 2020 7:46 am
And secondly what is wrong with the youtube videos? f
I'll just answer one question and leave it to you to think about the others.
Have you really taken the time to watch some of the bullshit that is portrayed on YouTube as gospel about distilling.
One or two people out there who have an idea of how it works and a heap who have no f*&#in idea.
jonnys_spirit wrote: ↑Sun Aug 02, 2020 7:59 am
Good luck!
-jonny
Gonna take more than luck to fix that problem....gonna take reading, experience n learning.
jayka wrote: ↑Sun Aug 02, 2020 7:46 am
And secondly what is wrong with the youtube videos? f
I'll just answer one question and leave it to you to think about the others.
Have you really taken the time to watch some of the bullshit that is portrayed on YouTube as gospel about distilling.
One or two people out there who have an idea of how it works and a heap who have no f*&#in idea.
I don't disagree what so ever, in fact I couldn't agree more. But that could also be said about forums. Yes?
I fully believe that there is a wealth of information out there to be gathered from lots of places but it is up to the individual to decide what he wants to take in and what not to take in. In this instance we have a guy who is getting hammered for asking how to use a hydrometer on this forum. Now I understand that there is mandatory reading and that is definitely helpful but there is also no harm in watching a youtube video on how to use a hydrometer and or other videos so he can pick up the basic knowledge. yes? no?
its no different from any other topic. you name it, fitness, health, mechanics, cooking, for every one good informative video / forum post there is another 10 that are complete bogus, but there is where anyone worth their salt needs to pickup what they can from where they can and sift the sugar out of the sh!t.
Sooner or later the people who run the planet all end up choosing one drink....
Saltbush Bill wrote: ↑Sun Aug 02, 2020 8:01 am
from what I can see Jesse from "Still it" learnt most of his stuff from here
Yeah that is correct.. but unfortunately.. he got corrupted by his association and becoming an associate of George's..
And as to what is wrong with youtube, you have already been provided with a response..
As said, you have failed to see the bull shit given out.. and that's what the problem is with most novice coming here for a respond to an issue that they have picked up there..
Mars
" I know quite certainly that I myself have no special talent. Curiosity, Obsession and dogged endurance, combined with self-criticism, have brought me to my knowledge and understanding "
Jesse (still it) is one of the rare you tubers who are reliable in my book. He's not pushing to sell you much beyond clothing, and the info he conveys is correct. I don't think he has a hidden agenda.
As for adding flavorings, its a start until better spirits are produced. I dont think any of the "whiskey" flavorings sold to add to a neutral are worth drinking. Never tried a Gin essence because its simple to make Odins easy gin. I think many of us move beyond commercial "flavoring essence"in the first 1-2 years of the hobby, but maybe I've just never found a delicious one!
Tummydoc wrote: ↑Sun Aug 02, 2020 5:09 am
With only sugar and no nutrients (nitrogen) your yeast are stressed and producing ethyl acetate which tastes sweet. The tried and true recipes are well tested and successful. You can add some tomato paste or even plant fertilizer to you sugar wash for nutrients and you'll have a better (more neutral) product. Since you like your current product, try it with and without nutrients and compare for yourself.
thats what I was thinking about doing. I've just finished fermenting and was going to try the next run with birdwatchers. Originally I didn't have tomatoe paste and was to impatient to wait. That was approx 5 years ago and haven't changed my recipe because I liked it. Ethyl acetate? I will look into that, almost sounds dangerous to drink by the name. Lol
Mars, i don't see Jesse as having been corrupted by George. He's tried to express that the PID is a poor choice in his video with George. Maybe he wasn't vocal enough on calling BS. By filming with George he may be inadvertently adding a sense of legitimacy to George....that's a valid concern. As Jesse's followers have grown, he has attracted more commercial interest (provided with sample products to test and discuss)... and that is a slippery slope.
Your welcome towman, as mentioned by Tummydoc, most of his info is reliable but be sure to check and double check anything you learn. And even test stuff if you have your heart set on trying something.
Sooner or later the people who run the planet all end up choosing one drink....
jayka wrote: ↑Sun Aug 02, 2020 7:46 am
And secondly what is wrong with the youtube videos? f
I'll just answer one question and leave it to you to think about the others.
Have you really taken the time to watch some of the bullshit that is portrayed on YouTube as gospel about distilling.
One or two people out there who have an idea of how it works and a heap who have no f*&#in idea.
I don't disagree what so ever, in fact I couldn't agree more. But that could also be said about forums. Yes?
I fully believe that there is a wealth of information out there to be gathered from lots of places but it is up to the individual to decide what he wants to take in and what not to take in. In this instance we have a guy who is getting hammered for asking how to use a hydrometer on this forum. Now I understand that there is mandatory reading and that is definitely helpful but there is also no harm in watching a youtube video on how to use a hydrometer and or other videos so he can pick up the basic knowledge. yes? no?
its no different from any other topic. you name it, fitness, health, mechanics, cooking, for every one good informative video / forum post there is another 10 that are complete bogus, but there is where anyone worth their salt needs to pickup what they can from where they can and sift the sugar out of the sh!t.
In response to your statement "In this instance we have a guy who is getting hammered for asking how to use a hydrometer on this forum"
I was very displeased with the passive aggressive statements on how I am an idiot for asking. I thought this forum was to learn and share knowledge is it not?? I'm not here to cause a ruckus just learn. I will go and read the introductory stuff and see what I find.
Thank you to everyone that has given me helpful information.
Towman28 wrote: ↑Sun Aug 02, 2020 8:36 am
In response to your statement "In this instance we have a guy who is getting hammered for asking how to use a hydrometer on this forum"
I was very displeased with the passive aggressive statements on how I am an idiot for asking. I thought this forum was to learn and share knowledge is it not?? I'm not here to cause a ruckus just learn. I will go and read the introductory stuff and see what I find.
Thank you to everyone that has given me helpful information.
Dont stress man and stick around, just like any other information platform, you might have to sift through the sh!t but you will get your answer / help eventually.
Sooner or later the people who run the planet all end up choosing one drink....
There’s a ton if info here Towman and it can be overwhelming all at once. Take it all in with a grain of salt please and spend some time reading up on the basics. It’s going to be very helpful in the immediate future.
Tummydoc wrote: ↑Sun Aug 02, 2020 5:09 am
With only sugar and no nutrients (nitrogen) your yeast are stressed and producing ethyl acetate which tastes sweet. The tried and true recipes are well tested and successful. You can add some tomato paste or even plant fertilizer to you sugar wash for nutrients and you'll have a better (more neutral) product. Since you like your current product, try it with and without nutrients and compare for yourself.
I'm almost scared to ask but are nutrients required for all grain mashes or is that negated by the fact your using all grain?
Sooner or later the people who run the planet all end up choosing one drink....
And keep asking and reading. You'll soon see a trend of who's a curmudgeon, who's passionate about a particular topic that pushes their button, who's just having a bad day, and who just maybe misunderstood the question. In general, everyone is here to share knowledge. It helps if you show you've put in some effort first .... and it helps to wear leather underwear!
Last edited by Tummydoc on Sun Aug 02, 2020 9:07 am, edited 2 times in total.
