Birdwatcher's TPW Run Log

[Echo4golf]

This was the first full batch that I ran through the T-500. I didn't use the insulation this time. The only non-stock thing was that I used some copper mesh at the bottom of the column. When I loaded the column, I started with the copper pieces that shipped with the thing and an additional pack. Then the stock SS pieces to the bottom of the discharge, and then the mesh.

(Note: I could have let it go for another day but I wanted to run it this (long) weekend.

Recipe

1. 11 pounds of sugar in 3 batches in a pot with water heated a bit.
2. 1 small can tomato paste
3. 1 tbsp DAP

Top to 5.5 gal with hose to aerate. Although not strictly necessary as their was no boil involved. Force of habit though. Makes for happy yeasties.

Check PH and find 6.4. Added 1 TBSP Citric Acid in hot water. Amount to add was not apparent even when I looked around on the 'net.

Check PH and find <4. Oops, I missed. Added 1 TBSP Baking soda in water and:

Check PH and find 5. Bullseye!

Top up to 6 gallons

Pitched 4 tsp DADI @ 100F.

Some Numbers
Corrected OG was 1.078.
Anticipated FG .099
Anticipated ABV 10.4%

Distilling Session

1. Into the still and heat to 50ish. (Note: I actually let it heat up too far and it started running before I got control. Ran off about 50 ML.)
2. Hold for 20 minutes.
3. After 20 minutes increased to a nice thin trickle. I had drips around 57-58 and began taking foreshots at 58-60.
4. Took 100ML Foreshots (including the runoff from overheating at the beginning.)
5. Pulled potential heads: 200ML jars x 2 @64-65 (Between drip and thin stream.) (This sat overnight and will be checked inclusion in the hearts.)
6. Pulled ~1L (33 oz) hearts @70-72
7. Pulled another 500ML (2x200, 1x100) @ 70-72 as it was running nicely. Again, these sat overnight and will be checked for indications of tail.)
8. Stopped at the last 100 b/c the ABV dropped to below 90. (barely noticeable onset of tails)
9. Raised temp to 90ish and pulled tails, raising the temp every time it slowed down. Final temp 96
10. Took tails to 25ish% (300, 200, 200, 300, 200 = 1200ML)

More Numbers
FG 1.012
ABV 8.75 (This seems low compared to what I actually got)

Yield:
Potential Heads: 400ML
Current Hearts 1000ML
Potential Tails: 500 ML
Tails: 1200ML

Saved tails with other feints.