StillSmart

Hi guys,

just thought I would post and let you know that my trial with the Airstill has been well received by her that must be obeyed

My wash was a bit of guesswork, as the buckets I was loaned only held 23L (marked) so I only got enough for 5 runs through the still (well, will be 5 when I run the last one) although I know I could of siphoned off a bit more, I didnt want to take chances.

I discarded approx 20-50ml on each run, and kept the next 700ml, and added 350ml to bring the % down to about 38%

currently I have made some Ameretto (SS version, using a base) that was a bit of a chew as I struggled for ages to get the base to dissolve completely - end product def worth it though.

Also, made a litre of JD like bourbon, gave some of this to a big JD/whisky fan, and he says that its more than drinkable, a bit sharp compared to normal, but drinkable neat, saying its better than a lot of the cheaper whiskies anyway, and if mixed then its spot on.

So with these results, my plan is when I have to invest in my own stuff I will also stretch to the essencia filter, and double distill, which should help reduce the sharpness my mate encountered.

Am actually feeling pretty damn smug atm that Ive currently got drink that will last a month for me and the wife, thats saved already quite a lot of money.

I know I can refine, and make my end result better, so Im saving now for purchase

Well done! Sounds like you already dodged one of the classic 'newbie' mistakes - trying to wring every last drop out of it and spoiling the whole batch with being too greedy - as you've gathered, you can make plenty so quality over quantity.

One or two minor things - you're right, filtering and double distilling will help, but also those essence type things tend to improve after a week or two anyway to settle down. Also, if you have any 'proper' stuff around, add about 10% to your homemade and it'll fool the palate even more.

Enjoy the results of your efforts!

I think the quantity thing was a trap I was falling into before I actually got my hands on the still, as I was thinking I could do this, that, and the other

However once Id read on here about the benefits of a stripping run, and separating heads etc, then it wasnt a hard decision to make, the way I look at it, the chances are that between you all here you've probably made all the mistakes a typical newb would make, so it would be foolish not to listen to the advice.

I'll continue as I am, knowing that I have an aim for my own still and equipment, knowing that here theres a strong resource it would be foolish to ignore when I need advice on rectifying a mistake

Some of the SS recipes which use bases are quite good we are fans of the Irish cream and black sambuca
I found getting the base to dissolve was hard and the cream base would get frothy and take ages to settle
The answer I discovered was to use a jug blender if you've got one. works a treat and not to frothy or messy, just add the powder steadily through the top then blitz for a minute or 2 works a treat

Admiral Toad wrote:Some of the SS recipes which use bases are quite good we are fans of the Irish cream and black sambuca
I found getting the base to dissolve was hard and the cream base would get frothy and take ages to settle
The answer I discovered was to use a jug blender if you've got one. works a treat and not to frothy or messy, just add the powder steadily through the top then blitz for a minute or 2 works a treat

Made the Irish Cream last night, no blender, so put a bit in at a time, stirred with whisk, rinse and repeat

Watched Harry Potter with the youngest while I did it, turned out pretty decent, tastes spot on really, possibly a bit thinner than the real stuff, but plenty drinkable