Do i need a still?

[Mayhem]

Hi everyone

Newbie question.
I have been home brewing beer for a few years and want to get into spirits.

My local home brew shop sells the alcotec 5L spirit base kit.

I have read the instructions hereand there is no mention of any distillation.

My question is, can i make a 20% spirit wash, add the essence and drink it?

I don\'t want to invest in a still at the moment, just want to try this out.

[dict8]

when you use any turbo yeasts it produces alcohol around 14% then you distill this to make 90 odd %. So yeah there is no need to use a still with this product as it will produce as it says 20%, id just be worried how clean the spirit is going to be as distillation turns what has fermented into vapour which in turn makes it cleaner. Let us know how you go, will be interesting to see how the spirit tastes and if there is any after taste.

[Andy]

I did this same (almost) thing about 20 years ago.

The kit was called Prohibition.

I made 1 batch of cherry brandy and it wasn\'t to bad but tasted like a really cheap port and was very sweet, almost like sugar water.

I never did a second batch.

Having said all that, it did what it said on the pack.

[Andy]

how the spirit tastes and if there is any after taste.

Not at all, the carbon floats for a couple of days then sinks.

I guess (knowing what I know now) its a poor mans carbon filter.

The big trick is getting the clear stuff out without disturbing the sediment.

[Andy]

I must say, I never tested mine for content (but I did drink it LOL)

[hic52]

You may want to try adding 10-20% genuine spirit to the base and see if that tastes better, if you have seen any of my posts you will be aware that i hardly use any essences as am not too keen on the \"false\" taste, although the creme liqueurs are acceptable.
I use the base as a way of increasing my stock of genuine spirits - goes well at parties and its better than using water lol.
I concur with everything thats been said regarding a still though, you could always make your own if funds are tight or try and pick up a secondhand pot still, they occasionally come up on ebay.
Keep us posted - this hobby is always about experimenting - hic