Distilling on grains

[Ian3266]

Hi
Im going to have a go at mashing flaked maize for a corn whiskey. Ive read that its possible even desireable to distill on the grains if you have an external element which I do. What I dont understand is how are you going to do this without also stilling the yeast which I thought was to be avoided.

[Myles]

You should only really try this with a double boiler. Even if you are using a hot plate - as opposed to an immersion heater, you will have trouble.

Indirect heating with either a fluid or a sand bath is what you need to moderate the heat source.

[RumJohn]

Attn: Ian. I will look forward to the responses on your question about the yeast in an "on grain". I have done a little corn whiskey but never was able to do it without a big cleanup necessary.

[Almanac]

The odd time I do a grain mash I keep some of the mashed grain to put in my thumper on the spirit run. It does add flavour but just a little because my thumper is quite small

I'm definitely with Myles on this one. Any form of direct heat, with grains and yeast in the boiler is going to make for an almighty burnt mess

AM

[emptyglass]

+1

It's possible to distill on the grain, but sometimes not desierable. It has problems that come with it, mostly the "puke". It is possible for the boiler to puke and the carried grains can block the arm.
From a saftey side, this is not good, from the products side it dosn't do it any favors and can potentialy ruin a run. Like Miles said, its not really viable without indirect heat, unless you like boiler cleaning lots.
Fermenting on the grain is a good way to keep flavor, then rack it before running.