Wash still boil/hot break management

[SingleMaltKiwi]

Hi guys,
I'm making single malt whisky - so im mashing/fermenting malted barley only.
In the wash still, I get aggressive foaming/bubbling while heating up, but before I get significant distillate run.
Presently, I am heating aggressively and then cutting the heat as the foam rises(to prevent a boil over) and then heating again to break the proteins.
Once they're broken I get a really good consistent run - my question is, what is the best technique to manage this stage of the distillation? Presently it is quite time consuming, and was wondering if others have strategies they can share?

Cheers

[Doubleuj]

Hi mate, I moved your post to the welcome centre as it was your first, so welcome to the forum :handgestures-thumbupleft:
I would use a good glug of olive oil and/ or less in the boiler.

[Cadmoon]

I have similar issues and have been told to use a 'distilling conditioner' which is an anti foaming agent. My only concern is if it will impart any flavour into my spirit.

[The Stig]

'distilling conditioner' which is an anti foaming agent.

That would have been a home brew shop telling you that or a Turbo user.

a good glug of olive oil and/ or less in the boiler.

Is what we "longtermers" would do.
But, if its foaming up that much there is probably another underlying issue that needs dealing with ie: not fully fermented maybe

[Cadmoon]

Wasn't a person in a home brew shop but I would guess that's where he got his info. I'll give the olive oil a go :handgestures-thumbupleft:

[coffe addict]

Olive oil and more head space. I've sometimes had a serious problem with foaming but since reducing the amount of adjunct grain it's been quite manageable.
Always run whisky mash with a minimum of 30% headspace and 50% isn't uncommon.

[hillzabilly]

For another idear you could boil your wort after spargeing,a whiskey helmet or dome is there to help control foaming,a lot of scotch whiskey stills I have seen have them and sometimes a wider vertical colomn.cheers hillzabilly ;-)

[orcy]

Sounds like you are managing it fine. That's all I do. Heat to boil. Turn off 5 mins. Heat again. No mess. No fuss.