Page 1 of 2

Finding ABV Whilst Distilling Using Airstill

PostPosted: Fri Sep 25, 2015 9:06 am
by Still Brewing
This one has been bugging me for a while.

While going through the second distillation, I see that the spirit is tested for abv at certain times of the process while it is been collected in 100ml amounts. How do you do this. 100ml is nowhere near enough to fill the trial jar, so is there a smaller version of both jar and hydrometer available.

Failing that, is there some sort of copper parrot that can be used on an airstill or have I got it all wrong.

Re: Finding ABV Whilst Distilling Using Airstill

PostPosted: Fri Sep 25, 2015 9:33 am
by Icefever
My trial jar is 100ml.....and with the displacement of the hydro it takes less...maybe 80ml.
You can make a parrot and run it off an Airstill..I have...place the still on a box so that you can pop the parrot under the outlet....job done. ;)

Re: Finding ABV Whilst Distilling Using Airstill

PostPosted: Fri Sep 25, 2015 3:16 pm
by wormwood
You can buy extra small hydrometers on eBay.

Re: Finding ABV Whilst Distilling Using Airstill

PostPosted: Fri Sep 25, 2015 5:01 pm
by Still Brewing
Big thanks once again chaps.

Will have a look for one.

Cheers

Re: Finding ABV Whilst Distilling Using Airstill

PostPosted: Fri Sep 25, 2015 5:44 pm
by Icefever
There's one here

Re: Finding ABV Whilst Distilling Using Airstill

PostPosted: Fri Sep 25, 2015 7:08 pm
by packapoo
I know I've lead a sheltered life, but every trial jar I've ever seen has been 100ml.
Even going back to high school chemistry classes. ::)

Re: Finding ABV Whilst Distilling Using Airstill

PostPosted: Sat Sep 26, 2015 3:27 am
by Icefever
I had a glass one for years which was a lot bigger than the one I use now...that was until I dropped it... ::)

There's a 250ml one here

Re: Finding ABV Whilst Distilling Using Airstill

PostPosted: Sat Sep 26, 2015 11:36 am
by hampk
I have a 100ml glass measuring cylinder which is perfect for the job. I admit that I use borosilicate glass for all my brewhouse glassware - I get it from a local supplier - here's a link to their cylinders http://www.scientificglass.co.uk/contents/en-uk/d91_Measuring_Cylinders.html.

As you can see, they do a huge range of items and the prices are incredible.. pretty sure they do mail order too!

Cheers

Hampk

Re: Finding ABV Whilst Distilling Using Airstill

PostPosted: Sat Sep 26, 2015 3:22 pm
by Icefever
Thanks for the link....a couple of quid for a nice glass one...maybe worth a email to see if they do P&P.

Re: Finding ABV Whilst Distilling Using Airstill

PostPosted: Sat Sep 26, 2015 5:15 pm
by Mash
A refractometer is much easier. Much easier for mash sugar calculations too ....and they don't roll of the bench :D

Re: Finding ABV Whilst Distilling Using Airstill

PostPosted: Sat Sep 26, 2015 7:01 pm
by Icefever
I do have one, but I find the hydro easier :D :D :D

Re: Finding ABV Whilst Distilling Using Airstill

PostPosted: Sat Sep 26, 2015 7:02 pm
by chill
How do you use a refractometer to measure ABV out of the still?

Re: Finding ABV Whilst Distilling Using Airstill

PostPosted: Sat Sep 26, 2015 7:04 pm
by Still Brewing
I'm still having trouble finding the mini hydrometer.

Could somebody post a link please.

Re: Finding ABV Whilst Distilling Using Airstill

PostPosted: Sat Sep 26, 2015 8:01 pm
by Magnu420
a normal spirit hydrometer (7.9" type) will fit in a 100 ml trial jar
i still use the same hydrometer what i got my airstill
also this is where i got my trial jar from but it seems the postage
has gone up since i bought mine

https://www.creamsupplies.co.uk/index.php?act=viewProd&productId=6525&category=

Re: Finding ABV Whilst Distilling Using Airstill

PostPosted: Sun Sep 27, 2015 2:26 am
by wormwood
Still Brewing wrote:I'm still having trouble finding the mini hydrometer.

Could somebody post a link please.


http://www.ebay.com/itm/SMALL-HYDROMETE ... 2a326e08f3