badsmell and taste

[jbarker304]

Can anybody help.

I managed to get alcohol @94% but it has a strong ethanol smell and a tinge of metalic taste. What is going wrong?

I have read that triple distilling will remove this?

Jim

[Magnu420]

you dont say what type of wash you made,what type of still you are using
and any other info might give you better answers

[Easydrinker]

Welcome,and do give us some more information,maybe then we can help.

Robert

[jbarker304]

I am using the t500 and use the alcotech yeast and carbon package?

[YHB]

Hi,

A call for help and not much response.

I looked at this post a few hours ago and was a bit stumped.

It is your first post and we know little about you or your experience of distilling. Wether this is your first wash or if you are an experienced hand and this is a hiccup in your normal routine or a first run with a new still.

But to try and give you the best advice we need as much information as possible.

Is this your first run?

You used Alcotech yeast - which type? how much sugar, how much water? This will affect taste and smell.

Did you make cuts? If so how much? - This will affect taste and smell.

How long did you leave the distillate open to air for the angels to have there share? - This will affect taste and smell.

You say "I managed to get alcohol @94% but it has a strong ethanol smell" 94% is pretty strong ethanol I am not surprised it has a strong ethanol smell, when you cut it down to 40% is the smell still objectionable?

The metallic tinge could be due to some heads making it into the cuts.

As far as triple distilling goes, yes each time you dilute the distillate and redistill it will clean up the product especially if cuts are made each time, but if good cuts are made the first time then it should not be needed.

This is probably not the answer you are looking for but the best that I can do with the information available.

[jbarker304]

No that's brilliant Brian. To be honest I have had my t 500 about three years now but rarely use it due the problem I have asked about. I didn't realise that there was so much involved. Especially when you read the instructions with the machine.

I am not sure on the yeast type but next time I purchase a kit I will look. I use 21 ltr of water which with 6 kg of sugar gives 25 ltr. I remove the first 50 ml of produce which I am guessing is the heads? From what I have read on her that's probably not enough? I have not been doing any cuts as the guy in the shop never mentioned this so any info on how to do this would be great?

Jim

[Easydrinker]

Try this;

download/file.php?id=69

Robert.

[YHB]

The file that Robert sent you is for a pot still, and any percentages quoted will be totally different for your T500 reflux still. Additionally with the T500 many choose to only do the one run

Apart from that the rest is basically the same.

You have already got rid of the fores, I would suggest that you dilute your spirits to around 25 - 30% and redistill them this time making cuts. It may seem like a chew the first time, after that is is very straightforward and when you have done it a couple of times you will know when the cuts are coming up.

I am told that the T500 does not transfer the tails so that is one thing less to worry about.

Give it a go and see what you think. I am sure that you will be impressed. Next time do not leave the still in the cupboard - give us a shout, we may be able to help.

EDIT, Forgot to say, next time I would not use more than 5kg of sugar.

[John51]

First rule with store bought stills is to ignore the instructions. imo they are intended to keep you buying consumables from the HBS.

I've posted this a few times before so once more won't hurt.

I do everything slow.

6Kg white sugar, Vodka Star yeast to make 24/25 litres. I have enough fermenters to have the wash 5 or 6 weeks old by the time I run it. Plus another fermenter to syphon the wash into on run day.

Water flow a bit too much at first. btw, a pressure relief valve is sort of a necessity with CM type stills, saves a lot of ball ache.

Once the top of the column is hot, wind the water down to give a bottom temp of 42'C. This will take hours to produce 500ml of fores/heads.

Then turn the flow down again to get 52 to 55'C. Turn the still off once 3 litres of hearts is collected.

If that doesn't work for you, all I can think of is that the column needs to be repacked and/or cleaned.

[jbarker304]

Thanks everyone. I have used your info to complete what is a much better tasting and smelling distillation of a wash tonight. I threw the first 200 ml which smelt horrible but I didn't taste it. I then noticed the taste of the produced alcohol dramatically improve after about 700 ml. I am ever so happy to have made what I feel is progress with your help.

One question I have is about the temperature probe at the top of the column. I understand that I must keep the bottom between 55 and 65 degree c but what do I have to watch for on the upper?

Thanks again

Jim

[Easydrinker]

I can't help you with this specific,but pleased that you got a better result.
Persevere,it will get better!

Robert.

[YHB]

Never had a T500 so I am also not able to be specific, but I understand that the latest models of then still have done away with this thermometer so it can't be all that important.

I am glad that you are happier with your still, stick around and you may learn more.

Toodlepip

Brian

[Capt-Cudellez]

One question I have is about the temperature probe at the top of the column. I understand that I must keep the bottom between 55 and 65 degree c but what do I have to watch for on the upper?

Hi, the new model doesn't even have an upper probe, as this is just measuring the vapour temp. You cant really control that so just concentrate on the cooling temp with that sort of still.

[Anavrin]

If I got a T500 I would want the version with the top probe, it would be useful for recording readings while collecting cuts, if running the same wash again you would have a better idea where your cuts would be.

I assume that even though you keep a constant water temp on the bottom probe, the top one will slowly increase as the boiling temp of the liquid in the boiler rises, although as Wikipedia would say "citation needed" as I'm only assuming!

[jbarker304]

Guys now I am happy with what I am producing. (Did another wash last night). I might have a go at a triple distillation. If I do this do I have to throw away the first 200 ml and then perform cuts again?