Modified Water Distiller for Gin Infusions and Experiments

[mhstill]

Once I have a decent amount of quality neutral, (see my aim here: viewtopic.php?f=17&t=15515#p256283)
I want to do small batch runs with botanicals mess about with ideas on a small scale. I don't want to run 5L (minimum) gin infusion runs through my 22L boiler / reflux column as I'm commiting to a large-batch flavour profile.

An Air Still Pro is probably ideal, though I'm exploring a Vevor or similar 6L water distiller. Price difference is someting like 75%.
Kegland are working on their version of the SS Air Still Pro for half the price but it's not out yet.

What other still types might I want to consider for my situation?

I've read here that I'd need to do at least the following:
1. Address the chlorine vent issue to stop ethanol escaping
viewtopic.php?f=17&t=15515#p256283

2. Setup and voltage controller fo r the heating element, and keep the fan connected direct to a 240V power outlet. So 2 plugs for power.
viewtopic.php?f=17&t=14348
and
viewtopic.php?f=17&t=14340

3. Use boiling chips.
viewtopic.php?f=7&t=1544

It looks like I can get one with a full stainless steel vapor path?

May need to replace seals to remove plastic items from the vapour path? Not sure...

Other considerations?

[TheRealMrMessy]

Gin is so very variable hence the fact theres a bajillion sellers come influencers wanting to make a buck. There's a lot of ways to get the flavour into the end product. Fermentation. Maceration. Infusion. Etc. This is another "it depends" on what you are trying to do. OG air still is a pot still and maceration only. The newer air still pro has the ability to pot still, reflux still, and has a tiny botanical basket option too (im pretty sure!).

It really is another "it depends" answer, but it does start from having a good neutral base. Said in another post, stop thinking of column modification and instead boiler - there's nothing wrong with the alcoengine reflux you have but it's limited to that function. Boiler is as boiler does - it boils things. Voltage controller and some ability to change the still attached to it, is what opens up options.

[mhstill]

Thanks Mr Messy. I'm wanting to make a quality product, I may end up doing single shot infusions and blending flavours that way, time-consuming but rewarding. First though, just small runs with a few standard botanicals. If I could run 2-3 litres through my current setup I would. I've been told there's no options for my column other than a large boiler? If I could get my hands on a 5 litre boiler I'd just go with that.
Are you suggesting I could do low volume runs with a voltage controller with my current setup?

[TheRealMrMessy]

MH what I mean is, your reflux column is just that. It's meant to strip flavours and is not intended for gin - but should be able to make a reasonable neutral spirit from which you can make gin. Not to say it's impossible, but you're not going to get a lot of the flavours you'd be looking for out of it even as single infusions.

When you've got a base of netural up, give it a try and see. Infuse some botanicals and run it to understand the output.

[howard]

[quote=

Other considerations?[/quote]
i bought a glass chemistry set off ebay/Ali.
added a 5L boiling flask.
so simple for gin, whether you want to do a 1L or 5L run.
i bought a chemistry flask holder set and hold the flask above an old camping stove.
it does gin exclusively.
i could provide more info and pics if you're interested.

[TDick]

An Air Still Pro is probably ideal, though I'm exploring a Vevor or similar 6L water distiller.

I'm kind of a weird one-off. I had a copper pot thumper and worm did a few runs, all grain and sugar heads.
Situation changed, had to get rid of it. I still have the itch so a few months ago I ordered a Vevor "Water Distiller".
The one I have - US Model - has a temperature control and timer.

Vevor Water.jpg

The information with it SAYS it can also be used for alcohol.

https://www.vevor.com/water-distiller-c_10700/vevor-4l-water-distiller-1l-h-distilled-water-maker-timing-temp-display-white-p_010457123564

I did add a power controller from Amazon - around $20. And then simply a separate power cord to the fan.

I have NO idea how the Smart Stills work but it appears to be one button, off or on, with the Plus having the option of pot or reflux mode. ??
But in addition to a big price difference mine is 750W compared to 340 for the Still Spirits.
AND I like having more control over how it operates.
I'm still getting dialed in but with stripping runs, I set the temperature control to max - 108 C - and the power control to around 70%.
And I can walk away without needing to babysit like my old copper pot.
Spirit runs I start off the same setting and then dial in to keep a small stream or drips.
I did start out taking 50 ml cuts because of the small size.
But running 6 to 12 gallon washes - a LOT of stripping runs - I believe running it SLOW gives me much wider hearts, so I'm back at 100 ml jars.
And again at that size and cost, you don't worry so much about 'cock-ups".

[The Stig]

And I can walk away without needing to babysit like my old copper pot.

YOU SHOULD NEVER WALK AWAY FROM A RUNNING STILL
This is very dangerous and could end in tragedy

[TDick]

And I can walk away without needing to babysit like my old copper pot.

YOU SHOULD NEVER WALK AWAY FROM A RUNNING STILL
This is very dangerous and could end in tragedy

You are of course correct Sir! :handgestures-thumbupleft: