StillSmart

Hi ,
Great forum and enjoying the read so far ,

My smartstill is doing well but just wonder if the plastic spout that hold the carbon bag is ok to attach , i know some argue the use of plastics etc so i am confused as to why the smart still has this plastic spout ??
Do you guys run it without ?
Cheers
J

Hi Stingray,

I am fairly new to the process as well. I was instructed to remove the plastic spout, removal the carbon then place the spout back on again. I have run a few batches through my Airstill with no problems. I take the spout off at the end of running each 24ltr batch for cleaning thus far seen no discolouration or detect and odour.

Hoping this is of assistance

Regards,

Bandit

Accepted wisdom is to remove plastic from any part of the process you can, so many people ditch the filter and collection jug and use glass instead. There are arguments about this all over the internet and it's a touchy subject so you make up your own mind - most distillers will tell you that plastic is the devil though, and spirit is definitely a solvent.

+1 what jimmy said and that carbon bag thingy is about as much use as a chocolate fireguard.

The Airstill is a brilliant little basic pot still and I wouldn't part with mine even though I have moved on to bigger and better things. Having said that, because of the limitations of the Airstill, mainly due to its small size, proper carbon filtering is not just optional, it's a must do!

I know there are people who will tell you they never filter product from the Airstill but take my advice - don't go there! I'll give you one supporting argument for this opinion. Taste the distillate from your Airstill before/without 'proper' carbon filtering and think, if you were in a bar and you were served a drink that tasted and smelled the same - would you pay for it?

If you're answer is 'Yes' then the best of luck to you

AM

Cheers guys ,
I do notice the taste and smell , and especially the last bit has a funky sweet taste to it ,

Is there a reference on the forum for a tried and tested method of carbon filtering the distillate ?

As the carbon tea bag and plastic holder/delivery spout is chewing away at my doubts

Reading through the filtering section now :-)

Most effective, least mess but most expensive - the Essencia Filter system.

Low cost but messy - EZ Filter

AM

Where in uk could you find a essentia filter , my first thought was ebay but no results , will try amazon etc

Creative Winemaking in Spondon, Derby. Good peoples and they are where I bought mine.

Here's a link to the filter http://www.creativewinemaking.co.uk/spirits-and-liqueurs/carbon-filter-systems/cat_146.html

Give Sam a ring on 07870 830422. Tell him Aidan from Ireland sent you and he'll add 10% on to your bill.

AM

Lol , cheers mate :-)

Website says out of stock but will give him a call tomorrow

Hi mate

You could also try this crew

http://www.homebrewmegastore.co.uk/shop ... ilter.html

Cheers
AT