Infusion using the Still Spirits basket and muslin

[JohnD]

Hi,
Have been lurking for a while. I have got to the point where I did a Gin run with 1L of 40% and 1 L of water and then:-

12G Juniper
6G Coriander (seeds)
1/2 a Tangerine peel
(no Angelica)

This was ground lightly in with a pestle and mortar and then wrapped in a little bit of muslin - this was quite a tight 'package' to get it into the Still Spirits Gin basket.

What resulted after 2 hours was about 700Ml at 50% BUT it was a 'coriander' Gin - not much smell or taste of Juniper! Diluted down to 41% its quite drinkable but not really 'gin' - I have called it 'Questionable".

So do I try just placing the botanicals into the basket? Or just reduce the coriander?

I do worry about small stuff going up the 'stack' which is why I used the muslin.

[hampk]

I can't comment on the StilSpirots basket as I use a Sputnik (colander on legs, a great invention by Mash) but I'd be surprised if you got bits up the stack, as you put it. I'd definitely lose the muslin, I think.

I'd say your proportions of juniper and coriander are about right, but I've started using less per litre; I did a run this morning with 9g juniper and 4.5g coriander. I think that's personal taste though - my earlier gains were very juniper heavy.

Keep playing, keep notes. If you do hit a great mix, you'll want to be able to repeat it!

Cheers

Hampk

[JohnD]

Cheers - I'm going to have another go, without the 'bag' !

[gaza the instructor]

#1 Hampk on loosing the muslin.
John D I have one of those Gin Baskets (sorry guys had to try)
They are ok for small amounts, put the bots in loose the flavours
carry thru well, but overload the basket and I did have a small
amount of bots in the final product.
Result is I use my Sputnik much better.
Look up on this site and build one, even a numb numb like me managed.
Looking for the right colander is the difficult bit. It needs to fit
quite snug in the AS I think the measurement was 7.5 inches diameter.
The correct size of these will do, cut off handles and some legs.
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Stainless-Ste ... 0005.m1851

[JohnD]

Cheers - I have been looking at those - I'm going to have a go with loose botanical and then decide.

[gaza the instructor]

No problem JohnD Ebay is a wonderful place.
I think I used 3mm studding with nuts and washers to suit.
Again all on Ebay. Cost me about £10. Gives me room for a
3 liter charge.

[Easydrinker]

Not all juniper berries are created equal.
It may be those to blame?

Robert.

[H12rpo]

Just chiming in to say Sainsbury's do juniper berries dried in their spices range.....a 30 gram jar for a quid .....can't be bad

[gaza the instructor]

A lot cheaper on the Bay
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/GRADE-A-PREMI ... 0005.m1851

[gaza the instructor]

A lot cheaper on the Bay
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/GRADE-A-PREMI ... 0005.m1851

[H12rpo]

Something wrong with your maths Gaza

[Toper]

See

http://www.realfoods.co.uk/product/1028/juniper-berries

[gaza the instructor]

Something wrong with your maths Gaza

Don't think so mate 250g for £5 delivered

[gaza the instructor]

Thats a good price Toper don't know about you but
I normally order 1kg at a time. First for price
second if its a really good batch I have enough
to last a while.

[Toper]

I too buy by the Kg.

If you have a regular Gin run then nothing goes to waste and the saving is tremendous.