1st time brewer needing advice

[dartysmisses123]

Hi from Far West Australia
Have brewed one batch and used Top Self Bourbon essence.
The problem we have is there is little favour and a lot of burn when tasting .
Wondering if anyone has any advice . we are using an Air Still kit,Your help would be greatly appreciated.

[bluc]

Welcome have a look at kiwistillers post making cuts in newbie corner will help eliminate the burn. :handgestures-thumbupleft:

[Professor Green]

Welcome to AD.

:text-+1: on the guide to cuts. There's a post in the pot still section that outlines how to get the best from an air still too.

Cheers,
Prof. Green.

[dartysmisses123]

Would like to than you guy's for your advice the brew is much much better now.
Your advice was invaluable.
4lt's soaking in oak chips and can't wait till its right to go.
Thanks again

[db1979]

Welcome, try oak dominoes next. Oak chips will get you flavour faster but can over-oak easily. This is when tannins dissolve into the spirit, and they taste really bitter. Have a read of the aeration threads in the aging and oaking forum. Dominoes have far less end grain so leach less tannins.

[dartysmisses123]

Thank you your help was great it is a much smoother brew.
However it is very sweet, we have had it socking in woodchips for about ten days now.
We were wondering is there a way to reduce the sweetness of it?
Any help would be very much appreciated.
Thanks
dartysmisses

[dartysmisses123]

thanks will do

[scythe]

Not really, unless you add more spirit.
Essences are sweet.