PH Levels

[Distillingchris]

Hi, does anybody know anything about PH Levels during distillation. For example if using an acid mash say for example of 4 will it come out at 4 from the still ? and the same if the mash is 8, will it come out 8 or will it be more acidic as its more concentrated ?

[Almanac]

Ideal starting pH is 5.2 and this will drop as the wash becomes more acidic as the ferment progresses.

pH isn't the only consideration in brewing as the make up your water is even more important especially when brewing All Grain

AM

[Distillingchris]

i know ideally thats the PH to ferment at but could it be done more alkaline ? would it just be slower or would the yeast just not work ? and also does anyone know what happens to the various different vitamins and nutrients in ingredients during distillation and during the fermentation, thanks.

[Distillingchris]

Have had a look and from what i can see it appears distillation pretty much strips everything out no matter whats in your mash, vodka, whiskey show 0% on pretty much everything, with only a little bit of flouride, potassium and sodium i think, no vitamins etc.My question is that i want to try and produce a spirit that is neutral/alkaline .

[chill]

pH too far out of yeast's comfort zone will first stall the ferment and then, if too extreme, kill the yeast. Don't do it. The distillate will only contain anything present in the steam (assuming the still does not puke!). Minerals, salts, etc will be left in the still.

Chuck

[Distillingchris]

thanks, so the only way to do it, would be to add various things after you have distilled to take the ph back up.

[chill]

Why would you want to do that? What are you trying to do? I just measured some off of the still and it is about 6.5.

Chuck

[Easydrinker]

Have just read,and re-read this several times,can't think of anything useful to add.
That doesn't seem right.Maybe I just don't understand the question?

It has never occured to me to test the ph of finished product; it is done,I drink it.
I'm still scratching my head.
Robert.

[Fil]

Ethanol is a neutral molecule and the pH of a solution of ethanol in water is nearly 7.00.

- wikipedia google "ph of ethanol"

[Distillingchris]

Hi, thanks, the reason im asking is i suffer from acid reflux which is to much acidic food/drink basicaly especially after drinking, i thought vodka was about 5 thats why my oringinal question came from, maybe i should be looking at the mixer for example i think coke is about 2.5 which obviously brings the PH of the drink down and more acidic.

[Almanac]

I don't think you can avoid or address an acid reflux problem through your choice of tipple. There are many effective drugs for long term treatment of acid reflux and I think this is your best long term solution - talk to your GP.

Other than that you could try Soda Water as your mixer (soda is alkaline) but I suspect you have a slightly sweet tooth I like Ginger Ale in my Bourbon but it makes it too sweet so I make my own using carbonated Soda Water to which I add strips of fresh root ginger. Nice ginger taste, no sugar sweetness, heaven

AM

[chill]

Coke contains phosphoric acid, so you don't want to be drinking any of that. Having gone the medication route myself, I would suggest trying something else first. While it works, long term it has serious negative effects on vitamin and mineral absorption. Current, non-pharmaceutical industry thinking, is that the main cause of this is inflammation and other digestive issues that result from a poor diet. Have a serious think about this http://whole30.com The results shocked me. They do, however, recommend eliminating or greatly reducing alcohol consumption.

Chuck

[Distillingchris]

thanks ill take a look, and i know the the simple solution to it is to not drink but its just not that simple haha. Yes i do drink soda water but obviously not the nicest thing in the world and as coke is 1 PH level of battery acid im just looking for something a little higher so it wont cause as much concern

[Anavrin]

I calculate my volumes a little different,

I take the volume I have, divide it by the alc% I want and multiply it by the %alc I have, this gives the new volume. eg.

6 litres at 55% to dilute to make 40%

(6 / 40) x 55 = 8.25 litres at 40%

To get the amount of water to be added take the starting volume away from the new volume

8.25 - 6 = 2.25

EDIT Oops I've posted this on the wrong post!!!

[chill]

Yeah, the not drinking part has not worked out well for me either. But even without that the improvements have been dramatic.