Brewer's glossary and jargon

[brewdy]

Hello
As I recently have discovered, I have a new hobby - home brewing.
First thing I did - I bought the "Air Still". My first wash will be hopefully fermented on tuesday next week. Then I expect to do distillation, filtration, etc.
Did a little study, learned a bit.
But I can see there are words I cannot understand.
Maybe it's a good idea to create a glossary.
For example, can someone please describe briefly, what are "heads", "tails", "cuts" etc...
Thank you!

[brewdy]

"Tails" - Higher alcohols (also called Fusel oil) and other things in the wash with a higher boiling point. Their smell is compared to cardboard smell or the smell of a wet dog.

[brewdy]

"hearts"
"Foreshots"

[Easydrinker]

Hello,and welcome.
Allow me to direct you,here
viewtopic.php?f=3&t=765
and here
viewtopic.php?f=3&t=765&p=23580#p23580
If those two posts do not enlighten you,then come back and ask again.

ATB
Robert.

[Easydrinker]

OK
I have just seen you posted a couple more while I slowly responded.
In a nut shell;
Fores=the first (small) part of the distillate given off by the still.The higher alcohols,possibly containing acetone and other nasties.
Heads=Quite a large part of the distillate,given off next,won't kill you,but does not taste good.
Hearts=the part of the distillate that you are chasing,-the good stuff.
Tails=the wet cardboard end of the run,again it won't kill you,but doesn't taste good.
I hope that helps.
Read the links that I posted,they do explain it all.
Stay safe and have fun.

Robert.

[brewdy]

Thank you!

[Almanac]

This is a more comprehensive guide to using an Airstill

download/file.php?id=60

AM