StillSmart

Re: distillers parrot

2013-01-31T10:48:50+00:00

IMHO
a parrot (and an alcometer inserted therein) has no REALTIME role in either a strip run or a spirit run on a potstill (at least).

I've used one (handmade too etc) for quite a while to 'work it out' subjectively but if you run consistent washes and collect in suitable,'separation' containers....surely the point is to 'just grab it' with stripruns and 'dont smear' on spirit runs?

As such, a parrot and alcometer works just as well (for me) 'later'; ie after the run.
Of course, I still have NFI really ...

Statistics: Posted by Frank — Thu Jan 31, 2013 10:48 am

Re: distillers parrot

2013-01-31T10:36:14+00:00

aidanmac wrote:
You should also keep in mind that a distiller's parrot is only of use where you're doing stripping runs in a Pot Still - it serves no other useful purpose as using it anywhere else will only lead to smearing in your spirits.AM

It's more of a problem with smaller runs. Obviously, the larger the run, the better the "flushing" of the parrot.

I don't use the parrot until the fore-shots and the heads are gone. (I only do single spirit runs). Keeps it cleaner. I use the parrot with the thermometer in the still to tell me when the tails are about to start.

scarecrow

Statistics: Posted by scarecrow — Thu Jan 31, 2013 10:36 am

Re: distillers parrot

2013-01-19T11:37:30+00:00

monkeyb0yuk wrote:
Please can someone confirm my suspicion on how this device works..
Am i correct in thinking that the higher quality strength spirit always rises in the column and exits as its running gradually getting weaker as its replaced..
If im off the mark, please can someone explain the theory to it..

Thanks
Rich

Am I right in thinking that when you asked "the higher quality strength spirit always rises in the column and exits as its running gradually getting weaker as its replaced.. That you were actually referring to the "column" of a distiller's parrot and not an actual still column? The subject header was a bit of a giveaway

If that is the case then the answer to your original question is No!

Distillate is delivered from the product condenser to the bottom of the measuring tube of a distiller's parrot by gravity and every drop that arrives in the bottom of the tube displaces an equal amount at the top of the tube which then drips to your collection vessel.

The ABV of distillate in the tube, as read from the alcometer, is an average running figure but given the small amount of distillate in the tube this is sufficient for stripping run purposes.

You should also keep in mind that a distiller's parrot is only of use where you're doing stripping runs in a Pot Still - it serves no other useful purpose as using it anywhere else will only lead to smearing in your spirits.

AM

Statistics: Posted by Almanac — Sat Jan 19, 2013 11:37 am

Re: distillers parrot

2013-01-18T08:12:00+00:00

All distilling produces high abv at start reducing over run from high to zero gradually on a pot still much more abrupt on a reflux (although I've never run one until it stops producing)

A parrot will therefore always be slightly behind what is dripping into it in terms of exact readings but as there is such a small involved it is not worth worrying about

Statistics: Posted by Admiral Toad — Fri Jan 18, 2013 8:12 am

Re: distillers parrot

2013-01-18T00:47:36+00:00

That sounds right.

Statistics: Posted by chill — Fri Jan 18, 2013 12:47 am

distillers parrot

2013-01-17T20:49:07+00:00

Hi all..

Please can someone confirm my suspicion on how this device works..
Am i correct in thinking that the higher quality strength spirit always rises in the column and exits as its running gradually getting weaker as its replaced..
If im off the mark, please can someone explain the theory to it..

Thanks
Rich

Statistics: Posted by monkeyb0yuk — Thu Jan 17, 2013 8:49 pm