Newbie Lady Disttiller Help Please? Googe's Kale Wash.

[Easydrinker]

Don't take this as Gospel,someone will come along with maybe better ideas.
At a Ph of 3,yeast are struggling to live.
And yes a Ph around 5 is ideal.

I would dissolve a few teaspoons of Bicarb of soda in some warm water,and slowly add to the wash.(No,I wouldn't,I sprinkle it on the top!)But I'm advising caution to you,
It will be lively reaction,and should raise the ph to a point the yeasties get going again.
Now that you can test Ph,and usually,if using Litmus,I do more than one test to be sure,you should be able to get a decent Ph level.

The next is purely MY opinion!

I would hope that the above salvaged my wash.
If I wanted to start another (Lentil) one,and had only one heater,the heater would go in the new wash.
As the song says,"You gotta know when to hold 'em,know when to fold 'em....."
I would put MY faith in a new wash,whilst hoping for it's posssibly damaged companion to come through.
HTH
Robert.

[Almanac]

Ph around 3 will take a very long time to finish but at least it's still active. If you're water is around 7 you should aim for a starting pH of 5.2 and this will see the yeast finish the job before the pH get low enough to send them all to sleep at around 2.5 (ish)

I wouldn't worry about keeping the Lentil Wash warm. Pitch it at around 28C and it will keep[ itself plenty warm. Be warned it forms a thick foamy head, called a Krausen, quite quickly so make sure there is about 4 inches of headroom in the fermenter and insulate it from the floor.

If a wash starts to get cool wrap a blanket, duvet, sleeping bag or lagging jacket around it and it'll be fine

AM

[Cherub]

Thanks Easydrinker & aidenmac,

I was going to ask if adding something to increase the ph of this wash would help - as I did think 3 was quite acidic, but wasn't sure if this was as a consequence of fermentation or the Kale?

I know a bit about ph values - Sadly seen the catostophic effects of high alkaline processes on the disulphide bonds of Hair!!

Before I asked a question again I did some reading - I don't want to keep asking questions I've made no attempt to answer myself. I have some Calcium Hydoxide(cookery experiment) which I understand is alkaline, I was going to ask about adding this before Robert suggested Bicarb of Soda. (thanks)...I really don't mind if if takes a week or 2 to ferment out (or not) - I'm not desperate to save this wash, but I am trying to learn and minimize avoidable mistakes.

I'll check the starting ph of all future washes, and I now know that "Krausen" is the correct term for the frothy head - and not to stir it!! My Leopard Skin fleece is off the rocking chair ready to wrap up the Lentil Wash if it gets chilly!

All species should be happy including the yeast in my fermenter!

Thanks both for the advise.!

[Capt-Cudellez]

Your calcium hydroxide will be way more effective than bicarb, you'll only need a small amount. If you have that on hand I'd use it.

[Cherub]

I wanted to update as it would be rude not to after all the kind advice.
The Kale wash finally finished! I also started a lentil wash, wrapped in a quilt sitting on several layers of cardboard - It took about 3 weeks to finish - with no heater. Both were double distilled and filtered through my early Christmas present...an Essencia Filter - What an amazing piece of equipment!! SO pleased with the result..10+ litres of clean alcohol to experiment with at minimal cost.
I've made some Fruit Nukins for Christmas presents (Damson,Raspberry,Peach and Vanilla) to be included with a nice bottle of Prosseco.

The best yet has been a "Cognac-type" using some peach,vanilla and neutral with a VSOP Still Spirits essence, (A present for special friends who donated DJ's - thinking I was making the cr*p wine we all made in the 80's again - we were all so broke!!) I can't wait for them to taste it.
It would probably benefit from "nukin" on some oak (will visit HB shop next week), but I'm happy with my first attempts!

I just wanted to say a huge "thank you" for the help, and how much I appreciate the advice (and Aidenmacs guide) - all freely given with no ridicule for using an airstill, or my lack of experience!
I hope to contribute more when I have something of value to share

[Easydrinker]

C'mon,this site was started by a man that owned 'just' an Air still (Smart Still by trade name),you will not hear ridicule here,only encouragement.
And just about everyone here goes out of their way to help a 'newbie'.
I am happy that you have some good results,and hope it encourages you to continue.
This site should help with any problems that you have,and if you reach a stage that you can help others,please do.
This was intended as a self serving community.
Simples.

Robert.

[Cherub]

Thanks Robert,

I'm new here, I don't know the history/lineage, I was just expressing
my thanks for the help and support which has been so generously given. I only felt
comfortable enough to post here originally after seeing that this forum appeared to be
mainly comprised of generous souls who were willing to offer advise to someone new to the hobby
I wasn't apologizing for my air-still - I LOVE IT!! (Now that I've learned to double
distil and filter properly)!

My comment of "no ridicule" was meant as a self-effacing jest, not any sort of accusation..as the only responses I've had from the members here have been positive and helpful.
The plumbing logistics of my property along with my non-existent welding skills
(I'm a fabulous cook, but better at tailoring than plumbing ) mean that I will probably never progress beyond the equipment I have...but that's quite OK with me.

I've had the BEST Christmas sharing my efforts with my family and friends...some truly memorable nights...?!?!

I've heeded the advise and added several layers of thick cardboard/insulation beneath and around my fermenting bucket - now my washes are fermenting out in a week or so (thanks everyone for the advise)

My "very special thanks" for the kindness shown by a member on the site!! Who
gave me the opportunity to experience some TRULY SUPERB SPIRITS...when I have produced something worthy of their critique, I WILL return their generosity..!!!

When I feel I have something worthwhile to offer other members, I will.

Simples!!

A very happy, prosperous new Year to you all!! <3 <3 xx

[Easydrinker]

Pleased that you have had a good festive season so far,and may last part of it leading into the New Year go just as well!
ATB for 2015.
Robert.

[beerbeermorebeer]

you only need to save up for a t500 or similar to get 9 litres of 38% spirit out of one wash lol..

merry xmas