Smartstill filter

[Corps012588]

I know their frowned upon but does anyone know where on earth I can get the
Carbon filtering jug that is used on the wine works video in the uk?
I just want to try one and see if there's much of a difference as I still don't have a filter

[amaark]

Corps, I don't mean to state the obvious but as Richard (Wineworks) is using one why don't try him.

[vino-tinto]

If you don't want to make your own, the Still Spirits EZ inline filter is a better choice, just connect it into a syphon tube. The carbon is in block form so no mess.
I boil my carbon for 20 mins after I use it, then pop it in the oven to dry, that way I can use the same one at least 3 times.

[Corps012588]

Just had a look at the inline one vino.
I think I'm going to order one in the morning.
Does it just push onto the symphony tube and then into a fermenter tap?

[vino-tinto]

I've got mine set up connected to a tap on a 10 litre bucket via a piece of tube and then into a glass DJ, about 10 times faster than the standard AirStill collector filter.
The one thing I've done to mine is to work the thread with a bit of SS scrubber to loosen it off, they do get a bit tight.

[Corps012588]

Great. Thank you. I'll get one ordered ready for after christmas
Thank you vino

[Almanac]

The only problem I have with this type of setup is the use of plastics of unknown resistance to strong chemicals like ethanol.

It may well be OK but I tend to avoid any uncertainty if possible as you can't actually see if leeching is or has occurred into your spirit.

I use an Essencia filter system which, although made of a type of plastic material, is designed for use with Ethanol up to 55%ABV.

Probably makes little difference overall but I take peace of mind from using a dedicated system. Plus, it was bought for me as a Christmas pressie so I didn't have to shell out for it

AM

[Corps012588]

Santa must be out of budget by the time he gets to me lol.

[Corps012588]

Came in the post this morning.
Can't wait till the new year now or can Oaked spirit be run through carbon?!

[Almanac]

Oaked spirit should never be put through a carbon filter. Only use that type of filter for neutral spirits.

Spirits that have been aged/flavoured on Oak would lose all flavour and colour if they were carbon filtered

Of course all final spirits from the Airstill should be carbon filtered before Oaking or adding essences

AM

[Corps012588]

That's what I presumed with the Oaked spirit. Just wondered if it would be worth it and then re-oaking.
Can't wait to see the difference between the non carbon filtered I've been drinking and the new stuff which will be filtered.
It really makes me smile when I see the price of spirits.
Our local co-op has an offer on with JD at the minute, it's £18 a bottle!!!!!!!!!!!!
I just snigger and walk down the sugar isle!
I only look at the store spirits to compare colour now.

[Almanac]

JD's even worse over here at €27.95 or about £23 Even the Heart of my neutral spirit is improved by running through my Essencia. It makes it really smooth

AM

[Corps012588]

Ooh. Just remembered, i have 1ltr of neutral
May just run it through then wash and dry the carbon cartridge for next year

[andymac]

Hi guys

I'l planning on following Capt-Cudellez' recipe to run a batch of gin in my airstill - putting the botanicals into the still with 4 litres of neutral spirit from a 25l strip run for the spirit run.

I've got an Essencia carbon filter, and was wondering when folk recommend I should run it though it, either running the neutral spirit from the strip run through it before re-distilling it, or running the finished spirit through it prior to bottling.

What do you reckon?

[Almanac]

If you put a flavoured spirit, like Gin, through the Essencia it will strip all the flavour from it and you'll end up with neutral again.

Put your neutral through the Essencia before adding to the still with the botanicals and you'll get a lovely result.

AM