by scythe » Thu Nov 16, 2017 5:42 am
In my mind the straight tube to almost the bottom of the thumper wont work as a downcomer/return as it will always be the path or least resistance for the ethanol within the tube.
A standard downcomer is what you want there.
If you want to save time go for 6" column, this basically at least doubles the build cost.
If you want to minimise column height make a custom boiler that is wider than it is tall, and go electric.
A bit more costly than a keg if you dont have the skills and resources to make it your self.
In the scheme of things what type of spirit you want to male will determine how long it will take to make.
Brandy or Rum is the fastest to run or make and usually does not require as long to age,
Whiskey/whisky takes about the same time to make as rum but will be aged for longer,
Neutral takes more time to make as you are stripping all the flavour you can and may require another pass if your not happy with how neutral the first run through is, but you can drink it straight away with no aging,
Gin takes the longest to make as idealy you will only use the hearts cut of you most neutral neutral to then vapour infuse with botanicals, again tho it can be drunk instantly.
The above is why most new distilleries offer a vodka and/or Gin as their first option, no ageing means they can sell it the day after its been made.
No need for an alembic ball or dome either under a bubbler just a short section of column diameter straight pipe the length of the downcomer is enough, you wont be running a full boiler so any puke will be cleaned up by reducing power and puting the column back into full reflux.
No need for complicated return plumbing either gravity will do all the work for you.