Frank wrote:is there a way to get a distilled first run from such a still that would prove to be suitable for a range of 'experiments/recipes' (ie something akin to a high ABV%/reflux neutral)?
*Well a wash devoid of flavor could help
*adding more plates could help
*running in 100% reflux mode for a longer period of time prior to collection prior to collection....
By definition a dephlegmater was intended to be a partial condenser used at the top of one of them big ole commercial outfits.... but we are using more reflux to really scrub the likker up clean for such short column sections.....
Also, old styled vodkas would have been 3 or 4 times potstilled and though mild in flavor,,,certainly not devoid of flavor.. Then the trend seemed to move toward a true neutral.....But how does an operator distinguish his product/profile once all of the competition is also producing a product that is devoid of all flavor? By adding back fruit notes and grain notes and so forth.
Here in the states Tito's and Chase are producing vodkas that have a bourbon styled grain bill and their products have a very nice and soft whiskey sweetness that is just wonderful. So it seems that the micro's are bringing back a more traditional/old school vodka full circle.
We can to.....but we don't have to 3-4 times distill or carbon filter with this type of outfit.