Bonkers or what?

[Easydrinker]

Some of you are aware that I have been running air cooled pot and reflux stills for awhile.
Just scaled up versions of the standard Air still really.
It worked well for several years.
Recently the heating element in my boiler sort of failed.
Running at roughly 10% of expected output.
And me lacking the working digits to start anew.

A new identical boiler is en route from a German supplier.
The lid and existing columns will fit this new boy like kin.

In the meanwhile, I have been playing.
The last few strips and runs took a little (!) longer, but have been so hands off that I am delighted.
I need to spend very little time with the still, while it is running.
12 -13 hours ain't nuthin' , if you don't need to be there.
Some, with their "we must still faster" mindset, may struggle with the concept of slow stilling.
My electricity usage is the same.
And I don't piss potable water down the drain to condense my spirits..
Win,win planet earth.

Two 25 litre strips and a subsequent spirit run, boiler and condenser fans electricity costs come in at a shade under £4.

My own build reflux column has always seemed to leave the tails in the boiler, unless run really hard on the air cooled condenser; more recently running at 1/10th of the old power they certainly don't seem to appear at all.
And when I tire and switch off, guess where I find the expected tails....

In the Lees of the boiler.



I would like to claim that this VERY slow running is the reason for my VERY neutral neutral.
But suspect that is due to the reduced lentil and Sultana in my sugar washes.

Robert.

[Mash]

Have to agree, slower is better. As is hands off distilling.

But lentils.... Nah.. a step too far for me

Can you not grow kale up there

[Easydrinker]

Scottish Cabbage White butterflies, the biggest pest of Brassicas around these parts are fearsome beasts, and not worth the battle.

Robert.

[Mash]

Do french marigolds or lavender not help keep 'em off?

[Easydrinker]

Nope, one year I did net them and stand guard with a tennis racket to swat the little feckers.
That was the year we enjoyed Kale properly, with the thick stems and viens cut from the leaf.
The offerings in supermarkets currently is such a sad second , that I refuse to buy it.
I want the whole leaf, I will do my own chopping.

Robert.

[Mash]

I am an idle grower, I enjoy propagation, planting and eating. The bit in the middle is a PITA.

I have to confess I have gone over to rubble netting / water pipe. It can only be described as FANTASTIC for growing (almost) fly free. But its more than that.

Keeps the heat of the sun off.
Breaks the wind.
Retains moisture (water no more than x2 a week)
Protects from heavy rain.
Retains dew
Proof against Birds/ butterflies / cats / dogs
Better & earlier crops. (we are eating this years Kale already )
Doesn't need the constant attention like a poly.

Cons.
Not Tomatoes / chillies. TBH I haven't tried, but I don't think so...

https://www.quickcrop.co.uk/product/min ... el-builder £20 buys all the corners and 2 middles.