My very first still.

[Big_driz]

G'day

I finally finished my very first still.
50l Keg boiler on gas with a 900mm long liebig condenser 3/4 over 1/2

DSC_5693.jpg

I soldered some stainless 1" nipples so i could put a stainless barrel union on, to make it a bit more modular. I had to flare the 1" copper a bit to make it a tighter fit to the stainless, then soldered with BOC silvercoat 45T.

Ive done a cleaning run with 50/50 vinegar and water. checked for leaks, none that i could see. Just waiting for some TPW to finish fermenting then ill do a practice/sacrificial run, it should be done in the next couple of days.

im a little excited.

[Wobblyboot]

Looks good :handgestures-thumbupleft: what drinks u planning on making?

[maddogpearse]

Good job! I bet that was fun to build wasn't it? :handgestures-thumbupleft:

[Darwin award]

You'll be able to produce lots of tasty spirits with that setup....tropical garden? Give the rum a go...after 3 months on oak, I've none but a wee little bit left..all made on a very similar setup... Goodness, after aging, beast I've ever had.

[Big_driz]

Built this for rum. But I want to try some mango brandy next year when they fruit again.
Whats TPW through the pot still like as a vodka?

It was a lot fun to build. But probably not as much fun as its going to be running it for the first time.

[Meatheadinc]

Vodka from a pot is doable. Will require multiple runs taking the the hearts and watering down to below 40%. . Eg do multiple runs taking hearts. Water down all hearts and rerun taking hearts. Water down and rerun. Repeat until your happy with the results.
If doing so i suggest wbab or a grain base is a better option over tpw as you will get some flavour carryover.

A reflux still is a much better option for vodka/neutrals.

[Darwin award]

Vodka from a pot is doable. Will require multiple runs taking the the hearts and watering down to below 40%. . Eg do multiple runs taking hearts. Water down all hearts and rerun taking hearts. Water down and rerun. Repeat until your happy with the results.
If doing so i suggest wbab or a grain base is a better option over tpw as you will get some flavour carryover.

A reflux still is a much better option for vodka/neutrals.

:text-+1:
How cool, I'm playing with mango ATM.... I have2 batches waiting my new neutraliser bubbler! But I reckon it would have worked just fine through my pot....and yeah, I reflux my tpw....might do the strip through the pot, but reflux the spirit run!

[rumdidlydum]

Nice work there, i like your idea of coiling wire around the hot side of the output hose to stop kinking :handgestures-thumbupleft:

[warramungas]

Looks like you have a foot or so of 2" pipe. You might be able to put some copper/stainless mesh in there to increase your abv for vodka runs providing you keep the power down a bit.it wont be ideal as it will only work with passive/atmospheric cooling. I.e. No condenser coil in the head.

[Meatheadinc]

Packing in a pot wont do much because when it comes to temp it will hold temp better as it has a larger thermal mass eg less effected by breeze etc. great if your distilling outside, although it will increase vapour speed