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More Cuts Please

PostPosted: Mon Mar 20, 2023 5:35 pm
by ginandtonic
Hello to all,
I've read a bit on making cuts, but this post is to get a bit more clarity on it.
In my situation, I am using a TPW in 25 liter batches, that will be distilled a total of 3 times as set out below.
My end result, trying to create a good Gin.
Naturally and suggestions are always welcome.
The first distillation will be a stripping run in the pot still ( Thanks 5 star )
I discard approx 200ml foreshots and keep the rest, running the still till the alchol level drops to approx 20% = low wines
After I have done this process 3 times, and have 3 x seperate batches of low wines, I combine them,
make sure the alchol percentage is less than 40% and do A spirit run ( second distillation ) in the T500 - looking of course to produce good clear " tasteless" base spirit .
In this process, I discard Foreshots, and then split it up into lots of jars to work out what I will keep - mostly hearts.
The hearts will then be Macertated with chosen botanicals.
This will then be watered down and put through the Pot still again ( Third Distillation )so as to keep the flavour,
but remove any impurities and unwanted color ( well this is the idea ).
Using the gear I have ( 2" pot still, and T500 ) I imagine this is the best way to get my end result ?
So, my question is this.
Since I have saved, and used only hearts, in my second distillation, Do I need to make cuts again ? or should all the third run be of high ( hearts ) quality ?
Will I still need to discard foreshots?
Im kind of guessing not ? at this stage ?
But I am not sure ?
Cheers, G&T

Re: More Cuts Please

PostPosted: Mon Mar 20, 2023 5:39 pm
by The Stig
Theoretically , no, you’ve already made your cuts but….
This is the art/craft part .
When running the “gin” you’ll get different flavors coming across at different times during the run so cuts and blending is still required .

Re: More Cuts Please

PostPosted: Mon Mar 20, 2023 7:00 pm
by ginandtonic
me understand :handgestures-thumbupleft:

Re: More Cuts Please

PostPosted: Mon Mar 20, 2023 10:50 pm
by howard
ginandtonic wrote:me understand :handgestures-thumbupleft:

IMHO after the spirit run, there isn't any 'mostly hearts' for gin, its all hearts, and usually the heart of hearts.
the 3rd distillation, there isn't (shouldn't be) any impurities, therefore no 'cuts' are necessary.
however, on the 3rd distillation after masceration, you need to discard the first output as this contains heavy oils that will cause louching.
then you have to stop the distillation before the unwanted earthy flavours come through.
it's all down to taste, i sometimes add some of the early collection back.
my advice would be to follow the Odins method to start with. collect the first 10ml, then collect the next 400ml/litre, then i collect in 20ml and choose if i want to add any of the later bits.
so start your gin journey with OEG method/recipe and take it from there.

Re: More Cuts Please

PostPosted: Wed Mar 22, 2023 2:35 pm
by ginandtonic
Cheers Howard :handgestures-thumbupleft: