StillSmart

Re: How clear does the wash gets?

2013-03-10T17:31:56+00:00

Getting it off the lees would avoid the possibility of decaying yeasts producing off flavours. I've not noticed any problems with that myself. But I doubt it would make things clear faster. For that fermentation needs to have stopped completely, most of the CO2 needs to have escaped, and the dead yeast cells need to sink to the bottom. I usually have so many washes queued up that this happens naturally.

Chuck

Statistics: Posted by chill — Sun Mar 10, 2013 5:31 pm

Re: How clear does the wash gets?

2013-03-10T16:18:48+00:00

A crystal clear wash will give optimum results from an Airstill but it can also be run even if it is a bit cloudy. With bigger stills the tolerance is a bit wider but you should get it as clear as possible to avoid any solids burning on the element.

AM

Statistics: Posted by Almanac — Sun Mar 10, 2013 4:18 pm

Re: How clear does the wash gets?

2013-03-10T10:43:30+00:00

+1 CC
personally, I just wait until its ('for sure') finished fermenting....ie I wait a good while...and then I try to 'be careful' about what goes into the boiler esp in terms of dregs (for certain washes/recipies, this might mean using a syphon hose via the top!).

It IS important to try and give your strip(s) a decent wash to start with;
but also important, in the overall scheme of things, is how you 'conduct' that strip run or the subsequent spirt run and maturation IMHO.

Statistics: Posted by Frank — Sun Mar 10, 2013 10:43 am

Re: How clear does the wash gets?

2013-03-10T10:21:11+00:00

KerryW wrote:
I have used a filter, similar to one used for beer and wine to filter a wash after adding clearing agents, but am wondering
Should I rack the wash to a new container and degas, then add clearing agents, and set in a cool place,
I am wondering if getting the wash off the lees will clear it up better,,

It will help it clear up, Personally I don't bother as I don't have the containers. I certainly don't get it as crystal clear as AM, but its clear enough for stripping without any issues.

Statistics: Posted by Capt-Cudellez — Sun Mar 10, 2013 10:21 am

Re: How clear does the wash gets?

2013-03-10T00:15:36+00:00

I always rack the wash off the lees then degas before adding fining's. Alan

Statistics: Posted by alan — Sun Mar 10, 2013 12:15 am

Re: How clear does the wash gets?

2013-03-09T22:54:47+00:00

I have used a filter, similar to one used for beer and wine to filter a wash after adding clearing agents, but am wondering
Should I rack the wash to a new container and degas, then add clearing agents, and set in a cool place,
I am wondering if getting the wash off the lees will clear it up better,,

Statistics: Posted by KerryW — Sat Mar 09, 2013 10:54 pm

Re: How clear does the wash gets?

2013-02-27T05:33:22+00:00

That should work fine. Whatever clears wine should clear a wash. Though I have had some all grain ones that resisted getting really clear.

Statistics: Posted by chill — Wed Feb 27, 2013 5:33 am

Re: How clear does the wash gets?

2013-02-27T04:06:46+00:00

Not sure this would work. I have used bentonite for clearing my wine's for years. Works great under 24 hrs. Only takes 1 - 2 teaspoons per 1 cup warm/hot water to dilute it well. Poor in as much as you like don't take much. Presto instant clear. All solids fall to bottom. You can buy 1lb this stuff for just under $3. Will last you a life time.

Statistics: Posted by lll_0_mike_0_lll — Wed Feb 27, 2013 4:06 am

Re: How clear does the wash gets?

2013-01-14T04:51:33+00:00

Getting a clear wash comes with experiance and a lotof trial and error.It's all part of the learning process of our beloved [and depending were you live illegal] hobby. In the past I often considered using Alum to clear the wash, but I'm sort of fixated and anal about the purity of my "oat" wash. Has anyone here ever used Alum to clear a wash and if yes did it adversly affect the final producy?

Statistics: Posted by RickyRasper — Mon Jan 14, 2013 4:51 am

Re: How clear does the wash gets?

2013-01-06T21:52:43+00:00

Sorry was vodka star and no I didn't use carbon. Using the trusty airstill. With the still spirits tripled distiller yeast and carbon I never had problems

Statistics: Posted by Robbo79 — Sun Jan 06, 2013 9:52 pm

Re: How clear does the wash gets?

2013-01-06T20:59:18+00:00

I'm not sure what "it" is. Did it have carbon in it? You should try to get its as clear as possible but if it had carbon in it must be cleared. Also, what type of still is it going into?

AM

Statistics: Posted by Almanac — Sun Jan 06, 2013 8:59 pm

Re: How clear does the wash gets?

2013-01-06T20:37:13+00:00

Im having trouble getting it really clear, thats after a full 14 days ferment out, finings and degassing and cool place for 4 days.... you say degass well to clear how are you degassing?? im using a degasser on a drill?

Statistics: Posted by Robbo79 — Sun Jan 06, 2013 8:37 pm

Re: How clear does the wash gets?

2012-11-08T09:11:04+00:00

Drinking in the attic.

How civilised.

Statistics: Posted by mozr — Thu Nov 08, 2012 9:11 am

Re: How clear does the wash gets?

2012-11-07T18:50:09+00:00

Mozr said: "letting it flocculate at its own pace"....

How very modern of you.....sounds a bit pervy though ..

I'm really glad of my icy cold garage floor, takes 4-5 days but its all crystal.

If you make it the feckers will come and drink it. I keep a private reserve hidden in the attic...they'll never find it up there.

AM

Statistics: Posted by Almanac — Wed Nov 07, 2012 6:50 pm

Re: How clear does the wash gets?

2012-11-07T14:50:16+00:00

Waiting is the worst aspect of brewing.

I have managed to get ahead of myself now. I have for over 12 litres of finished 40% spirit waiting to be made into a variety of things, and a cupboard full of bottles for drinking/cocktails etc. The Essencia was key to this breakthrough.

I am processing another VS wash, and have another one fermenting.

Once you get to that point, where you don't need the booze ASAP, things get easier.

You can let washes clear in their own time. I have now taken to leaving my wash for a week or two after it has finished fermenting. and letting it flocculate at its own pace. A couple of nights outside helps too.

Degassing is still important though.

The key is. When a wash is finished, start a new wash straight away whilst the other one is clearing. That way you have always got something to distill and the world is your pissed up oyster.

I am arming for Christmas like a great aunt buying cards in August.

Bring it on my family of freeloaders! You see if you can sup me dry.

Statistics: Posted by mozr — Wed Nov 07, 2012 2:50 pm