RUNNING THE T500 LIKE A POT STILL

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  • Опубліковано 25 лип 2024
  • This channel is designed to offer insight and background on the science, art and practice of making alcohol based products at home.

КОМЕНТАРІ • 129

  • @davidmartin1015
    @davidmartin1015 4 роки тому +11

    I’ve watched many videos on distilling over the years and built my own reflux still. You are the best presenter I have seen in getting the facts and methods across. I really appreciate that, and will draw on your your guidence frequently. Dave from Aus.

  • @girthbrooks8795
    @girthbrooks8795 3 роки тому

    Big science teacher energy, love your dedication to the community and the craft. New to distilling and soaking up every tidbit I can as I get started. Thank you infinitely for sharing your knowledge with the rest of the world 🙏🏻

  • @philiptruitt
    @philiptruitt 4 роки тому +4

    Thank'e George! I just finished all 10 videos on the Turbo 500!! Thanks for the expert instruction and classroom experience!

  • @stanlindert6332
    @stanlindert6332 5 років тому +2

    I like that you show the right method in an easygoing way. Thanks

  • @Hazy154
    @Hazy154 3 роки тому

    Great stuff George, love all your videos mate!
    Keep it up!

  • @theambitiousprepper3502
    @theambitiousprepper3502 3 роки тому

    🤯🤯🤯...George,
    Thank you for letting us live inside your head!!! Love learning from you.

  • @shadow4280
    @shadow4280 5 років тому +1

    Love the videos! Thanks

  • @markhawkins497
    @markhawkins497 4 роки тому

    As always just perfect George.

  • @jasontaylor8339
    @jasontaylor8339 4 роки тому

    Awesome video loads of information to digest ,I’m stuck on one thing and it is .after running your wash and stripping your alcohol do you dilute to 40 % then return to the boiler and run again with flavours or fill the boiler with alcohol & water to 25ltr marker and flavours and run as before with flavours .
    yours
    Jason from Australia

  • @danbest8332
    @danbest8332 4 роки тому +6

    Hi George
    I just want to say thank you so much. Your explanation of running a T500 as a pot still in this video has answered most my questions. I have only ever run my T500 as a reflux but decided to make some rum for my father-in-law. I have made rum through the reflux with a molasses mix but the flavour wasn’t full enough for what I was after so I added some barrel chips to enhance and colour it. It never even occurred to me that I could infuse through the column.
    I do have one question regarding your output temperature. I usually run mine between 56-60 c or 132-140f (spirits) and get a 4 litre yield from a 25l batch at 93-95% abv using an alcometer. Do I need to run the “pot” still at 77c to get a better result for the rum.
    I thank you in advance.
    Dan NZ

  • @ianmasters4225
    @ianmasters4225 2 роки тому

    What an absolute gentleman you are. Subscription added.

  • @connornixon496
    @connornixon496 2 роки тому

    Just got into the hobby and you’ve helped me so much loads of different challenges of had to deal with using t500 Hope to get this into a Business one day any thoughts on home distillation and moving into Commercial distilling

  • @johancornelis3719
    @johancornelis3719 5 років тому +1

    thx great video

  • @ToolsOutsideTheBox
    @ToolsOutsideTheBox 5 років тому +9

    Please test the Alembic dome on it!

  • @footloosecamping4699
    @footloosecamping4699 5 років тому

    Just a question. Would it be better to use a refractometer instead of a alcometer to get your sugar, as you would not get a error due to viscosity causes by the density of the pulp suspended in the liquid. . I am going to give this recipe a try.One again Thanks for your program.

  • @superdupermax
    @superdupermax 4 роки тому +2

    Hmmm. When i saw this i was wondering how you control the bottom temp on this for pot still...
    Essentially you are making the reflux column into a pre condenser of sorts?

  • @mustavertwang
    @mustavertwang 2 роки тому

    George is the King of guidance of home distillers bar none!

  • @jimmyrankin2858
    @jimmyrankin2858 4 роки тому +4

    Hey George
    Can you do a video on how to adjust your temp when doing a spirit run on a pot still!
    Love your work mate! 🇭🇲

    • @shavedwolf87
      @shavedwolf87 3 роки тому +1

      Pot stills are very basic, the level of heat just controls your desired flow speed. Stripping runs are ran fast and a lot heat, spirit runs are ran slower with less heat.

  • @lilymcalister1825
    @lilymcalister1825 3 роки тому

    When you place the vanilla and coconut in there, do u have a way if keeping that from collapsing down into a heap? A way to keep it spread out? Thank you.

  • @carleysmith4970
    @carleysmith4970 3 роки тому

    Hi George!
    I’m wondering what you’d suggest for running a tequila wash through the t500 as a pot still?
    Should I disconnect or minimize the cooling water hoses to keep the most flavour coming across from the wash? Or just run it as you did here without the flavouring sock?
    Thanks so much!!

  • @josephrasberry961
    @josephrasberry961 5 років тому +3

    Can the T 500 have a PID added to control the temperature?

  • @barrytipton1179
    @barrytipton1179 4 роки тому

    Would I be able do some smoky malt wash and a mixed corn wash this way I’m thinking getting the alembic just missed one on eBay Uk too far to travel in lockdown

  • @HeartPumper
    @HeartPumper 3 роки тому +1

    I wonder if you really need "active" reflux spiral at all, in the pot mode? Presumably not.
    Other option to have tiny reflux effect - instead of stainless steel packing, to use baking beans (hitemp ceramic balls).
    My version of T500 pot still mode :
    - empty the column & take the copper saddles apart,
    - drop them back as first,
    - then those muslin hopsocks as a "botanical basket" - filled with whatever you fancy,
    - fill in baking beans (just to 2/3 height of the column).
    - connect cooling water hoses only to the condenser (you can add wortometer with temp probe on the outlet - advised but not needed).
    - bring the system to the temp (full boiling heat - I'm on Grainfather), balance it with water flow & collect the product, using parrot (or not), make cuts etc.

  • @stevecornick
    @stevecornick 2 роки тому

    Hello George, thanks for the great video. One question, will running the T500 as a pot still decrease the total distilling time? I'm thinking it will take a lot less time to distill all the available alcohol because it is not refluxing. Thanks.

  • @MrRhino12667
    @MrRhino12667 4 роки тому

    George, would you just put Cinnamon sticks in the column or put them in a sock first? in your opinion, how many do you think would be needed?

  • @tommydozier375
    @tommydozier375 5 років тому

    George your great !!!!! Tell me how it holds it there.and what temperature to you run your boiler

    • @BarleyandHopsBrewing
      @BarleyandHopsBrewing  5 років тому

      The t500 is a static heater element that is set to 125 degrees C. It just runs and the temperature is controlled by the water flow through the condenser. Much different than a traditional still.

  • @christurner1791
    @christurner1791 5 років тому +6

    There's two mods required for ALL T500 owners (I can't add pics, so will do my best to explain)
    1) At the top of the column, where the water hose goes from the condenser to reflux - you need to split the hose & insert a john guest T-Junction (brewerschoice.com.au/shop/kegging/fittings-and-tubing/john-guest-equal-tee/) & a valve (www.amazon.com/PISV0416S-Straight-Speedfit-Connector-Connect/dp/B00MJX8FR6) to control how much flow goes to your reflux side.
    This allows you to run the condenser at full flow (for full effect) & yet can still control the reflux amount.
    2) SCR Voltage Controller (www.amazon.com/Awakingdemi-Controller-Electronic-Voltage-Regulator/dp/B071YZLGPZ)
    This lets you control how much heat you're sending into the boiler. When you run low wines, you'll find it's better to knock down the heat a little to stop spewing out your product.

    • @christurner1791
      @christurner1791 3 роки тому +1

      @@HB-gv9sz You don't need to, just monitor output flow rate.

    • @bobtheelectrician6692
      @bobtheelectrician6692 2 роки тому

      @@christurner1791 Drip - drip - spurt (repeat) at about the same rate you can pronounce it.

  • @roytelling6540
    @roytelling6540 5 років тому +2

    One day I hope to get a gas burner or electric heater element with a PDM controller. As I can't get the drip drip spert :(
    I only have an old electric hob cooker and on heat number 4 I get drip drip drip only and on number 5 I get pore pore pore:
    but for people out there that can't get the optimum flow (like me) I find that the drip drip drip (on my homemade pot still) gives me a cleaner and smooth flavour.

  • @AnthonyDigi1205
    @AnthonyDigi1205 4 роки тому

    What temperature should the input water be

  • @Grandpa_RLP
    @Grandpa_RLP 2 роки тому

    Can you replace the packing you took out of the T500 if you want to strip with it like it is intended to do?

  • @Josh-jr1dd
    @Josh-jr1dd 5 років тому +1

    Did much of the blue berry flavor come through George?

  • @gunlabchris
    @gunlabchris 2 роки тому

    Just ordered my T 500 can’t wait
    used a pot still for years
    How can I tell when still is getting empty does the alcohol % drop

  • @jay71512
    @jay71512 5 років тому +7

    Great video as slways george! Just one question how did you get that vanilla pod and muslin to stay up inside the column?

    • @rsa420
      @rsa420 4 роки тому

      I was thinking the same thing

    • @ryancram45
      @ryancram45 4 роки тому

      rsa420 the t500 has a close lid at bottom. It’s not falling through.

    • @paulmyfinger
      @paulmyfinger 3 роки тому

      Mine is new and I cant fit a bag past the temp probe mount inside. Maybe they changed the design

  • @jamiedolomount3160
    @jamiedolomount3160 4 роки тому

    Hi George_ Great videos_ do you use copper in the column when running the T500 like a pot still?

  • @havoc_64
    @havoc_64 2 роки тому

    did you pull the foreshot's out? I didn't see that in the video

  • @dirtyworkdiver
    @dirtyworkdiver 4 роки тому +1

    Hi George,
    I just bought the T 500 Botanical Basket which screws onto the bottom of the column. Admitedly, I have not experimented with coconut...yet. I like your knotted sock idea! Neccessity is the mother of invention!
    Can you post your blueberry mead recipe? I've made honey mead, never blueberry.
    Thanks,
    Jeff

    • @MrRhino12667
      @MrRhino12667 4 роки тому +2

      Have you used it and is it very big? I hear it is undersized.

    • @chucknaturale307
      @chucknaturale307 3 роки тому

      @@MrRhino12667 it will do 5 gallons at a time i have used one for year's before moving up to bigger

  • @richardharris5083
    @richardharris5083 5 років тому +3

    Good video. I own a t500 so always look for different ways to use it . Do you need to do cuts when using it this way ?? Thankyou

  • @alexside5039
    @alexside5039 5 років тому

    Great video man. How fast do you run the water output thanks Al

    • @BarleyandHopsBrewing
      @BarleyandHopsBrewing  5 років тому +3

      With the T 500 the temperature is controlled by water flow so it varies.

  • @dannixey4597
    @dannixey4597 4 роки тому

    Hey George have you ever used brown sugar in a sugar wash? If a guy ran that through a t500 and ran as a pot still with the vanilla bean and coconut what you think would bring much in flavour ( being a sugar wash) . Running it through a filter would that strip flavours?

  • @sjporr
    @sjporr 4 роки тому

    2 questions, Is there a way to control the boiler temp? And would you use the Turbo 500 to make beer?

    • @BarleyandHopsBrewing
      @BarleyandHopsBrewing  4 роки тому

      Would not use a T500 for beer.
      Boiler temp is pre-set.
      No control
      George

  • @trucker5774
    @trucker5774 5 років тому

    When you remove the raschig rings from the column, is there a small pipe/coil from the head to the water outlet at the bottom of the column? It appears that there would be something connected from the outlet of the condenser, dropping into the column as a pre-condenser.

    • @BarleyandHopsBrewing
      @BarleyandHopsBrewing  5 років тому

      This is the torpedo condenser used to cause the reflux action in the T 500.

    • @trucker5774
      @trucker5774 5 років тому

      @@BarleyandHopsBrewing So virtually the same as the inside of the condenser but having less effect as the water has been pre-heated by the condenser and it is in a hotter and larger vessel? I'm in the design stages of a combo column, which will act as a reflux with an infusion (gin) head, It will readily convert to a pot still like the "mighty mini" Keep up the good work, George. Your videos are clear and informative.

  • @cbcsucks2205
    @cbcsucks2205 6 місяців тому

    Does the stainless steel T500 have a copper lined reflux column?
    Also are you using the stock gasket? and the tubing at the top between the reflux column and the condenser looks different as well.

  • @tommydozier375
    @tommydozier375 5 років тому +4

    George one more question I have the. Digiboil it you run at 125 c won't it boil the water into the reflux .thank you for your time

  • @shadow4280
    @shadow4280 5 років тому +4

    Coconuts are starchy? So maybe a coconut mash is possible?

  • @AnthonyDigi1205
    @AnthonyDigi1205 4 роки тому +1

    The digital temp meter measurement of the water output how do u know the temp of the vapor

    • @shavedwolf87
      @shavedwolf87 3 роки тому

      You don’t. This still has no heat control so you have no idea what vapor temp really is. It’s preset and you just control the water flow.

  • @badassboltz
    @badassboltz 4 роки тому

    How much water is used in the cooling ? If it uses a lot of water Could you use a large cooler with ice and use the pump/ regulator attachment that is sold as an accessory? Thanks, new to this and looking at purchasing the T-500.

    • @MrRhino12667
      @MrRhino12667 4 роки тому

      Yes, you can. this is mentioned on page 14 of the T 500 manual.

  • @christianmelone1451
    @christianmelone1451 4 роки тому

    Hi, i have made Gin using this method. I am wondering why i get condensation in the neck of my bottles? Do you have any solutions or can recommend anything i am doing wrong?
    Many thanks

    • @BarleyandHopsBrewing
      @BarleyandHopsBrewing  4 роки тому

      Has nothing to do with distilling. Probably warm Gin going in and the bottle is cool so the warm gin condenses.

  • @randypullman1155
    @randypullman1155 4 роки тому +1

    It's not that difficult. One measures booze content while the other measures sugar content.
    Anyway what we really want to see is the temperature adjustment. As I've pointed out different altitudes are different boiling points which is important when cutting the poisons....cheers

  • @folkmarcmetal
    @folkmarcmetal 4 роки тому

    I think there is another way to run this like a pot still. Just remove the saddles and the tube up top, run a hose to the drain from the top of the condenser and connect the cold water to the bottom of the condenser. Now it's just a pot still. Sorry for the bad explanation, English is not my native language. Do you think this would work?

  • @rick151
    @rick151 4 роки тому

    HUGE QUESTION ABOUT RUNNING TURBO 500?
    If I don't complete the batch started, and start it again, and again...Do I need to dispose of the ethanol every time for that same run?

  • @jimmarsden5911
    @jimmarsden5911 5 років тому

    I notice you are using just one collection container. Do you not need to make cuts using the T500 in thus way? Doeas it really keep the flavour like a traditional pot still?

    • @BarleyandHopsBrewing
      @BarleyandHopsBrewing  5 років тому +3

      Yes it keep the flavor and my cuts are simple; foreshot tossed out, hearts and heads together and tails left behind.

  • @camerongeerling7474
    @camerongeerling7474 5 років тому

    Curious how you got the vanilla to stay up there. Is that also in a sock, or is there a bottom screen on the column that holds it in?

    • @tommydozier375
      @tommydozier375 5 років тому

      Thanks my question to

    • @GlenEdwards
      @GlenEdwards 5 років тому

      Yeah we didn’t get to see how it STAYS “in the column” - unless there’s a screen that goes on the bottom, it will slip out and... INTO THE BOILER... which would probably also do the job?

    • @BarleyandHopsBrewing
      @BarleyandHopsBrewing  5 років тому +1

      It has a screen at the bottom of the column where it attaches to the pot. Comes that way

    • @GlenEdwards
      @GlenEdwards 5 років тому

      Barley and Hops Brewing AHAH! Fantastic!

  • @ozzybargainhunter2245
    @ozzybargainhunter2245 4 роки тому

    How do you keep the sock from falling into the pot ?

    • @pharmdpottery
      @pharmdpottery 4 роки тому +1

      There is a cap with threads that you put on the bottom of the reflux column that has grates that will prevent the sock from falling out.

  • @rocketsroc
    @rocketsroc 5 років тому +3

    I've got the gin basket attachment. Would that do for the coconut and the vanilla?

  • @Martinwhynot
    @Martinwhynot 5 років тому +1

    You are running the still fairly hot. Does it not adversely effect the plastic parts?

  • @alexside5039
    @alexside5039 4 роки тому +1

    Hi george great work with the videos. I run my t500 with the water only going to the condenser like a potstill. My question is could you put a small pt100 probe in the coil at the top and control it with a pid? Thanks Al

    • @paulmyfinger
      @paulmyfinger 3 роки тому

      Did you figure this out mate?

    • @alexside5039
      @alexside5039 3 роки тому

      No i never did

    • @barrywaters6336
      @barrywaters6336 3 роки тому +1

      @@alexside5039 I've emailed George a week ago on this. have a controller and wanted to know if I could physically strap the probe to the outside of the condenser rather than put holes in the top. Yet to receive a response but it may be easier to just modify the top perhaps

    • @alexside5039
      @alexside5039 3 роки тому

      @@barrywaters6336 id rather not start drilling holes in stuff if I can help it haha

    • @BVSocialClub
      @BVSocialClub 3 роки тому

      You could create a small chamber (even with ABS) with the probe inserted into it, then attach the condenser hose on each end. However, I would be cautious, as I have read that people have had problems with the plastic top cap distorting overtime during standard operation. This mod could create additional heat in the column head and accelerate the deterioration.

  • @kennethmay5624
    @kennethmay5624 5 років тому +5

    Better than getting the copper dome for T500?

    • @jay71512
      @jay71512 5 років тому +2

      Nope! But cheaper!

  • @cjthebomb5518
    @cjthebomb5518 2 роки тому

    i know i'm doing something wrong but I'm not sure, I get about half a quart out of 6 gallons, 8lbs of sugar for 6 gallons of water, about quarter of a cup activated yeast. anyone have an idea??

  • @mothox
    @mothox 5 років тому +2

    Hi George, what is the smallest amount of liquid you can have in the boiler? I tried a Gin last night with 2.5 litres and she was running so hot with the water flow controller going flat out. The temp was 140F but steam vapour with liquid coming out. I was hoping for a litre of gin and cut it off at 120ml.... disappointing, but the best Gin I have ever tasted. Wow. Would you have kept it running? I was concerned about destroying the boiler with too small a quantity?
    Thanks for the video and everything you do. Cheers 🍻

    • @dzincster
      @dzincster 5 років тому +1

      I'm not George, but I'd never run it under 30% of it's capacity. So, shoot for 7.5-8 liters.

    • @mothox
      @mothox 5 років тому +2

      Hi Jon, Thanks for the tip. Appreciate your comment. I thought I could have ruined the boiler. I’ll add some extra water to get to 8 litres and extract the remainder. The flavour might suffer but hopefully it’ll run correctly. I’ll do a full 8 litre gin extract next time. Live and learn. 🍻

    • @dzincster
      @dzincster 5 років тому +1

      @@mothox you probably could've damaged the boiler, I'm glad you didn't. Be safe, and you'll be a good asset to the craft.

    • @barrywaters6336
      @barrywaters6336 3 роки тому

      The instructions say a minimum qty is 10 Ltrs

  • @mediaaccount6218
    @mediaaccount6218 4 роки тому

    Is this more effective than just chucking everything in the wash?

    • @chucknaturale307
      @chucknaturale307 3 роки тому

      Yes way better

    • @mediaaccount6218
      @mediaaccount6218 3 роки тому

      @@chucknaturale307 I can't fit a sock inside mine, the condenser tube gets in the way ...maybe the design changed

    • @chucknaturale307
      @chucknaturale307 3 роки тому

      @@mediaaccount6218 you can hang it from the base for the same effect or get the gin basket

  • @nickcarnevalino7462
    @nickcarnevalino7462 5 років тому

    I have read a ton of gloom and doom about running a t500 as a pot still ... it gets to hot for the parts , you need to bypass the coil in the stack , etc ... BUT i have never heard one false thing from you (George) and you make some of the more knowledgeable people on the internet seem simple and your saying it's ok to do this ... so with that , i now have zero fear of running my t500 in this way.

    • @MrRhino12667
      @MrRhino12667 4 роки тому

      I have too but on page 13 of the manual, the question is asked... they recommend not for better results to use the Dome top. But do not say not to do it. I believe they made improvements to it over earlier versions that had problems.

  • @morse2279
    @morse2279 5 років тому

    George, you wouldn't have any rough numbers for a PID on a packed column, the delay makes autotune go nuts and none of the numbers I've tried work.
    Rex C100

    • @BarleyandHopsBrewing
      @BarleyandHopsBrewing  5 років тому

      Try P=1 I=540 and D= 200. Also allow your still to balance where the kettle and column are at the same temperature. This may take several minutes to 1/2 hour in order for the heat going into the bottom is instantly perceived at the top.

    • @morse2279
      @morse2279 5 років тому

      @@BarleyandHopsBrewing
      Already gave those a go, form your early PID vids if I recall correctly.
      It would output full until it just overshot, run over for about a degree, drop back giving small amounts of output until it dropped by a degree and half, then cycle again.
      To the sound of many rude words.
      I have @ 2L of SPP packing which I assume is the cause of the lag.
      I have the bottom half of the column insulated, as this allows me to just take of the Heads as they stack up naturally and straight into Hearts without the need to full reflux, would you think insulating the top half would be beneficial and stop the lag.
      Anyway thanks for taking the time to make these informative vids and answer questions it is greatly appreciated.

  • @tatermorgan6559
    @tatermorgan6559 5 років тому

    Where can we get a T500?

  • @Martinwhynot
    @Martinwhynot 5 років тому +1

    But is it up to it? I own a T500 and was terrified of running it hotter than as instructed. But - you've done it so I'll take a punt!

    • @mrpoop123
      @mrpoop123 Рік тому

      Old comment but how did yours go?

  • @cgro100
    @cgro100 Рік тому

    Why is it a brandy , and not a blueberry vodka ?

  • @amberhesamisogynistheard2653
    @amberhesamisogynistheard2653 3 роки тому

    Your running it at 165F but the instruction manual says not to go above 149F

  • @fourdeadinohio8303
    @fourdeadinohio8303 5 років тому +1

    could you go over "where you put it" one more time....LOL

    • @BarleyandHopsBrewing
      @BarleyandHopsBrewing  5 років тому

      Sure will on the next video. LOL. Obviously you got the humor.
      George

  • @Kberrysal
    @Kberrysal 2 роки тому

    Can you make a gin this way

  • @mediaaccount6218
    @mediaaccount6218 4 роки тому

    So don't need the alembic lid then?

    • @chucknaturale307
      @chucknaturale307 3 роки тому

      I love mine

    • @barrywaters6336
      @barrywaters6336 3 роки тому

      @@chucknaturale307 I hear some reports of them leaking. like the seal is somehow different to that on the boiler lid. Do you find this? Could be old info

    • @chucknaturale307
      @chucknaturale307 3 роки тому +1

      @@barrywaters6336 I used two seals the one it came with and the one from the old lid sealed great.

  • @tomkehl9632
    @tomkehl9632 4 роки тому +1

    distilling

  • @mclyker
    @mclyker 3 роки тому

    Do you still enjoy the calls? Lol

  • @thejollyfrog640
    @thejollyfrog640 10 місяців тому

    The T500 condensor is not designed to be used as a pot still.
    Ask the manufacturer.
    The plastic bridge at the top between the column and product condensor is exactly that....PLASTIC.
    The hot vapour comes in contact with the plastic.
    ALSO....Stuffing the column with a sock full of botanicals could block the vapour path causing pressure build-up making it a potential bomb.
    A somewhat knowledgeable person giving bad advice.

    • @superwag634
      @superwag634 5 місяців тому

      What kind of “plastic”? Could it be Teflon?