Fores lower abv than heads

[B-Man]

Running my packed 4" bubbler.
Hold on full reflux for 5 or so minutes and run fores out slowly.
Then run faster for my heads yet the heads have a higher abv???

Doesn't matter what wash I have run it all does the same.
Any ideas?

[Wellsy]

I have only started using my bubbler to take spirit straight from wash mate, I always used to do the strip runs, taking big fores cuts, and then spirit through the bubbler. I have found that I struggle to hold in full reflux and a very small amount always comes off, just drips nothing of volume. I have checked my cooling pump ect. Always the same so now I am guess it is simply that the initial fores come off at much lower temps. Once the fores are taken everything settles down nicely.
One day I will do a low wines run to test my theory but until then I will live in happy ignorance lol

[bluc]

Mine always drops from fores too tails. Bit baffled as to why fores would be lower abv then heads :wtf:

[chipboy]

Because they not the same alcohols and your measuring device is tuned to Ethanol, not acetone etc. My last batch had a very strong hit of acetone and other things as it came up, and yes they do require careful use and tuning to operate as desired.

[Yonder]

Fairly common while running my traditional pot still. Different fractionals. I almost always begin about 78 then move up to the low 80’s and hold while “the good stuff” runs, dropping rapidly in the tailes. :ugeek:

[B-Man]

I have found that I struggle to hold in full reflux and a very small amount always comes off

I have no issues holding a full reflux and nothing coming out.

When I let it out slowly the first 330ml is always a lower abv than the next 330ml bottle.
mainly running wine and TFFV

Mine always drops from fores too tails. Bit baffled as to why fores would be lower abv then heads

yes if im running it as a reflux it drops from heads to tails not by much though until I notice tails and pump them out but as noted the fores can be up to 5%abv (average is 3%) lower than the first heads bottle. (this is temp corrected)
If running like a pot still or pretty fast it drops each bottle.

Fairly common while running my traditional pot still. Different fractionals. I almost always begin about 78 then move up to the low 80’s

Running my other pot still my fores are higher than the heads jar.