StillSmart

Not done much distilling lately as in process of moving but want to do a run or 2 before christmas just of vodka nothing special, 1st question is what do you use to clean your still, i think ive seen a mix of vinegar and water, if so how much and for how long.
Also ive read tomato paste works well at the start, is this the same as tomato puree ?
and last question is regarding filtering, i currently have a z type filter system filled with carbon so will run it through that but have recently been seeing vodka filtered through ice ? but cant find any information on it, also there is silver and diamond filters but that isnt viable, any comments appreciated

I rarely clean my AirStill. When I do, I put in a couple tablespoons of citric acid and run it until it starts producing, then shut it off after a bit. Or, more often, just use some stainless steel cleaner from the kitchen. Barkeepers Friend works well. But I only clean it if it gets discoloured.

Tomato paste is very dense and more concentrated then tomato puree. You can use it, but will need 2-3 times as much. I don't like it as it makes the ph of my local water too low.

I can't see how filtering through ice or diamond would work. That sounds like a marketing gimmick. Filtering through silver might have an anti-microbial benefit, but is of no use for our purposes.

Chuck

yes i think it is a big gimmick to up the price, however the ice filtering might work i dont know, i also thought about maybe filling my z filter half with carbon and half with cotton wool ? would that work ? im trying to concentrate on the filtering more as i dont have the time to have buckets of wash lying around.

You could spend a few quid on an Essencia Filter - it's the dog's boll±x, especially with the Airstill. I bought mine because it really cleans and polishes the spirit from a spirit run in the Airstill. In fact that's the only time I use mine now

+1 what Chill said re cleaning the Airstill - spot on!

Using Tomato paste or puree depends on your water. I couldn't use it because the pH would drop through the floor after a couple of days because it has Citric Acid added to an naturally acidic substance. However, some people swear by it and I get the impression it works well in areas with higher levels of limescale in the water supply

AM

chaslam07 wrote:yes i think it is a big gimmick to up the price, however the ice filtering might work i dont know, i also thought about maybe filling my z filter half with carbon and half with cotton wool ? would that work ? im trying to concentrate on the filtering more as i dont have the time to have buckets of wash lying around.

Hands up to not knowing a Z filter.
Cotton wool will filter out solids,little else.
Carbon will/may/may not filter out unwanted tastes.

If you have not distilled for a while;
Is your filter filled with old carbon?
Can you replace this?
Carbon or replaceable filter I mean.

Clean carbon will be your friend at filtering.

If you are looking for a quick fix on an inexpensive spirits run for xmas thing with an air/smart still,unused for a while;

Chucks advice re cleaning is good.

Your question re Tomato paste/puree suggest you are considering a new (to you) wash.
With respect to my friend Chuck,paste and puree are the same,to me,in the UK.

Equally,if you are seeking a quick,cheap neutral producing wash,I can only encourage you to try some of the lentil recipes posted on this forum.They are quick,cheap and work.Could anyone ask for more?
Robert.

Interesting thing, this language that we almost share. According to Wikipedia, Robert is correct. Tomato puree on this side of the water is called passata in Europe. Here is a pourable liquid.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tomato_purée

With my T500, I start off with a slightly too fast water flow. With the top of the column hot but not producing, (full reflux,) 15 minutes seems to be enough to clean the column. Hot alcohol vapour is a great solvent. I've never stripped the column to clean it.

I am unsure how John 51's post migrated here,so I will politely leave it aside.
To answer Chuck;Tomato puree in the UK,usually comes in tubes,sometimes in cans for bigger quantities,and is as viscous as squeezey toothpaste.
Being part of Europe we can also buy Passata,which is basically liquidised Tomatoes,and is pourable.
Then we have cans of chopped Tomato,and canned whole,skinned Tomato.
Here endeth the the Tomato lesson.
Unless you know different.
Robert.