StillSmart

At last the spirit is filtering, a bit slow but I've filtered 25 litres this week.
Time to change the carbon filter according to the instructions but I'll do another 5 litres first.

strip the filter and refill it yourself.

I have the carbon ready!

The new Essencia Carbon Filter tops are a bitch to remove! They are now super glued all around the edge. I tried to remove it with 2 pairs of long nosed pliers, after 20 minutes and no release, I resorted to a screwdriver and pliers. The filter top is now trashed!

So, I have ordered http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/271675561844? ... EBIDX%3AIT and http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/301019840326? ... EBIDX%3AIT to tide me over until I have a stainless steel cover made similar to the original.

I believe I resorted to a surgical scalpel to persuade mine to separate.
A craft knife might do the same thing.
Robert.

Edit.
Liking those SS mesh discs though,and wondering how I could use some.

Shall I or shall I not, that is the question.

Birthday is only a couple of weeks away and my lovely wife has told me to order one if I want it.

Do they really make a big difference in taste.

Go for it. They make a massive difference to the taste and clarity.

Still Brewing,
Should your good lady partake of your product,then she will welcome the taste improvement.
If she doesn't share in your product then you will have to appreciate the difference alone.
You will experience a vast improvement in the taste of virtually any neutral run through an Essencia.
If you can get one,then I strongly recommend doing so.

Robert.

Thanks fuf / Robert.

Went camping last weekend and took a cheapy supermarket half bottle of vodka with me. I know I'm very new to the distilling game, but a previous batch of twice distilled neutral without carbon filtration tastes far better than the crap I bought in a bottle.

I actually thought I had a dud bottle at one point. It burnt like hell at the back of my throat, and to be honest, it really didn't taste nice at all.

I'm now convinced that even I can make something better than the supermarket and if the Essencia filter system improves the end result even more, then its a no brainer.

Now to buy it. I've seen it on Ellie Claire for eighty quid plus postage. Is there a cheaper option anywhere else.

I purchased mine from http://www.discountbrew.co.uk/gh/essenc ... omplete-gh
The lowest price out there I reckon.

Cheers fuf, your a star.

Just saved myself a tenner using the link. It ended up costing just under £73.00 with free delivery. Thats good considering its nearly eighty quid plus delivery everywhere else.

Have bookmarked that site for future use.

Cheers

Hi SB,

Before use, soak the dome and the filter in 40% booze overnight to remove any airlocks.

When it's time to replace the carbon filter, remove the plastic top (bit of a bugger) and clean out the old carbon. I refill mine with this
http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B00A ... ge_o03_s00

It will save you a fortune.

[quote="fuf"

Before use, soak the dome and the filter in 40% booze overnight to remove any airlocks.

It can be soaked in water,allow for dilution in the first few litres of filtered spirit.

When it's time to replace the carbon filter, remove the plastic top (bit of a
bugger) and clean out the old carbon. I refill mine with this
http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B00A ... ge_o03_s00

It will save you a fortune.


Top tips,

Robert.

Cheers chaps.

When the carbon filter has been refilled, is it stuck down again with superglue or can it be done with a hot glue gun.

Hi SB,
There is no need to glue the top on, it is OK to leave it loose and it makes life easier for the next refill.