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.