copper scrubber

[flamehawk]

Hi Guys,
Should i be running a scrubber in my pot still.

I notice i get 45% coming out at first then i get 20% for the rest of the run.

What am i doing wrong do you think?

Ian

[Urrazeb]

He mate, packing a pot column won't do much for ya.

What output are you running at (L/ph)? Also check your alcometer, they can be faulty. I'd get another one or two just to be sure your getting correct readings.

I'm assuming this is on a spirit run and not a strip?

Is it straight wash or low winez?

[Andy]

the wash could also have not fermented properly. it also could have gotten a vinegar infection, thus minimal ethanol left.
the still could also have a leak in.

[flamehawk]

It was a strip run. Is that all i should be expecting.

[flamehawk]

the wash could also have not fermented properly. it also could have gotten a vinegar infection, thus minimal ethanol left.
the still could also have a leak in.

Would i taste vinegar?

Mash is nice tasking with a little sweetness was still bubbling slowly after 14 days

Bought some lowerans yeast today and we will see how that does.

I put some SS scrubbers in they anyway.

On the 2nd run back in the still i pulled a 180 250ml 170 250ml 165 250ml and we will have to see what happens after that. This is the first time that i have run a 2nd distillation.

The 180 proof tastes like fairy floss it that makes sense.

[OzKev]

Is it puking? Is the spirit crystal clear?

[flamehawk]

Is it puking? Is the spirit crystal clear?

Some slight discoloration towards the last of the run getting close to 30% -15%

Also some film on top hard to describe.

The 2nd distillation is crystal clear with no puking.

[Yummyrum]

Is it puking? Is the spirit crystal clear?

Some slight discoloration towards the last of the run getting close to 30% -15%

Also some film on top hard to describe.

The 2nd distillation is crystal clear with no puking.

Sounds pretty normal.

Regarding the scrubber
.It will only help raise the ABV if the top of tje pot is getting cooled. If you were distilling outside on a cold day for example.
But this will also strip out more flavour as well which may not be what you want.

[flamehawk]

I wonder it the brew just did not finish brewing. I don't measure SG. never have i just watch the bubbles and used to tell me when to cap my beer. Perhaps this game is somewhat different.

I must say the 2nd run is much finer tasting.

Really looking forward to building a plated still as i would have been finished 5 hours ago :(

Ian

[Urrazeb]

It's a bit low for a strip run. I would investigate all points raised above.

Could you post a pic of the still?

Film on top/cloudy spirit is a sign of fusel oils in deep tails, nothing to worry about

[flamehawk]

Did a bit of reading tonight. Think I've been using the wrong yeast. It would appear not all bakers yeasts are created equal.

Switched to lowrans red and going to give that a crack

[Urrazeb]

Did a bit of reading tonight. Think I've been using the wrong yeast. It would appear not all bakers yeasts are created equal.

Switched to lowrans red and going to give that a crack

What were you using?

[flamehawk]

Can't remember that brand and I've discarded the bôx.

Time will tell if that was the cause.

[flamehawk]

That loweran yeast has has kicked in and the airlock is going of its head. I think I found the issue and looking forward to running the wash.

At this rate it won't take long to ferment