Maximum ABV for Distilling

[pistagain]

Everything I've read on this forum regarding maximum ABV for distilling states that it should not be higher than 40%. However, I've been reading Odin's Easy Gin thread and he seems to indicate that 43% is required for his recipe. Actually, he says that maceration at 43% is required but then says to distill the filtered product. Can I assume that the filtered product should be watered down to 40% or is it OK to distill at 43%, as inferred by Odin?

[Birdman85]

It's all a preference thing. I used to have mine all at 44 for some reason.

Some liquors like fireball are only 33-37. Where you have your double proofs and high strenght stuff like devils cut or OP rum that are up to nearly 100 proof or 50%.

[LikkerSheWillLoveIt]

I think OP is talking about filling the boiler with 40% abv or lower.

A few percentage points isn’t going to create a bomb.

[RC Al]

-expletive- Odin, one great recipe, thousands of confused people across the forums lols

The 40% is there due to flash points raising as abv and temps rise.

Make sure your element is covered well.

[iOnaBender]

OeG is one of my favourite recipes. I also believe he has upped it a tad to get his stated output of 400ml per litre, that’s my thought on the 43%. I’ve ran 5ltr. batched many a time without an issue :handgestures-thumbupleft:

Cheers