StillSmart

I wasn't sure where to place this posting as the implications possibly fall between the stools of 'Fermenting' and 'Distilling'

On emptying my boiler, following my last spirit run, I noticed a strong odour of peat coming from the contents. Tasting it confirmed what appears to be a strong element of the peated malt used in the wash.

Out of curiosity, I distilled 4 litres of this in an air still, discarding the first 50ml, to make sure I wasn't bringing over any traces of alcohol that might be left. The resulting crystal clear liquid still smelt and tasted of peated malt.

Firstly, would this distilled residue but suitable for use as a diluting agent for the hearts, adding its flavour?

Or, would it be suitable for use in making up a subsequent wash, adding its flavour to the process?

Or, even after distilling, does it still carry elements which one wouldn't want to use?

T

If I am reading this correct,you have found something that you like,somewhere after we might expect "tails" to live?
After distillation it isn't going to contain anything nasty or harmful,IMHO,so if this "flavour" floats your boat,I don't see a problem in using it to flavour another distillation.
My understanding is that the major Scotch distilleries recycle there feints,down to a very low %,to carry over flavour.
My opinion is to go for it.
And keep us posted.

Robert.

Having thought about this further, I think that I might use it to dilute the yield from the next Stripping run, in preparation for the subsequent Spirit run.

It simply seems a harvesting of a source of taste and flavour that seems to be going to waste, whilst one has spent good money on producing those very things.

In fact, if all noxious elements have been removed after having taken tails, is there a need to further distil? If it is to be used to dilute a Strip yield, it will get its distillation in the Spirit run.

Still uncertain as to whether I'm missing some thing. Why do generations of distillers not use it?

T

Hi I think what you mean what distillers call backset when I make a rum or sweet feed wash I always add a gallon of the liquid that's left in the still to my next wash as there is loads of good flavour so why let it go to waste
alan