Hey Randy...quick question...you put your spices in the gin basket from the start but when you distilled your peach brandy, you ran the fore shots and heads then stopped the still and placed your spices in then restarted the distillation...is one method better than the other ? Putting spice in from the start won’t absorb methanol and smear into the good stuff? Thanks again for your help.
Might be a dumb question, but I'm a noob. Is the small bag that you put the nutmeg and allspice in the gin basket a muslin bag? I'm just looking to purchase some online. Thanks.
Hey Randy, so you likely know this and I realize you did it by choice but if you put your "gin basket - site glass" above your reflux condenser halfway through your run you have the option of throwing it in full reflux mode, removing your take off, and switchin out your botanicals or spices for some fresh ones. another little trick is to hang your teabag on a string for quick easer changes close her back up and kill the reflux back to distillin.I believe the best place for the basket to be above the r c. Just my thoughts, rick✌✌
Hi Randy. New to distilling and have found your channel very informative. We have the same still it appears. Can you explain a bit more in detail how you set up your cooling condenser for us?
@@stillworksandbrewing thank you. We were just wondering if you recirculated your warm water back into a vessel or not to save water. Looks like you have a simple cold water in and warm water out to drain system.
Randy, Is there a new brewing controller build on the countertop behind you? I run one SSVR (think 220v dimmer switch) for distilling (no thermometer I run by taste) for 3 different columns and thumper. And a PID controller for beer brewing. Big thumbs up for safety plug and never leaving a still during a run. :) CAUTION: If you see "vapor" coming out of the condenser that is cold to the touch... It can be smoke... You have scorched wash. Which covers a topic you mentioned earlier in the video. Making sure the wash is clean and free from particulates that can either burn on the electric heating element in the boiler. OR burn on the bottom of the boiler if running propane. CONFESSION: I have run washes that are similar to a hazy IPA and have not had a scorch. I have had 3 pukes from over filling the boiler or running a early sweet wash. Due to my stupidity/arrogance/greed I will admit for safety sake. Lesson learned just passing along info. ADVICE: In regards to a scorched wash is usually a disaster (I can thumbs up never had one). It can be rerun, but many a distiller has tried, and failed, re-running a scorch with a super tall column or 8+ plates on a flute. Have even heard of charcoal filtering it, but there is a lingering "burnt" flavored taste. Cheers to the Apple pie Randy!
Hi BigEdsGuns great to hear from you. Yes I'm building a PID controller I want to try it on my still and i also want to get a RIMS tube. and i'm luckey i have not had a scorch either (knock on wood) Cheers!!
