Making Neutral

[Stillsmith]

Hi folks
I am not sure which topic i should post this in as i couldn't fine on specific section for Neutral, a Mod can move the post if there is a more appropriate area.

For the past 10 years i have concentrated on Brown spirits mainly Whiskey.

I have a couple of questions about making Neutral or vodka.

* I don't have a packed section on my 4" Bubbler, I am wondering could i make an expectable neutral using 5 perforated plates ?

* Would i do a one and done or would i do a run then do my cuts and re-run the hearts a second time through the Bubbler?

* Also what is the best run strategy for Neutral, for example would i keep the column in full reflux for 30 mins before i start drawing product out the parrot?

* lastly what speed is recommended for Neutral, I am used to running brown spirits at a take off rate of 2.5L an hour. i assume i would run a lot slower for Neutral.

Any advise or tips for running Neutral without a packed section would be much appreciated. ;-)

[TheRealMrMessy]

5 plates will be pretty good bloke, but do a strip run like a pot still to clean things up first. Water down for the spirit run as needed (under 40%). If your volume is too low, ferment and strip two batches and mix for a spirit run.

Don't use a parrot on a spirit run, shouldn't need it on any bubbler spirit run. This just smears your cuts. Fine on strip runs.

Offtake depends on your kit. What matters is keeping the good reflux ratio. Plates nice and loaded. Slow for fores and heads, 2-2.5 lph hearts on a 4" bubbler is conservative.

[Stillsmith]

Cheers TheRealMrMessy

i have 180L ferment of Shadys Sugar Shine.

i will do multiple stripping runs and put it all in an 80L spirit run.
Thanx for the advice mate, i feel like a newbie all over again dipping my toe into the Neutral vortex. :text-thankyoublue:

[The Stig]

Don't use a parrot on a spirit run, shouldn't need it on any bubbler spirit run. This just smears your cuts.

I DO NOT agree with this, a parrot is a great tool to help with cuts and if the parrot is setup correctly with a dump valve you will NOT smear the cuts.
Stripping runs are where you can get away without using the parrot.
.
Without a packed section you will need to slow things down a little to achieve the highest ABV possible, anything over 92% is fine.
Doing stripping runs will help heaps, starting with a clean boiler full will make things easier.

[Stillsmith]

Don't use a parrot on a spirit run, shouldn't need it on any bubbler spirit run. This just smears your cuts.

I DO NOT agree with this, a parrot is a great tool to help with cuts and if the parrot is setup correctly with a dump valve you will NOT smear the cuts.
Stripping runs are where you can get away without using the parrot.
.
Without a packed section you will need to slow things down a little to achieve the highest ABV possible, anything over 92% is fine.
Doing stripping runs will help heaps, starting with a clean boiler full will make things easier.

I agree with you Stig in regards to using a parrot, i have a dump valve on the bottom and it is tri-clamped to the end of my shotgun condenser. i never have a problem with smearing, i would not do a spirit run without it. (my dump valve screws onto the bottom of my parrot)

[TheRealMrMessy]

Fine fine, use a parrot. Or don't.

[Wellsy]

lol Messy, we all do things our own way mate.
For me I like to make vodka not neutral and yes for me they are different. I like a little flavour in my vodka, just a hint. I use WBAB recipe, do stripping runs , then run over 4 plate bubbler at 2.5 to 3 litres per hour via a parrot. I empty the parrot after every jar so no smearing.
It really depends what you are looking for as our personal taste is what matters.

[The Stig]

:text-+1: