StillSmart

robert this is the step by step i mentioned above


Air still results
SG 1.090
FG 0.980
Wash - 14.19%

Stripping run

100ml 68%
200ml 65%
300ml 63%. 1hr 28mins
400ml 60%
500ml 56%
600ml 52%
700ml 46%. 2hrs 12 mins
800ml 41%. 2hrs 24 mins
900ml 33%. 2hrs 36 mins
1000ml ??
1100ml 15%. Overall 46%. 3hrs
1200ml 11%. 3hrs 13 mins
1300ml 7%. 3hrs 27mins
1350ml. Overall 40%. 3hrs 35mins

Spirit run

50ml foreshot discarded 1hr 7 mins

HEADS
250ml heads kept to one side. 1hr 26

HEARTS
100ml. 77%
200ml. 76%
300ml. 75%
400ml. 75%
500ml. 74%
600ml. 73%
700ml. 70%
800ml. 68ml
900ml. 66%
1000ml. 62%. 2hrs 47mins. Overall 70%

TAILS
250ml. 55%
100ml. 46%
100ml. 35%. 3hrs 34 mins

this was posted in the airstill still smart pages and whoever posted this break down along with the diagram has really helped me to understand the process

That is all looking good, and it is good that you achieved similar results to the standard guide.
After a while, you may choose your own variances, some will be good, some possibly less so.
There are no hard and fast rules, it is basically down to yourself and your equipment, if nothing else it should keep you off the streets!

Robert.

Easydrinker wrote:That is all looking good, and it is good that you achieved similar results to the standard guide.
After a while, you may choose your own variances, some will be good, some possibly less so.
There are no hard and fast rules, it is basically down to yourself and your equipment, if nothing else it should keep you off the streets!

Robert.

oh its definitely keeping me off the streets and my missus too
(GOOD JOB SHE UNDERSTANDS MY NEW EXCiTING "HOBBY" LOL)

now i need to learn about bleding and diluting my hearts

I'm guessing that you meant blending?

Robert.

Short answer as to why you would re-distill tails/cardboard is because every distillation (extent depending on type of still obviously) gives you increased alcohol by volume while reducing flavour or funk. For whiskey and rum etc you re-introduce flavour through oak, spices etc. For gin you generally put the herbs in pre or during distillation. Anyone here who has been on a budget all inclusive holiday (ie me) will tell you that all the local spirits are flavoured neutral/vodka and we make much better.

That took a couple of reads to get your gist.
I think I have to agree with you.

Robert.

[quote="Curmudgeon"]Short answer as to why you would re-distill tails/cardboard is because every distillation (extent depending on type of still obviously) gives you increased alcohol by volume while reducing flavour or funk. For whiskey and rum etc you re-introduce flavour through oak, spices etc. For gin you generally put the herbs in pre or during distillation.

ive got an airstill . got 1 ltr tails and 1=1/2 heads do you run together .. i was thinking to add heads to next strip run.. and use tails in the spirit runs ?? is that wise to do ?

My opinion, and it is only my opinion, not a fact.
If you are aiming for a neutral spirit with an air still, or T500, save your heads,maybe some tails from the AS, should not be many tails from the T500.
Combine these, when sufficient in quantity and re-run sub 30%.

Expect to keep, as hearts, maybe 1/3rd total collected volume.
Throw the rest away.

Do not combine neutral heads and tails with other strip or spirit runs.
I see that as a shortcut to shite.

Now if going for a Rum or Whisky/Whiskey, it becomes much more complex, and if this is your pursuit, go read somemore.

Robert.

Just a quick question from a new boy. In tasleBHC's post of Thu Feb 23, 2017 12:59 am is SG and FG Start and Finish Gravity?

Apologies if seems a bit dim or obvious

yes.

tasleBHC wrote:

Curmudgeon wrote:Short answer as to why you would re-distill tails/cardboard is because every distillation (extent depending on type of still obviously) gives you increased alcohol by volume while reducing flavour or funk. For whiskey and rum etc you re-introduce flavour through oak, spices etc. For gin you generally put the herbs in pre or during distillation.

ive got an airstill . got 1 ltr tails and 1=1/2 heads do you run together .. i was thinking to add heads to next strip run.. and use tails in the spirit runs ?? is that wise to do ?

I have saved heads and tails and done a run with both and also added tails to next stripping run to add strength. I don't have a great palate or sense of smell so find both fine.

For vodka/neutral I believe the former is best but for rums, it's important (as I understand it) to note that some of the best rum oils/flavours come through after tails. I'm not smart enough to know when is what, but I believe the info is in here http://homedistiller.org/forum/viewtopi ... 14&t=39556