StillSmart

This may be a silly question, but if I pour 40% vodka into a smart still distiller, can I turn it into 60% vodka using the distillation process, or am I totally mad for thinking that?

My understanding is pure alcohol (vodka) will boil out as steam thus increasing the concentration

Not 100% sure but you could be asking for a possible explosion heating 40% alcohol up if your not careful.

Can I ask why you are doing this? Is it homebrew or bought Vodka.

Maybe not an Explosion - but there is a bit more to it!

Have you used a smart still before? This is perhaps something you would do after a bit of practice and understanding.
....and after reading the excellant Still Smart guide on this site.

I suppose what I am saying is, I am not sure its a good idea to buy one just to beef up Smirnoff.

Hope that helps

To answer your question, yes that will work. The ABV of the result will depend on how long you collect it for. If you stop early enough, you will get about 80% vodka. If you run the still dry, you will get the same 40%.

There is a slight danger in this, in that if the still were to puke (shoot hot vodka out of the nozzle) early on, or pop the top off with a surge of steam, and there was an ignition source nearby (do not smoke! ) you could have a scary invisible fire situation. Both of those seem unlikely with a previously distilled vodka and having some copper bits, broken granite, glass, etc. in the bottom of the still for bubbles to form on would reduce that possibility even further.

Chuck

Nicely done Chuck. I was concerned as this was a first post.

@ positiveman: Let me first say that I have never even seen a Smartstill, let alone operated one.

Your intention of upping the ABV % is no different than somebody taking their low wine from a stripping run and then doing a spirit run.

Assuming the equipment in question can handle spirit runs, then go ahead. You will need to add some water and bring it down to about 30% ABV. The worst that can happen is you will improve what you started with. Assuming the spirit run comes off at 80%ABV, using good water, bring it down to your desired strength. Job done.

Hi positiveman...this post has a lot to it....this is my 2 pence worth.

1.. This comes to my mind..do you own an Airstill to start with??? and more important do you know and understand the science of distillation???
2. Why 60%??..do you want to drink high proof vodka???
3. As Mashy asked "Is it homebrew or bought Vodka"
4. Chill & Rumjohn have set you the basic procedure to water back to 30% and then run a spirit run.

If you add a little more info the guys will help in any way we can....
More important .....just stay safe mate.

I think the other posters have made the salient points.
Just what is your intention positiveman?

Robert.