Double Distilling & Carbon Filtering

[Ricardo]

Just about to do my first strip run with my Airstill.
Simple question....
After the spirit run do I still ( ) need to carbon filter
Cheers

[Icefever]

This is somewhat an emotive ​issue R...some of us do..some dont...I did when I stared off but not now...but I do run a 500 reflux..as your running an A/Still yes I would.
If you put a clear wash in and you collect correctly 100ml at a time you should be ok. If you have a filter nothing to stop you running half through, then taste it up against the non filtered.

[Ricardo]

Many thanks Icefever
Another query before I start up if you dont mind ??
Airstill instructions say 1 capful of distilling conditioner per 4 litre BUT the bottle of distilling conditioner says 3 capfuls !!!
The sticky on here with the 'revised' Airstill instructions does not mention a specific amount.......
Which amount should I use ??
Cheers

[Icefever]

It was 1 cap full a few years back, but I remember some one posted that it jumped to 3 caps...it was put down as they wanted you to use more.. or they thined it down so you had to use more.. if I was you go with two..it'll not hurt.

[Ricardo]

Many thanks.........

[Icefever]

Let us know how you got on....we're always interested in what others do and how they get on.

[Mash]

And just for balance. I don't carbon filter or use conditioner. But it's all down to taste.. Yours.

.. And it depends on what you are running. Sugar wash or grain. Clear or not?

If you haven't already get something in the bottom to stop surge boiling. Rings or via of copper are good. Currency is better.

Let us know how it goes....

[chill]

And I always carbon filter if for a neutral spirit. To my taste buds the result has less of that mild sweetish taste you get from sugar and is generally "better" tasting. But you don't need to carbon filter. The benefit of doing so hinges on your wash and your tastebuds. The "bad stuff" coming out of the still is in the foreshots and somewhat in the heads and tails.

[Easydrinker]

Taste,taste,taste and taste.
+1 What the guys said earlier.
It either tastes good or it doesn't.
But....
What works for you may not work for me,or someone else.
It could be any one of many things.
There is lot's to experiment with in this hobby.

I would double distill if using an Air still,and Carbon filter, if I was wanting a "Neutral".
I have been there,tried the washes,and despite what some may claim,they are all pretty similar in taste,clear or cloudy.
When you have tried this yourself then you may agree.
Making decent cuts may be your biggest ally with an Airstill...

I believe there is "No One True Way", and I will defend those four words until the day I get thrown from this site.
We are here for fun,to learn and to help; well I am.

Jump in the water is fine.

Robert.