StillSmart

Hi All.... It's been a while since I've been on here..... Sorry for the absence Ive been quite busy and just havent been able to spend any time on here of late.

Here's a question for all the more experienced brewers among us on here.

Just lately I have been experiencing some changes in my brews..... Havent changed anything in my method so I am stumped.

Some of my bottles of spirit have been off after a week or so after mixing .... Notice I said "some" not all. I have been using HBS essences as I havent had the time to experiment with bourbon chips etc.....

My neutral spirit is as clean as a whistle after distilling so I am asking whether anyone here thinks that I may have had a bad bottle of essence or could there be some other reason for this strange occurance happening

Thanks in advance and happy brewing.... and hoping you guys and girls can help me on this one.

Whimpy

Well I suspect that you'd have to be very much more specific, describing exactly your process, both fermenting and distilling. As well as any exact (as possible) readings of gravity etc for the ferment and measured strength of the distilled spirit plus what the water used was.

Also what make and type of essences were used etc, so as to be as comprehensive as possible.

As I for one, have never come across a problem like that. I don't mix mine up more than a week before they will be drunk (whole or on part). Plus all of the ones I've tried have been fine, not always tasting as good as I'd hope (depending on who's brand of flavour essence was used), but never bad/off.

All the problems I've had and learned about have come in general wine making, and oxidation or infection generally affect the fermentation stage...

I did read of a guy that used a brandy flavouring and the result was undrinkable.

3 months later he tasted it again and it was gorgeous.

You say your neutral is clean and I'm assuming you do double distill. On that basis I'd have to conclude that the essences are at fault.

Bacteria are not a consideration in spirit strength alcohol so infection is not the cause. That really only leaves whatever you added to the neutral spirit. Given that only 'some' of the bottles are affected I think it's a reasonable assumption that you may have got some dodgy essences

AM

Hi All thanks for the replies to my question.... As always I get a good knowledge base to work with and really appreciate all the friendly guys and guys on here

You will be pleased to know that after further investigation The source of the problem turned out to be that my lovely other half (thinking that she was helping me out) washed some bottles for me using household detergent and was a little careless with her rinsing process.

So i quickly informed her never to use washing up detergent in my brewing gear again and to use my handheld steamer instead..... and viola no more off tasting spirits for me or my mates

Thanks again for the wonderful input and encouragement

...and there's a lesson in this for "all of us"

@Whimpy64: for sure, you are now far closer to becoming a Master Distiller (at least on a domestic front)......good luck with future runs