Why degass?

[Dynamic]

Guys,

This is my first batch that I degassed, because I did not know that it had to be, but why degassing? What is the negative result if this does not happen?

Sam

[Mash]

Nothing. IMHO a proven pointless exercise.
HOWEVER there might be some benefit to peeps who want to express the process as fast as possible.

[Easydrinker]

The process of racking off (with an air fall), and then racking into the still a few days later seems to work for me.
I have never bothered with de-gassing as such.

So, pretty much what he said.

Robert.

[Brewhunter]

Interestingly degassed batches compared to non degassed batches clear a lot quicker if you are using finings like turboclear, just a few hours.

[Easydrinker]

I cannot really comment on this last post, I have no experience.
Brewhunter may be talking Bollo.
But he does seem to be affirmative.
Anyone else care to share degassing thoughts?
I am always happy to learn.

There is no one way..

Robert,

[Mash]

Interestingly degassed batches compared to non degassed batches clear a lot quicker if you are using finings like turboclear, just a few hours.

I think you are talking complete and utter flocculation.

Never thought about it before or experienced it (cos I don't degas) but yeah I can see that. Fining is getting all manner of stuff to stick together and then sink out of suspension. More gas particles = more floaty = less susceptible to fining.

[packapoo]

(quote)

I think you are talking complete and utter flocculation.

Except when it's in relation to a kale wash.....

Then flatulation applies.... >:D

[Easydrinker]

LOL!
Can anyone else smell cabbage?
Robert.

[Brewhunter]

I have two washes that I put on yesterday so I'll do a comparison photo for the doubters once they are ready.

[Easydrinker]

Mate, don't be offended by a little jocularity.

I don't need pictures to convince me.
If you get the same result again, I accept it.

There is no one way, and we each decide what is worthwhile and works for us.

Robert.

[Mash]

I have two washes that I put on yesterday so I'll do a comparison photo for the doubters once they are ready.

No doubting here.

[gaza the instructor]

I remember another topic on this subject and
the importance was on using the Smart Still.
Done as a precaution to aid the wash clear
and secondly to stop a puke during the boil.
Reason because the lid is not screwed on, a
bit like an insurance on puking.

Is your lid screwed on Mash, all that Kale juice

[Capt-Cudellez]

not on here much these days, other stuff keeping my busy. But my take on degassing.

Degassing helps clear the wash quicker.
A clearer wash should reduce the risk of burnt yeast imparting a flavour.
A wash that hasnt been degassed produces a visible vapour at the output, which is slightly working the first time you see it as your worried you are not condensing all the alcohol.

but.....my opinion is

If you are doing multiple runs (strip and spirit run) I doubt you could notice the unless there was a lot of yeast in the wash. For brown spirits it would add to the flavour profile so really only an issue if after a neutral spirit.

I have found leaving a wash sitting around for days to clear adds fruity esters to the final product. I prefer to strip a neutral wash as close to it finishing fermenting (clear or not) to minimise these esters, as these are noticeable and harder to remove that a slight yeasty note.

[Curmudgeon]

Gaza and Capt-Cuddellez have covered it well.

Most home distillers will have progressed from beer and wine making and know the benefits of letting crud including yeast settle out.

Degassing is a wine thing but is of particular relevance with a smartstill/airstill etc as the lid is not clamped on. Not a million miles different from homebrew beer/cider being safer in bottles that had already had carbonated drinks in them.

[Easydrinker]

Curmudgeon makes a point succintly.
Capt-Cudellez points are valid, but require more thought and acceptance.
I accept them totally.
I have said above that I do not degass as such.
I often run strips before clear, because the end product is better for it, although clean up can sometimes take longer.
But these days I do not use the Smart still for much, other than a Gin, or one off experiment.
There are no hard and fast rules or instructions.
Somehow you have to feel your way into a way to proceed.
You may have to change direction.
I wish you well.
And I wish you safe.

Robert.