Strip it or slow run it

[The Unholy Reverend]

OK so I've been reading a lot of information about stripping and spirit runs and I have a question. On let's say a 5 gallon wash/mash with a SG of 1.080 and ending at 1.000 would it be better to do a stripping run and then a spirit run or two low and slow runs back to back?

[greggn]

On let's say a 5 gallon wash/mash with a SG of 1.080 and ending at 1.000 would it be better to do a stripping run and then a spirit run or two low and slow runs back to back?

It kind of depends on what you're making. Most will tell you to strip/spirit. I primarily make vodka so I essentially pull two slow runs since I have no need for tails.

If you're making a whiskey you may want some tails in your final blend.

Luckily, there are few situations (excluding those safety related) in this hobby where there are absolutes. Find what works best for you.

[jonnys_spirit]

For your 5g of fresh ferment, how large is your boiler?

Depending on boiler capacity and what you're runnin you could also strip some and top up the low wines with fresh ferment for a 1.5'ish run...

Cheers,
jonny

[The Unholy Reverend]

My current boiler is a 3 gallon but I do have a 5 gallon as well.

[jonnys_spirit]

You’re not going to get much product from 5g of finished ferment. I’d recommend fermenting 15 gallons worth, stripping all three down to average or aggregate 25-30%abv, then doing a 5g spirit run with cuts. Then maybe repeating, recycling feints and topping up the spirit run with some fresh ferment. For a whiskey anyway.

Larger ferments, strips, and spirit runs make it more worth the time and effort effort. That three strips/one spirit run approach might yield about a gallon at barrel proof after cuts give or take.

Cheers,
-j

[Bradster68]

+1 to johnny. If your making flavoured spirit. In apot most will say strip and spirit. I agree. And I'm sure everyone is on board for saying, saving low wines till u have a full charge for the spirit is a must. It's hard to not get anxious and wanna make some booze. But a good process is very important.

[NZChris]

I don't like waiting for enough low wines for a spirit run.

A fermenter about three times the volume of your still should produce enough for a spirit run with each ferment.

[Deplorable]

You’re not going to get much product from 5g of finished ferment. I’d recommend fermenting 15 gallons worth, stripping all three down to average or aggregate 25-30%abv, then doing a 5g spirit run with cuts. Then maybe repeating, recycling feints and topping up the spirit run with some fresh ferment. For a whiskey anyway.

Larger ferments, strips, and spirit runs make it more worth the time and effort effort. That three strips/one spirit run approach might yield about a gallon at barrel proof after cuts give or take.

Cheers,
-j

I agree with Jonny. Strip it and make 2 more mashes. In the long run you'll be ahead.

[squigglefunk]

yes and yes