Starting Again

[shawry99]

Hi guys,

Well its been a long time since I made any product at all for one reason or another....life can be a pain sometimes!!

Anyway, have decided to start again with my Airstill, Ive started 2 washes (1 with Vodka Star, 1 with the Still Spirits combo - both with 6kg sugar)

A few questions I have:

1) Is the Essencia filter still the one to get?
2) I want to start to use the method stickied at the top, assuming I have no containers at all, what do I need to source.
3) is it ok to mix my 2 washes together prior to running through the still?

I probably have more questions, but thats all I can think of atm.

Thanks in advance

EDIT: I'll re-read the threads later when I get home, Ive probably missed all the info I need due to being on my phone

[Almanac]

1. My preference is for the Essencia system.
2. You can use a 1litre glass jug for the strip and jam jars or Kilner Jars for the spirit runs
3. Once cleared and provided you can keep air out I can't think of any reason why you can mix the washes but I'd run them as quickly as possible.

AM

[Voddy]

To answer (3) - I'd say yes as all you want is the alcohol out of all the washes. I had a number of fruit wines (4, as I recall) that ferm'ed well but I didn't like the taste of so I bunged them all in my shiny new T500 and out popped the alcohol all crisp and clear.


What filter system is the best in terms of cost/performance keeping in mind the continual need and cost of replacing the carbon (which is a chore)?

[Almanac]

....
What filter system is the best in terms of cost/performance keeping in mind the continual need and cost of replacing the carbon (which is a chore)?

The correct answer to that question does not involve consideration of cost. The filter you use must remove unwanted elements from the spirit you need to clean.

Having said that, I recognise that the purchase price is always a consideration and, for some, it might seem too expensive but the Essencia is definitely the most efficient and cleanest filter system to use.

Once the purchase price is out of the way the running cost is very small indeed. Plus, the Carbon cartridge can be refilled, if you want, and the job is quite clean to do.

The Essencia cost per litre is tiny and well worth it for the peace of mind you get from knowing that your spirit is actually as clean as it can be.

AM

[Voddy]

Aidanmac, I'll order one in January, thanks.

[Phantom]

Well as a counter to Aidans blatant sales pitch I'll also recommend the SS "Z" filter. I've not tried the essencia one, so can't say one is better etc , just that my Z works fine.........

It's easily refilled/replenished etc.

Find a copy of Gert Strands Activated Carbon ebook and you'll have all the info you could want about these.......

[Icefever]

Taking Phantom advice about the book by Gert Strand I've found it here Well worth a read...thanks.

[Almanac]

Well as a counter to Aidans blatant sales pitch .......

wish I was getting a commission from them, they'd owe me a fortune

AM