Another Noob

[Rowdy]

Hi all,
Another noob to distilling, residing in Ballarat, Victoria. I've been brewing beer successfully (mostly Coopers) for around 6 years but have only just started distilling. Unfortunately I purchased a StillSpirits Air still on a whim, without doing much research, and think I will soon regret this. Their online spiel seemed to indicate it was a simple process to make my own bourbon and rum, but from doing a fair bit or reading here I now realise this is mostly BS. However I blindly followed the instructions to make a wash with the turbo kit supplied, and after fermentation had finished and the clearing gunk had done its job and cleared the black carbon crap I put 4 litres of wash in the airstill, discarded the first 30 mls (as suggested in the instructions) and then kept the next 750 ml for consumption. I could tell from the smell of this 750 ml that this wasnt gunna taste at all like spirits I like to drink, but diluted it to 40% and added some spiced rum essence anyhow, waited a few days and then had a small sip. It was crap. So I'll try stripping the rest of the wash as described on his forum, then try making cuts, to see if I can improve it. After this I'll give the tomato paste wash a try and experiment with that. The info. on this forum will be invaluable. Thanks all.
Rowdy

[Wellsy]

Welcome board Rowdy

Forget the tomato paste wash with your still mate. You have a pot still and so will retain flavour from the original wash you use. This is perfect for bourbon, whiskey and rum. Try the wheat bix all bran wash as an alternative.

[RobMichelle]

Gday Rowdy, nothing wrong with the air still mate I’m doing my best to wear mine out, just finishing off last spirit run on a weetbix allbran nutrigrain wash enjoy the journey

[RuddyCrazy]

Welcome Rowdy :handgestures-thumbupleft:

Mate have a good read of the newbie section so you can learn the basic's and just remember a good drink needs cuts, cuts cut,cuts did I say cuts :handgestures-thumbupleft:

Cheers Bryan

Note: shouldn't this be moved to the welcome centre guy's

[Rowdy]

Welcome Rowdy :handgestures-thumbupleft:


Note: shouldn't this be moved to the welcome centre guy's

Oops, sorry I posted in the wrong section. I'm an old fart and not used to forums. Do I need to move the post?

[harold01]

Howdy Rowdy
nothing wrong with an air still, you have to start somewhere and progress from there

[Bamboo]

Welcome mate.
The brews will improve and be a great tipple in those cold Ballarat nights during winter.