Carol wrote:Do you have an alcometer? When you run the air still you can check the ABV so you can decide when to stop. Is that what you were doing before?
I do have one, it's not what I did on my so far one and only go with the airstill but I will now.
Carol wrote:There is a very good article on running an airstill to get the best result - it is time consuming as it involces double distilling but if you are on a tight budget it makes a big difference in the quality of the product.. Have you read that ? Search on this site will find it for you.
I did find the article and it's exactly what I was looking for. Thank you so much for telling me about it.
Carol wrote:If i am doing gin extract I just let it do its thing without worrying too much about how many drops etc.
Got it.
Carol wrote:WBAB would be fine - I use a Tomato paste wash because i have a boka and pot and just use the little air still when I am playing with botanicals. That is not a good idea if you only have an air still.
The "Running an Airstill" article says:
"The Wash recipe/type does not affect the running of the Airstill but the condition of the finished Wash absolutely does affect the operation of the still and the quality of the final output."
I bought a multipack of Still Spirits Turbo Pure (it was cheaper that way) and will have two sets of yeast etc. left after I finish the wash I am currently fermenting. The mere mention of this yeast in some circles is met with utter disdain and derision but this Forum seems to be more forgiving. My plan is that before I return the still to its owner and look to buy something for myself, I will use up the yeast packs I have and concentrate on getting the double distilling process down pat. Would you advise against this idea?
iOnaBender wrote:Welcome vandaemon, you have certainly come to right place for information and friendly advice
Totally agree with iOnaBender and really grateful for the advice all of you have given above. It's been exactly what I needed and has not made me feel totally like a nooby fool.