Fermentation Run 2

The fam has been enjoying the moonshine that came off the stripping run. They are now calling me Tito since I stored it in a bottle that has a Tito label on it. Anyways, the new vodka ferment with tomato paste has lost a lot of it vigour again! I am not sure why. This one is supposed to be idiot proof. Not sure what to do other that ditch the laundry tub idea and go with buckets. I took a reading today of the SG and it was 1.040. I will check again tomorrow and make a decision.

The carn whiskey is loving life and bubbling away. Should be ready for a run tomorrow or Wednesday.

I also finally got the gasket maker and pipe insulation. Can't wait to give it a run.

First Still Run and a New Wash

So yesterday I ran the still for the first time. To start I ran some water through it just to get it cleaned out and to learn a little about what I was doing. With my fermentation dying very early I decided to give it a run in the still. After all these first couple runs are all about practice anyways. I totally forgot to get an ABV reading of the wash before starting the still so I have no idea where I started at. However, I ended up with about 500ml of nectar that was 170 proof. It is not the best tasting stuff I have had but for a first run I will take it.

I ended up with two main challenges. One, the pot lid leaked in three places and ended up with about half of the nectar being evaporated into oblivion. Two, I got vapour out of the collecting tube. John the StillMan recommended using some gasket maker on the pot lid. I didn't even know such a think existed but it seems like it is exactly what I need. For the vapour on of the collection tube issue I think I just need to run a slower boil. I was probably just rushing it since it was my first boil. John also recommended that if the problem continues that I could make a 2nd condenser out of the collecting tube. But the 6' of condenser coil in the head should do the trick.

I also started a new wash today. I am using the birdwatcher sugar wash from the homedistiller.org forum. I did a 40L wash and added a pinch of epsom salt. We will see how that works out. I am not the only one that has had problems with no nutrients. But I had to start at the basics. H0pefully this will ferment out before I need to head back to my day job.

My New Baby

The Still that will distill all the goodness. It blew a hose today but Lowe's saved the day with a bunch 1/4" hose clamps.

Fermenting "Carn" Whiskey

The valve on the bottom of the main fermentiation chamber aka a laundry tub.


The main fermentation chamber that is running for pure ethyl alcohol. I do believe my yeast died in the night. SG has held steady throughout the day. One more check and I will fire up the still. My bad for using tap water.

Fermentation Run - Day 4

The fermentation continues to progress at a linear rate. SG is down to 1.030. Temp is @ 33C. However, bubble activity has died down to almost a stand still. I have verified that our water is just slightly over 1.000. I moved the pump around to try and get some different circulation patterns. Here's hoping the yeasts are doing ok. I'll check again later today and may have to run the still if there is no change.

Speaking of which I will need to run the still later today to get any residue out...should be a good time to finally take those pics.

Fermentation Run - Day 3

SG has dropped to 1.040 and temp is holding at 33 degrees C. A hot hot day today at 32 degrees C.

I picked up eight spring loaded clamps to help secure the pot lid to the pot. I will also be starting a corn whiskey fermentation tonight using Uncle Jesse's Sour Mach recipe from homedistillers.org.

Fermentation Run - Day 2

Measured SG at 9am and it was around 1.050. The wash started at 1.070 so the yeast appear to be doing their job. Also yesterday I added a glass top to the laundry tub to make a better seal and so I can see what is going on. The canvas cover idea just made the whole checking process too difficult and it turns out Lowe's will cut to size for you and it was cheaper than the canvas. Temperature of the wash is holding at 33 degrees C. Hopefully I will post some pictures later today of the whole setup.

Equipment Setup

Some notes below on the overall setup I am using for the first run.

Fermenter
American Shower Laundry Tub - Lowe's - Model DFC-1 - $47
American Valve 1.5" Valve - Lowe's - SKU# 79796- $11
Bushing - Lowe's - No Part # - $3
3/4" Tubing - Lowe's - No Part # - $4
Power Head (Submersible Pump) - Petco - SKU# 1191314- $20
Aqueon 300W Aquarium Heater - Petco - product link - $40
6 Gallon Bucket - Brew Shop - No Part # - $15
Thermometer - Petco - SKU# 1191381 - $4

Still
Offset fractional still - John the StillMan - No Part # - $300
Ballington's 80 Quart Steamer Pot - potspansplus.com - No Part # - $120 (incl shipping)
Pot Modification - John the StillMan - No Part # - $35
Camp Chef 60,000 BTU Camping Stove - Larry's Brew Shop - SH-140L-2- $90
Scouring Pads - Grocery Store - No Part # - $?