After my second distill process question

[Richy]

Hi Guys iv just finished the second distill of my triple distill yeast i got with my air still.

Ok so i think i made a mistake and too much of the heads have made it through to the hearts, i mainly think this because when i taste the alcohol it tastes quite chemically if you know what i mean.

What sort of taste should it be (if you can describe it that is) and can i put it all through the still again once i bring it down to 40%?


Thanks guys

Richy

[chill]

Yes, you can and should distill it again.

If you fermented sugar, it tastes like a light white rum to me before carbon filtering.


Chuck

[Frank]

Hi Richy
its a difficult call to define the tasste of 'heads' (good try Chuck )...what I would say is if you get some of the spirit and rub it on your gum (I use above my upper teeth as that was what 'someone' taught me), then if its heads it will provide a 'burning sensation' and if its hearts it will be much smoother, though strong (and if its tails, it will seem oily/dull). There is also a slight smell difference too but IMHO that is far more subjective.

anyway, for consideration.....it will get a bit easier to tell the fractions over time mate and a good airing/maturity of the spirit can help with neutralising 'apparent heads'.
Meanwhile a redistill will be a good idea......just dont forget to be generous on the seprate heads collection this time.

[chill]

I did not mean to suggest that heads tastes like white rum. They taste some some artificial chemically candy flavour to me. It the hearts of a sugar ferment run that tastes like white rum to me.

Chuck

[Frank]

sorry Chuck, my mistake....in truth, I wouldn't know as I dont have anything to do with rum....

I do think heads can taste and smell a lot like those cheap banana lollies though (and apologies if they are only an Aussie treat)

[Frank]

@Richy
it may also be worth considering trying a different wash/yeast etc 'sometime soon' and compare your findings in relation to spirit quality, apparent heads etc

[Richy]

@chill thank you mate what you have mentioned has really helped me

@Frank again thanks and tonight i was going to try a Alcotec VodkaStar mash but im thinking i might try a one i found on a different forum for a Gerber mash but im finding it hard to get hold of them in the uk without having to order them from amazon. so looking for an alternative

[chill]

"cheap banana lollies" LOL thanks Frank, you have just put a proper name to "artificial chemically candy" flavour. I have not had them, but I am pretty sure that I have a good idea what they taste like.

Chuck