StillSmart

I am new to this and am not sure what I did wrong. It's now 12 days and I am not sure if fermentation is complete. So, i test with hydrometer and its 0. Is that possible? Its no longer bubbling and its grey. Can someone please help? Feeling frustrated >:(

Hi, Pitbull.

We need a little more info, what's the wash? and 12 days is not a long time for a wash.

As for the colour that maybe down to the ingredients/yeast you used....more info will help.

More likely than not ok
Sniff & Taste it.

How does it smell? Alcoholic, strong, winey?

How does it sound? Any fizzing?

Educate your palate.
Taste it..
Is it sweet?
Is it dry?
Is it vinegary?

I am not suggesting that you drink it by the pint, but it is not toxic.

I folled instructions that came with the air still..
2 gallons water
5lbs of sugar (white sugar)
turbo yeast/nutrient pack
turbo carbon
I didnt take a sg once mixed...
My house theromstat is always on 70 defgree f.

It does smell and taste like alcohol.

pitbull2 wrote:It does smell and taste like alcohol.

Result then. Run it.

pitbull2 wrote:I folled instructions that came with the air still..

That was your first mistake!

Step one in the enclosed instructions should be "Throw these instructions away".

Read this thread instead:

viewtopic.php?f=13&t=1216

wormwood wrote:

pitbull2 wrote:I folled instructions that came with the air still..

That was your first mistake!

Step one in the enclosed instructions should be "Throw these instructions away".

Read this thread instead:

viewtopic.php?f=13&t=1216

Not necessarily, I've never had any issues just following the instructions. Yes, when I had an original SS super reflux, I did manage to make it puke but the cloudy distillate was watered down to less than 40% and re-run, then it came out gin clear as usual.

Grey wash could just be that it needs to be degassed and cleared - if it is that, then it would just need running and maybe carbon filtering.

Sure, the air still guide that Aidan wrote (think it was him anyway) is good but there's nothing wrong with the normal instructions.......

Thanks for your replies. It appears that i needed to degas and clear...I ran and got a proof of 120%.. If i follow the instructions that came with the air still I would then add water and send through carbon filter...But I want the higher proof...Do I still have to dilute with water? or is it safe to drink in moderation at the 120....

What you should be seeking is not the higher proof, but the better taste.
IMHO yes, dilute to sub 30% ABV, and re- run.

Make cuts, get a great tasting product.
You will get some higher % ABV product.
HTH

Robert.

Grey suggests not separated as much as you'd like as in crap sank to bottom. I'd set it outside for a day or two so it's clear most of the way down and sludge at the bottom, rather like home brew beer or wine.

Too late Curmy think it been run.

Look what happens when you go on holiday - welcome back BTW.