StillSmart

Re: JD+H

2017-12-25T21:04:23+00:00

However you proceed, a good base spirit is a pre-requisite.
That is in your own hands.
And maybe the easy part, or the hard part.

Robert.

Statistics: Posted by Easydrinker — Mon Dec 25, 2017 9:04 pm

Re: JD+H

2017-12-25T08:26:14+00:00

Well it amuses me a little to read that I'm not the only person who isn't critical of essences.

I mean, don't get me wrong, if I could emulate one of the exact brands that I happen to enjoy, I would do.

But that's not my aim (plus most of the "genuine article" booze I like isn't available as an essence and I generally can't afford anyway)........

Over all, it seems to me that as the essences get to maybe 90%, maybe even 95% as good as those genuine article names, well that's good enough for me

Seasons greetings to all.......

Statistics: Posted by Phantom — Mon Dec 25, 2017 8:26 am

Re: JD+H

2017-12-25T07:49:17+00:00

@ Maker
I did some UJSSM last summer. Cheap to do
and easy. Aged in wood for 6 months and a
small amount of honey and sugar added.
Very impressed will do again next summer
due to popular demand.
Happy Christmas to you whilst I can see
the keyboard.

Statistics: Posted by gaza the instructor — Mon Dec 25, 2017 7:49 am

Re: JD+H

2017-12-25T02:32:26+00:00

I always say that it's a steep learning curve with this hobby....as you will find out in time.

We all have our little foibles, as I said I stopped using turbo and carbon soon after getting into stilling. If you constraint on making a good base then you move on to the next step of ageing and adding flavours.

Statistics: Posted by Icefever — Mon Dec 25, 2017 2:32 am

Re: JD+H

2017-12-24T21:41:33+00:00

Done.

I am shocked how close to 'the real deal' this essence is, I used a little less and only 50g of sugar and it's pretty good, it's certainly close enough for me.
I have filled an old Honey Jack bottle and poured a tipple in to my best glass,very nice!

I have the wood chips so thats the next thing to do, can't wait!

Statistics: Posted by Maker — Sun Dec 24, 2017 9:41 pm

Re: JD+H

2017-12-19T00:34:28+00:00

I guess we will wait and see how the fairies feel about my brew...
I've bought a spirit hydrometer, should be here in a couple of days, I quite fancied the refractometer but from China it will be 3 weeks...

Statistics: Posted by Maker — Tue Dec 19, 2017 12:34 am

Re: JD+H

2017-12-16T02:47:45+00:00

My maths tells me that you will be collecting 317.8 units of alcohol, should the brewing fairy be on your side.
You won't, you never do.
Some is lost, some remains in the boiler.
At a guess, you may walk away with 10 litres at around 30%, if the brewing fairy is kind.
The distilling fairy is even harsher!
You do need something to measure alcohol content, refractometer, or my own choice, spirit hydrometer.
I'm assuming that you already have a brew hydrometer (totally different beast)?
If not, get yourself on the bay and buy yourself an xmas present.

Robert.

Statistics: Posted by Easydrinker — Sat Dec 16, 2017 2:47 am

Re: JD+H

2017-12-15T23:49:00+00:00

It sure is turbo wash, I realise now this was a mistake but as a first go I'll just amble on and see what happens, it's started to slow down a bit and gone from a froth to bubbles, also the temperature has dropped from 25.7 down to 23 so I guess we are nearing completion, it smells just like 'Frosty Jack' cider...you know the cheap copy of White lightning.
If this does yield 14% and I have 5 gallons how many litres should I expect to collect on the first run, I realise 14% of 5 gallons = 3.178L but I'll be collecting an amount of water aswell I guess and leaving some alcohol unclaimed, do I need to buy a refractometre or is there another way?

Statistics: Posted by Maker — Fri Dec 15, 2017 11:49 pm

Re: JD+H

2017-12-15T01:19:44+00:00

I can't comment on the other brands, but as Robert and others imply, with the still spirits top shelf ones, using the recommended amount turns out a little artificial (think poundshop version of your favourite childhood sweets) although nuking or natural aging definitely help.

I did have very good success with oak chips and asda mixed spices etc in making my own spiced rum, but am a terrible record keeper and more terrible yet for sampling my wares and adjusting them when not sober, so essences, rather like cooking sauces are better for me than recipes.

Same with homebrew and cooking. I admire the all grain brewers and the chefs, but beer and wine kits suit me better, and I'll always make a stew or casserole instead of cooking "properly"

Edit : 14% in 2 days implies the infamous turbo wash. We say this all the time, but run it through your still at least twice, let it air, make cuts and don't be put off if it's not great.

Statistics: Posted by Curmudgeon — Fri Dec 15, 2017 1:19 am

Re: JD+H

2017-12-15T00:20:34+00:00

Mash- I have ordered some JD chips, a bit more expensive than in your post but just over a tenner for 900g, I will look in to kale, my first batch of sugar wash finishes tomorrow or so it says on the packet 14% in 2 days..ding dong!

Phantom- I dont normaly go for anything with sweetness or silly flavours, I like my booze as it was intended but this honey brew is quite something, even if it is a tarts drink! I am very interested to see how a home brewed shine with a bit of tinkering can sit in the same ball park as a so called premium product.

Curmudgeon- I'll pick up some of this essence, so cheap it's worth a go, I can see i'm going to run out of neutral before I can try a few things..

Easydrinker- yes I can see this, you can always add a little more if need be.

Statistics: Posted by Maker — Fri Dec 15, 2017 12:20 am

Re: JD+H

2017-12-14T22:31:53+00:00

When I use the few essences that I cannot be arsed to try and replicate, I use a little less essence, and sugar.
It works for me.

Robert.

Statistics: Posted by Easydrinker — Thu Dec 14, 2017 10:31 pm

Re: JD+H

2017-12-14T18:24:37+00:00

Mash wrote:
Whats the The scotch heather meant to clone ?

Drambuie, I believe.......

Statistics: Posted by Phantom — Thu Dec 14, 2017 6:24 pm

Re: JD+H

2017-12-14T18:21:55+00:00

Whats the The scotch heather meant to clone ?

Statistics: Posted by Mash — Thu Dec 14, 2017 6:21 pm

Re: JD+H

2017-12-14T15:59:59+00:00

Have tried the S.S.Honey Mr C and you are right
on the money, Its very good when adjusted to
your own taste buds.

Statistics: Posted by gaza the instructor — Thu Dec 14, 2017 3:59 pm

Re: JD+H

2017-12-14T15:49:18+00:00

The still spirits top shelf honey bourbon essence is about £4 and is supposed to be for 3 bottles ie 2.25 litres but I found it too strong in taste at that level so I use it with a little honey or reduced sugar than suggested and stretch it to make 4 or 5 bottles.

It's not quite as good as Jack Daniels honey but is better than Jim Beam honey in my opinion. The scotch heather is good too.

Call it £1 a bottle for neutral and another £1 for the essence and you're not far away from what is £15+ from the supermarket.

Statistics: Posted by Curmudgeon — Thu Dec 14, 2017 3:49 pm