Bro I got into this hobby because of you and watching you make Odin's gin on that thing. I went out the next day and dropped $150 on a 9ltr pressure cooker still with 3ft column, water pump, hose, connectors, purchased an SCR to control the heat element. I'm on my 3rd 25 litre wash of birdwatchers. I've made 12 different types of gin using 20 botanicals, spent hours in the shed until the wee hours of the morning, you name it bottles, labels, yada yada. I've gone full fuck on this thing. My wife thinks I'm cheating on her. Little does she know a 9 litre kettle ain't doing it for me no more. I'm now looking at dropping more cheddar on a 50ltr keg, CCVM style home build, buying tools and shit. That little Chinese pot still has impacted my life in ways you couldn't imagine! What a great bit of kit. Chase on brutha!
Hahaha, yeah man. This thing gets in your bones right? Glad you had a blast with the little one, I am sure you will be happy with a upgrade. Keep the wee one around for small gin runs tho ;)
Jess, found out what's in the cooling tank on the mini pot still. It's a small 9 pipe shotgun condenser. There is a newer version that uses a line arm condenser coming off the cooling tank as well. Same shotgun condensing system inside. I just bought one for mini test batches.
Everyone should have a small testing still no matter how big your set-up gets. It's a great way to test out new weird recipes. Try the small batch before you go all in on something you're not sure about.
My little Mr Distiller Air Still has done an amazing job, both getting me started in the hobby and getting me HOOKED in the hobby. Makes some very nice consumables also 😁 Thanks Man. CHEERS.
I bought one just for an entry level experience. Now I have a dedicated hotplate and run a large cold water supply and it works great. Heats up quickly and once you done pick it up and dump it out, give it a rinse and your good to go again. I paid just a bit over 100 US for it. And its worth it as far as I am concerned.
@@StillIt oh yes. Just grab it and go. Sets up in no time and mine came with a little plate that fits on the rim rolled in the bottom so if you want to bag some goodies you can set it on that and then it can't scorch. And dosen't take up any space at all. I was thinking about finding or making a larger pot for that head l have a 30 L Stainless Chinese cooking pot that the head sets on perfectly if i can figure out a way to get a good seal on it.
Absolutely agree Jessie. I started with a little AirStill, and like most in this hobby I learnt how to solder copper & quickly moved on to a 2" pot on keg boiler, then a reflux column, a bubbler (it just doesn't stop). I find I keep going back to the AirStill for little runs like gin - almost always re-distilling hearts so the smearing problem with tiny cut jars isn't an issue. Having said that, I'm in the middle of a little malt experiment, 3 X 4L all grain ferments of (2kg each) peat smoked, munich and pale malt, inspired by your "A Simple Trick To help Make Your Own Whiskey Wash Recipe" . I now remember why I don't strip/spirit run through this little bugger anymore. Cheers mate and thanks for the channel.
Great video and thanks. I have a similar model and use it on a 2.4kw electric hot plate turned up to max. The power to it goes through a PWM at 100% until it gets to 60°C and I then wind it back to 35% (800w) and it just purrs away until the end of the run. BTW, my silicone gasket works a treat, no leaks, no smell...sweet unit and well worth the money for pushing out some Gin.
I have the one you link, it's not bad, the water pump is a nice feature to draw water from a container which you can keep cool with ice .It's a one pot wonder if you want too, it comes with an airlock for fermentation. For beginners I think it's not bad, if you find it's not for you, you still have a big cooking pot :)
The seal on my still died so I made a new one with silicone bathroom sealent (not the stuff with anti bacterial properties). I've done one run and it worked great. The trick is to shape it with something wet.
a "rookie" i know bought that same set up. we found out the condenser was too small and replaced it with 10ft. of copper in a 5 gal. bucket. the pot scorched the mash so bad we built a 5 gal. copper pot. BUT he does have the gasket if you need one....lol
@@ststst981 One like this (you may find one cheaper): www.ebay.com.au/itm/4000W-High-Power-SCR-Electronic-Volt-Regulator-Speed-Controller-AC-220V-10-220V/113225034183?hash=item1a5cbce9c7:g:MjUAAOSwHzdbhLPZ You do need a small computer fan to help keep it cool though.
I still have my original 5 gallon pot still with 4 gallon thumper. I use it for small runs and gin runs. For gin, icharge the thumper with a maceration of botanicals and the boiler with water. Works great.
@@hornetlm42 hi I have run plum brandy, spiced rum and a banana rum on Friday running about 3 gallon each time. My still looks more like the one in Jesse link rather
also they've changed the design so now the coolant water runs the length of the spout, not sure if that would actually be significantly difference but hopefully it makes it capable of doing stripping runs on my 15L washes 🤞(these come i 10-15-20L)
Hi Jesse, Have you never thought of doing a review of the air still, it's has a similar use case to the Chinese pot still you use for Gin runs but no naked flames or sealing issues and around the same cost ?.
I have one. I have had it for a couple of months now. It is my first still. I think it is great to get started but I am already looking for a bigger still. The air still only holds 1 gallon. So to do a run I use a 5-gallon bucket to ferment. I run the still 5 times at about 3 hours each. 4 striping runs and a spirit run. from that I get about 3.5 litres at 40%. In terms of running it be honest, there is nothing to control on it. So once you have it plugged in The only thing you can do is make cuts. I call them striping runs and spirit runs but the still is running exactly the same each time. I have made birdwatchers clear spirit and buccaneer bob's rum with great success. I am struggling with whiskey but I don't think that is the still's fault.
@@eriksjogren5038 Hi Erik, I find mine brilliant just to make Gin as Jesse does with his little Chinese pot, for the main producer I think it's hard to beat the T500 for an off the shelf item, or depending on shipping Mike @ Mile Hi has some stunning gear although a little more expensive.
@@PaulSmith-jr1qe Mile hi is at the top of the list for still #2. I am definitely on the hunt for a bigger still. I think I have ruled out the T500 already. I think I will have solved my volume problem but nor my adjustability problem. I am definitely hooked on the hobby, in good part form this channel. I have already built a 2 circuit PID for my Fermentation that may also be a big enough to run a bigger still. It's always good to plan ahead.
if you no longer use it, but still wanna know what's inside the Condenser, just give it a cut Jessey. after it, you'll know what is inside. the Pot can be still used for chilli or baked Beans right after.
I've seen some where they take a pressure cooker and turn it into a still. Its pretty easy since you can unscrew or remove the safety valve, enlarge the hole, and screw in a still head and condenser. You can build that part with come copper pipe fittings from the local hardware store. Only difference i could see is its more than likely going to be an aluminum pot vs stainless steel. Not sure of that would make any difference or not but i've thought about doing something similar myself. Would an Al pot be ok to distill in?
It shouldn't be a problem. Most aluminium stuf is eloxated meaning that the top layer is aluminium oxide, which is pretty stable (it shouldn't react with the mash or difuse into your drink) but in the long term it's probably cheaper to buy a stainless pressure cooker because they simply hold forever
It shouldn't be a problem. Most aluminium stuf is eloxated meaning that the top layer is aluminium oxide, which is pretty stable (it shouldn't react with the mash or difuse into your drink) but in the long term it's probably cheaper to buy a stainless pressure cooker because they simply hold forever
i saw nielred a chemistry you-tuber solder some copper pipe on top of an old presurecooker granted he was using it to distill ethanol solvent from a sugar wash but that setup still seemes beter then this thing
Do you have a thick metal plate? I think this would be a great buffer for you to place under the burner, heat it for a while, place your pot on and close the burner when the pot is hot enough. It'll act as a buffer while you're managing temperature. More work, but a bit more precise than direct flames.
There are some really cool products on the market that a new distiller can get a "beginners" still for less than $300 USD, and it will certainly get them going. Sure I would love a GENIO Still 100, but I am not in a position to pay 10,000 plus USD for a still. Also some folks in the US anyways are probably doing this hobby on the down low. That being said some of the sellers ship in plain unmarked boxes. This avoids the ATF showing up at your doorstep. It's like anything. You can buy a Toyota Camry, and it gets you where you need to be, or you can buy a Ferrari. Both have 4 tires, and work, but one costs considerably more. With time and effort, yes you could even get that simple pot still to make some fine spirits. But it takes more work to be just right, and goes slower. That might not be a huge deal for the average person. For me as an example, I could not see needing over an 8 gallon still. I mean unless I was drinking a lot, which I don't.
I’d be interested in a review on an air still. It seems like they require a lot of additional filtering steps and carbon muck to get a product. Not urgent; I’m happy making beer. Thank you
Question: so if operating a completely stainless steel system. Just a pot and worm. All stainless. Should I be putting small amounts of copper mesh in my stainless tubing? Should I be putting copper mesh in the boiler? Cant find exact information or recommendations. I understand its not a reflux. But mainly to react with sulfides. Or boil smoother?
sat here in the UK the turbo 500 still is actually cheaper to order from New Zealand than to buy from a shop 100 miles away lot of crooks own brewing shops in the UK it seems , been thinking about a cheaper one for ages
I was told bubbling can occur that could bow the lid of the still. I was told to put some copper washers inside that I hit with a hammer to make them forum right angles or cut up some copper into odd shapes that will help with any bubbling & taste. Is this right do I need to worry about bubbles if I have added a degaser to the wash. This bubbling thing is the only thing I’m not comfy. Edit I am starting to think he meant bubbling during the fermentation & not while heating the wash & the copper being a separate thing I.e for taste
I would probably stick with making one so there’s a lower chance of arousing government suspicion. Yeah I’m saying this online I know, kinda defeats the purpose. But I think it’s maybe less risky to build a small still than having a still I’m my amazon history. Personal preference
I am thinking of ordering a 20l version of this still from China but the actual pot is made from 202 stainless steel, I knkw that is not food grade, is that suitable for home distilling?
I have a reflux still and i just picked up a airstill to try some gins and fruit infusions from refulx. Bad idea? think it will be ok? its super easy to set up no water, just a fan. Dunno , might be a waste of time haha.
I use a Mr Distiller Air Still exclusively at this point. Have had good success with corn and barley. Single Malt and several different types of fruit. Time has come for the next level, and I know what I'm going to get ( new still) Just a matter of time... Just my 1 opinion.... Cheers !
Hi Jessie I have searched google and your site regarding ph levels pre pitch yeast and know sugar wash should be around 5.2 - 5.6, what should a grain wash be? I am in CHCH NZ and my tap water is around high 6 -7 and need to reduce ph, can you use citric acid to do this on all wash / mash or other methods better and if so what? Is ph as I have got super critical to process? Cheers Steve
If you add copper mesh to the up pipe and do more than one run, you will be able to increase it. Just be careful you don't over stuff the pipe or it will explode or in this case leak out the sides.
Hey bro, I got a question. Sorry if it’s a bit stupid, but how long does it take you to run 5 gallon of wash? It’s been taking me one whole day. I spoke to others and they said that is way to long. Am i doing something wrong?
You might want to explain your set up as that can have a good deal to do with how long it takes. E.g. if you are running a reflux and have too much water going into the reflux coil then it will slow everything down.
I have a 22litre / roughly 5 gallon Chinese pot still. It takes me all day to do a spirit run as I keep the heat to a minimum/just enough to produce distillate and let the temperature rise slowly over time through the various boiling points. This helps manage cuts.
Yes, but it's not going to have a high proof unless you do multiple runs. Increasing the surface area in the up pipe would also help. You really want a reflux setup for good vodka, but you can make it work.
@@chrisparkin6894 thanks Chris I haven't started making yet but have been getting right into cocktail making and history of them and had a go at coffee, cream coco ,lemonchellow .I follow a few UA-cam guys and stillit popped up. So when you say low proof how low do you mean? And how high a proof do you need? Would be nice to make a nice gin one day Thanks
@@shaneashley1994 I'm guessing here, because I've not used that still, but I'd say you can get get ~40% ABV out on the first run, then you could get 70-80% on the second run. It's not quite that strait forward and the higher you get then the increase in proof slows down and stops at ~96% www.quora.com/Why-can-t-you-distill-liquor-that-s-100-pure-alcohol You would need to do a couple of runs to get enough 40% ABV to run the still again with just 40%. Basically you are doing a multiple distillation like they do for some whisky's. If you take cuts like Jessy normally does and then use activated charcoal to clean the rest of the spirit then you can get a relatively neutral tasting alcohol at high proof. @Jessy Do you happen to have the numbers for the still? (If not his should help) books.google.co.nz/books?id=EKZADwAAQBAJ&pg=PA84&lpg=PA84&dq=final+run+ABV+80%25&source=bl&ots=-zT06OSCaL&sig=ACfU3U3pwcF_3GmXDkScms3SnyLzUFv9HQ&hl=en&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwiMhc2HgJTqAhVrzDgGHSFGD1MQ6AEwAHoECAoQAQ#v=onepage&q=final%20run%20ABV%2080%25&f=false
Bro I got into this hobby because of you and watching you make Odin's gin on that thing. I went out the next day and dropped $150 on a 9ltr pressure cooker still with 3ft column, water pump, hose, connectors, purchased an SCR to control the heat element. I'm on my 3rd 25 litre wash of birdwatchers. I've made 12 different types of gin using 20 botanicals, spent hours in the shed until the wee hours of the morning, you name it bottles, labels, yada yada. I've gone full fuck on this thing. My wife thinks I'm cheating on her. Little does she know a 9 litre kettle ain't doing it for me no more. I'm now looking at dropping more cheddar on a 50ltr keg, CCVM style home build, buying tools and shit. That little Chinese pot still has impacted my life in ways you couldn't imagine! What a great bit of kit. Chase on brutha!
Hahaha, yeah man. This thing gets in your bones right?
Glad you had a blast with the little one, I am sure you will be happy with a upgrade. Keep the wee one around for small gin runs tho ;)
An easy way to reduce temperature modulation is to set your small pot in a cast iron skillet.
Jess, found out what's in the cooling tank on the mini pot still. It's a small 9 pipe shotgun condenser. There is a newer version that uses a line arm condenser coming off the cooling tank as well. Same shotgun condensing system inside. I just bought one for mini test batches.
Everyone should have a small testing still no matter how big your set-up gets. It's a great way to test out new weird recipes. Try the small batch before you go all in on something you're not sure about.
My little Mr Distiller Air Still has done an amazing job, both getting me started in the hobby and getting me HOOKED in the hobby. Makes some very nice consumables also 😁 Thanks Man. CHEERS.
Awesome! You can definitly get nice stuff out of them if you treat them right haha.
Everyone that experiments should have a small pot
Agreed!
I bought one just for an entry level experience.
Now I have a dedicated hotplate and run a large cold water supply and it works great.
Heats up quickly and once you done pick it up and dump it out, give it a rinse and your good to go again.
I paid just a bit over 100 US for it.
And its worth it as far as I am concerned.
Very nice! They are definitly a solid choice as a gateway still. So nice being able to just pick it up aye?
@@StillIt oh yes. Just grab it and go.
Sets up in no time and mine came with a little plate that fits on the rim rolled in the bottom so if you want to bag some goodies you can set it on that and then it can't scorch.
And dosen't take up any space at all.
I was thinking about finding or making a larger pot for that head l have a 30 L
Stainless Chinese cooking pot that the head sets on perfectly if i can figure out a way to get a good seal on it.
Absolutely agree Jessie. I started with a little AirStill, and like most in this hobby I learnt how to solder copper & quickly moved on to a 2" pot on keg boiler, then a reflux column, a bubbler (it just doesn't stop). I find I keep going back to the AirStill for little runs like gin - almost always re-distilling hearts so the smearing problem with tiny cut jars isn't an issue. Having said that, I'm in the middle of a little malt experiment, 3 X 4L all grain ferments of (2kg each) peat smoked, munich and pale malt, inspired by your "A Simple Trick To help Make Your Own Whiskey Wash Recipe" . I now remember why I don't strip/spirit run through this little bugger anymore. Cheers mate and thanks for the channel.
Great video and thanks. I have a similar model and use it on a 2.4kw electric hot plate turned up to max. The power to it goes through a PWM at 100% until it gets to 60°C and I then wind it back to 35% (800w) and it just purrs away until the end of the run. BTW, my silicone gasket works a treat, no leaks, no smell...sweet unit and well worth the money for pushing out some Gin.
Thanks for the info... been laid off work, bought a 2 pot, been watching you, George & Bearded....its fun
I ran one of these for two years before getting a T500. You really need to use a small aquarium pump in a bucket of ice water to cool the coil.
I have the one you link, it's not bad, the water pump is a nice feature to draw water from a container which you can keep cool with ice .It's a one pot wonder if you want too, it comes with an airlock for fermentation. For beginners I think it's not bad, if you find it's not for you, you still have a big cooking pot :)
The seal on my still died so I made a new one with silicone bathroom sealent (not the stuff with anti bacterial properties). I've done one run and it worked great. The trick is to shape it with something wet.
I love the Airstill for this stuff. It even has a little gun basket 😊
Yeah nice, I still have not had a play with one yet! Need to do that.
@@StillIt I can literally leave the thing doing a run(4L) with a baby monitor on it. I just change the jars out every 40 minutes ☺️
Like the way you share your opinion on things . Thanks for the advice tips and general cool videos
U are the best youtuber for distilling and should get more respect for it
Mini still if you can run a small wire in the cooling water hole it could give you an idea of how long it runs
a "rookie" i know bought that same set up. we found out the condenser was too small and replaced it with 10ft. of copper in a 5 gal. bucket. the pot scorched the mash so bad we built a 5 gal. copper pot. BUT he does have the gasket if you need one....lol
$125 at the moment! I got into the hobby with a $50 second hand water distiller, added a cheap $7 power controller and it worked beautifully.
nice that will get the job done!
I'm getting one to start, why power controller did you get?
@@ststst981 One like this (you may find one cheaper): www.ebay.com.au/itm/4000W-High-Power-SCR-Electronic-Volt-Regulator-Speed-Controller-AC-220V-10-220V/113225034183?hash=item1a5cbce9c7:g:MjUAAOSwHzdbhLPZ
You do need a small computer fan to help keep it cool though.
I still have my original 5 gallon pot still with 4 gallon thumper. I use it for small runs and gin runs. For gin, icharge the thumper with a maceration of botanicals and the boiler with water. Works great.
Jesse thanks for the review
I have just picked up one with the extra liebig conders in the UK for £40
And what a great little still
Hi I have used my one three times now, fantastic Christmas present, really enjoying myself, I am also in the uk
@@lougriffiths glad you enjoyed it
I love it for testing gin recipes
What are you using it for
@@lougriffiths I am manchester
I also have a t500
@@hornetlm42 hi I have run plum brandy, spiced rum and a banana rum on Friday running about 3 gallon each time. My still looks more like the one in Jesse link rather
@@lougriffiths that's the one I have it's just got the extra Condenser
How are you making your washes for the run
Perfect video. I have been debating where or not to get one of these to start out
Someone suggested getting some surgical tubing and slitting it, to make a safe lid seal, you might try that for your small still.
Still not sold on these mini-stills, but I can see why you're using it and how others would use it. Cheers mate
HAHAAHA
Cheap and useful, good combo!
Hi Jesse,
Thanks for another awesome video.
Started my own channel after watching you for the past year.
Thanks man.
Have a kick ass day.
Nice man. Looks like your just starting out. Stick on that grind mate!
@@StillIt thank you have an awesome one thank you fir the awesome content.
There is one for 40 bucks, I think I'm a buy it to try before dropping more on a better setup.
Thank you for this video.
:)
also they've changed the design so now the coolant water runs the length of the spout, not sure if that would actually be significantly difference but hopefully it makes it capable of doing stripping runs on my 15L washes 🤞(these come i 10-15-20L)
The one thing that worries me about these stills is that I don't know if the gaskets contain any volatile nasties.
Hi Jesse,
Have you never thought of doing a review of the air still, it's has a similar use case to the Chinese pot still you use for Gin runs but
no naked flames or sealing issues and around the same cost ?.
Yeah have been looking at setting something up. I still have not used one. So want to get some time in on one first.
I have one. I have had it for a couple of months now. It is my first still. I think it is great to get started but I am already looking for a bigger still. The air still only holds 1 gallon. So to do a run I use a 5-gallon bucket to ferment. I run the still 5 times at about 3 hours each. 4 striping runs and a spirit run. from that I get about 3.5 litres at 40%. In terms of running it be honest, there is nothing to control on it. So once you have it plugged in The only thing you can do is make cuts. I call them striping runs and spirit runs but the still is running exactly the same each time. I have made birdwatchers clear spirit and buccaneer bob's rum with great success. I am struggling with whiskey but I don't think that is the still's fault.
@@eriksjogren5038 Hi Erik, I find mine brilliant just to make Gin as Jesse does with his little Chinese pot, for the main producer I think it's hard to beat the T500 for an off the shelf item, or depending on shipping Mike @ Mile Hi has some stunning gear although a little more expensive.
@@PaulSmith-jr1qe Mile hi is at the top of the list for still #2. I am definitely on the hunt for a bigger still. I think I have ruled out the T500 already. I think I will have solved my volume problem but nor my adjustability problem. I am definitely hooked on the hobby, in good part form this channel. I have already built a 2 circuit PID for my Fermentation that may also be a big enough to run a bigger still. It's always good to plan ahead.
if you no longer use it, but still wanna know what's inside the Condenser, just give it a cut Jessey. after it, you'll know what is inside. the Pot can be still used for chilli or baked Beans right after.
Nice review, appreciated your comments. Spot on.
long pipe cleaner will sought out if its coiled or straight pipe on lid in the condenser
I've seen some where they take a pressure cooker and turn it into a still. Its pretty easy since you can unscrew or remove the safety valve, enlarge the hole, and screw in a still head and condenser. You can build that part with come copper pipe fittings from the local hardware store. Only difference i could see is its more than likely going to be an aluminum pot vs stainless steel. Not sure of that would make any difference or not but i've thought about doing something similar myself. Would an Al pot be ok to distill in?
It shouldn't be a problem. Most aluminium stuf is eloxated meaning that the top layer is aluminium oxide, which is pretty stable (it shouldn't react with the mash or difuse into your drink) but in the long term it's probably cheaper to buy a stainless pressure cooker because they simply hold forever
It shouldn't be a problem. Most aluminium stuf is eloxated meaning that the top layer is aluminium oxide, which is pretty stable (it shouldn't react with the mash or difuse into your drink) but in the long term it's probably cheaper to buy a stainless pressure cooker because they simply hold forever
It's finally here!
i saw nielred a chemistry you-tuber solder some copper pipe on top of an old presurecooker granted he was using it to distill ethanol solvent from a sugar wash but that setup still seemes beter then this thing
Thank you Jesse
Do you have a thick metal plate? I think this would be a great buffer for you to place under the burner, heat it for a while, place your pot on and close the burner when the pot is hot enough. It'll act as a buffer while you're managing temperature. More work, but a bit more precise than direct flames.
I have tried that kind of thing. But I prefer the instant feedback.
There are some really cool products on the market that a new distiller can get a "beginners" still for less than $300 USD, and it will certainly get them going. Sure I would love a GENIO Still 100, but I am not in a position to pay 10,000 plus USD for a still. Also some folks in the US anyways are probably doing this hobby on the down low.
That being said some of the sellers ship in plain unmarked boxes. This avoids the ATF showing up at your doorstep.
It's like anything. You can buy a Toyota Camry, and it gets you where you need to be, or you can buy a Ferrari. Both have 4 tires, and work, but one costs considerably more.
With time and effort, yes you could even get that simple pot still to make some fine spirits. But it takes more work to be just right, and goes slower. That might not be a huge deal for the average person. For me as an example, I could not see needing over an 8 gallon still. I mean unless I was drinking a lot, which I don't.
I’d be interested in a review on an air still. It seems like they require a lot of additional filtering steps and carbon muck to get a product. Not urgent; I’m happy making beer. Thank you
Question: so if operating a completely stainless steel system. Just a pot and worm. All stainless. Should I be putting small amounts of copper mesh in my stainless tubing? Should I be putting copper mesh in the boiler? Cant find exact information or recommendations. I understand its not a reflux. But mainly to react with sulfides. Or boil smoother?
I could X-ray that condenser for you and see whats in it, but postage to the US might not work out.
sat here in the UK the turbo 500 still is actually cheaper to order from New Zealand than to buy from a shop 100 miles away lot of crooks own brewing shops in the UK it seems , been thinking about a cheaper one for ages
Hey how you getting on with it i just got one
I was told bubbling can occur that could bow the lid of the still. I was told to put some copper washers inside that I hit with a hammer to make them forum right angles or cut up some copper into odd shapes that will help with any bubbling & taste. Is this right do I need to worry about bubbles if I have added a degaser to the wash. This bubbling thing is the only thing I’m not comfy. Edit I am starting to think he meant bubbling during the fermentation & not while heating the wash & the copper being a separate thing I.e for taste
Nice video, thanks a lot! I want to know the price of 30 litters capacity.
I would probably stick with making one so there’s a lower chance of arousing government suspicion. Yeah I’m saying this online I know, kinda defeats the purpose. But I think it’s maybe less risky to build a small still than having a still I’m my amazon history. Personal preference
I am thinking of ordering a 20l version of this still from China but the actual pot is made from 202 stainless steel, I knkw that is not food grade, is that suitable for home distilling?
I have a reflux still and i just picked up a airstill to try some gins and fruit infusions from refulx. Bad idea? think it will be ok? its super easy to set up no water, just a fan. Dunno , might be a waste of time haha.
I use a Mr Distiller Air Still exclusively at this point. Have had good success with corn and barley. Single Malt and several different types of fruit. Time has come for the next level, and I know what I'm going to get ( new still) Just a matter of time... Just my 1 opinion.... Cheers !
get the vapor going, then put one or two sterno fuels under it. good for slow heat
I used side wall of a old pot so my pot sits 75 mm above the burner
Hi Jessie have you ever done a t 500 review ?
Hi Jessie
I have searched google and your site regarding ph levels pre pitch yeast and know sugar wash should be around 5.2 - 5.6, what should a grain wash be? I am in CHCH NZ and my tap water is around high 6 -7 and need to reduce ph, can you use citric acid to do this on all wash / mash or other methods better and if so what? Is ph as I have got super critical to process? Cheers Steve
Hey bud, you have any resources on what plastics are compatible with ethanol vapour?
Ugh, I’ll have to experiment with the pot that I bought
How potent can you get with something like this? Can you make disinfectant level alcohol with it? 70%+
If you add copper mesh to the up pipe and do more than one run, you will be able to increase it. Just be careful you don't over stuff the pipe or it will explode or in this case leak out the sides.
They have them on AliExpress now for 75 dollars
I don’t if we could use that in the states. I do like myself a good Gin
Legally - no. Fortunately it's legal in NZ
how much alcohol can you get from a run?
7:36 My still. Pretty crap but worth every penny I didn't spend on it.
Hey bro, I got a question. Sorry if it’s a bit stupid, but how long does it take you to run 5 gallon of wash? It’s been taking me one whole day. I spoke to others and they said that is way to long. Am i doing something wrong?
You might want to explain your set up as that can have a good deal to do with how long it takes. E.g. if you are running a reflux and have too much water going into the reflux coil then it will slow everything down.
I have a 22litre / roughly 5 gallon Chinese pot still. It takes me all day to do a spirit run as I keep the heat to a minimum/just enough to produce distillate and let the temperature rise slowly over time through the various boiling points. This helps manage cuts.
What a coincidence, i literally bought a still for like $160.
Can you make vodka with this still?
Yes, but it's not going to have a high proof unless you do multiple runs. Increasing the surface area in the up pipe would also help. You really want a reflux setup for good vodka, but you can make it work.
@@chrisparkin6894 thanks Chris I haven't started making yet but have been getting right into cocktail making and history of them and had a go at coffee, cream coco ,lemonchellow .I follow a few UA-cam guys and stillit popped up. So when you say low proof how low do you mean? And how high a proof do you need? Would be nice to make a nice gin one day
Thanks
@@shaneashley1994 I'm guessing here, because I've not used that still, but I'd say you can get get ~40% ABV out on the first run, then you could get 70-80% on the second run. It's not quite that strait forward and the higher you get then the increase in proof slows down and stops at ~96% www.quora.com/Why-can-t-you-distill-liquor-that-s-100-pure-alcohol
You would need to do a couple of runs to get enough 40% ABV to run the still again with just 40%. Basically you are doing a multiple distillation like they do for some whisky's. If you take cuts like Jessy normally does and then use activated charcoal to clean the rest of the spirit then you can get a relatively neutral tasting alcohol at high proof.
@Jessy Do you happen to have the numbers for the still?
(If not his should help)
books.google.co.nz/books?id=EKZADwAAQBAJ&pg=PA84&lpg=PA84&dq=final+run+ABV+80%25&source=bl&ots=-zT06OSCaL&sig=ACfU3U3pwcF_3GmXDkScms3SnyLzUFv9HQ&hl=en&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwiMhc2HgJTqAhVrzDgGHSFGD1MQ6AEwAHoECAoQAQ#v=onepage&q=final%20run%20ABV%2080%25&f=false