Distillation Method

[PieOPah]

Hi,

I am relatively new to distillation. I have run a few batches through my Airstill and have always enjoyed the end result - however, I am looking to get more out of it.

I never throw away the first 50ml as I have been told that the Airstill isn't efficient enough to give you the methanol(?) that can be dangerous.

What I have started to do is distill 700ml and then following that I separately collect an extra 300ml. The ideal will be to take the 300ml and use this to top up the last of the wash before I run that through the still.

Is this something that is going to produce an inferior alcohol? Is there a better method I could use?

Thanks,

[Magnu420]

this is a good starting point see here →→→http://www.stillsmart.co.uk/forum/viewtopic.php?f=13&t=1216

[PieOPah]

Thanks, reading through it now :-D

[chill]

Collect the first 50ml separately. Smell it. Taste it if you dare. Ask yourself if you really want to be drinking that. Or, perhaps, you like drinking label remover. Methanol is not the worry. Acetone and other substances are.

Chuck

[Almanac]

Thanks, reading through it now :-D

One thing beginners sometimes find is that the 'correct' method of running an Airstill apears to involve a lot more work than following the silly method suggested by the manufacturers and/or sellers but it's well worth the extra effort and once you do it you'll know why it's the right way.

AM

[John51]

I used to do similar with an airstill. Vodka Star wash, 6Kg of sugar and run it with a light dimmer to give half power. Junk 25 to 50ml then collect 700ml.

Certainly not neutral, nearest I can describe it is similar to whisky but without the whisky taste. Had the whisky oiliness and a not unpleasant (imo) aftertaste.

Downside was the after effects after a heavy session. Who needs Mexican food?

Then I tried double distilling and never went back. I do miss the original product a little bit though. I might organise a single run so as to have a bottle just for a single nightcap once in a while.

[chill]

You can probably come close by tipping some early heads in to your final, double distilled product. I can clearly taste heads in some commercial whiskies and bourbons.

Chuck

[Almanac]

...I can clearly taste heads in some commercial whiskies and bourbons.

Chuck

+1, I could always smell the difference and it wasn't pleasant

AM

[chill]

Yes, Aidan, exactly! Some of my formerly loved tipples were taken right off the menu when I learned what a good drink actually tasted like.