first run

[edwatters]

Finally the day has arrived, mash is clear (a little cloudy) but I believe it is OK to do my first run of sugar. Have to go see the tax man and when I get home I'm firing it up. It's like waking up on Christmas and waiting to hear if your parents are awake so you can storm the Christmas tree to see all the presents Santa brought you. :-) I'll keep you all posted as I go. Woohoo

[Shroom]

I am exactly at that point too, best of luck to us both.

[edwatters]

Okay switch on. Here we go:-) :-) :-) :-) :-). I feel like a virgin fixing to get laid for the first time lol

[chill]

This will last longer.

If you get a digital timer, it can make stripping runs much easier. Plug it in, set the time to run, and walk away. Place the still in a plastic tub if you are worried about the top popping off, this has happened to me once in a while. And don't forget to put the collection vessel under the spout. Not that I have done that several times...

Chuck

[Shroom]

Okay switch on. Here we go:-) :-) :-) :-) :-). I feel like a virgin fixing to get laid for the first time lol

Cor, have you tried a sample yet (i couldn't resist)? 'Get laid' was the perfect term.

[edwatters]

First quart is 93%. Smells of nail polish remover? Is this normal?

[Shroom]

Mine is the same but apparently the spirit run and the filtering will clear it up a bit

[edwatters]

Nice to hear, I was a bit worried,

[Shroom]

I am concerned myself but hopefully someone with more experience will chip in.

[edwatters]

Chill, according to the t500 manual it will stop producing when all alcohol is exhausted. Trust me when I say I have one eye on it at all times. First run and I am like an expectant father lol. Had a little trouble with temp control. Took awhile to get it stabilized. Running at 62 now

[YHB]

I am concerned myself but hopefully someone with more experience will chip in.

Why should we chip in? it sounds like you are doing OK on your own.

[chill]

Smells of nail polish remover? Is this normal?

Yes, that is the foreshots which you will remove (discard) on the spirit run. Unless you fancy The Mother of All Headaches.


Chuck

[edwatters]

I tossed the first 150 ml and I still getting strong odor? Will filtering and airing help? I haven't got a clue as too how it is supposed to smell lol. Checked second quart and is holding at 93%

[YHB]

I haven't got a clue as too how it is supposed to smell

I have been smelling the stuff for a year and despite reading all the guides to making cuts, at times I still struggle to pick up the heads / hearts cut, I find the hearts / tails cuts a lot easier, hopefully you will be able to pick out that really grotty gungy smell in a short while.

[edwatters]

Thx yhb, just checked third quart and has dropped to 90%. According to the t500 manual cuts aren't needed but I am monitoring anyways. I want to see the difference between heads and tails hearts etc. So far I don't smell any difference. I suppose my sniffer will get more refined as time and mashes go by.