Comments on: Why Buy a SmartStill?

By: willieboy

willieboy — Sun, 21 Mar 2010 23:55:52 +0000

Incidentally, what are most of you guys making your wash from; what strength and what kind of yeast? Anyone else out there making traditional potato-based poteen?

By: willieboy

willieboy — Sun, 21 Mar 2010 23:15:59 +0000

Stan,Let it keep fermenting until you hit a reading of about 1.010 on the hydrometer, (that’s usually indicated by a red line). If it’s still on 1.060 at the monent, you’d be wasting about another 7% alcohol that has still to ferment. Have a little taste of it; you’ll find it’s still very sweet-tasting. wait until it tastes dry. Cheers!

By: Shaggyfretwell

Shaggyfretwell — Tue, 16 Feb 2010 20:26:19 +0000

Hi happy still hobby’ists, I have a question with the still spirits air still carbon filter. I can leave the 40% output in it and it will not filter through unless I loosen the screw so it wobbles and is definately not secure, anyone else have the same problem? I have been reduced to using a brita water filter. Also heard you have to discard the 1st 50 mm of distilled ethanol to get rid of the “aniseed” taste. Otherwise – what a hobby and totally legal in New Zealand where I put my thoughts when making it
Cheers

By: stan

stan — Mon, 28 Dec 2009 20:55:17 +0000

hi just got a still for chriss pressy can not wait to start got 21ltrs of wash going took reeding to day 1060@ still fermenting 8days should i stop now ????

By: seany mc

seany mc — Sat, 13 Dec 2008 21:31:42 +0000

smart still brill no probs getting 76% proof 750 ml then top up to 1000 ml with water to get 46 -48 % proof ,,,,,,,,best essence sambuca have fun

By: Jimmy

Jimmy — Tue, 07 Oct 2008 19:30:03 +0000

Come and join the forums, post a topic with some more info and I’m sure someone can help!

By: Jason

Jason — Sun, 05 Oct 2008 19:58:07 +0000

why does my distill go cloudy?

By: Phantom

Phantom — Sun, 29 Jun 2008 08:13:14 +0000

Don’t forget that the easystill/smartstill type devices are basically pot stills and only have a certain ability to remove water – if you read about, you’ll see that they’re not very efficient.

There are a few “off the shelf” reflux still’s that will up the % ABV from your wash/mash mixes. Even then, they have a limited ability to remove water and only get to a certain level/strength/concentration.

I’ve been looking around to see if I can find out about modifying some kit to make a vacuum still, as it would appear that if I can manage that, I should be able to get some very high purity ethanol, but run the still at a much lower temperature (I’m no expert but I think I’ve read it right).

By: Canyon Cat

Canyon Cat — Mon, 09 Jun 2008 20:45:23 +0000

Thanks again for the tips!

I learned my lesson after my first run and on the second run I did three cuts of 500ml. I then took 250ml from each cut and poured into two 750 ml Skyy vodka bottles (I love the color!). Even Steven for both bottles. Tastes great!

One of these days I’ll do a second or third distill to make rocket fuel, but for now I’m happier than a pig in thatwhichcannotbenamed.

What a hobby . . . .

By: Jimmy

Jimmy — Sat, 07 Jun 2008 16:55:06 +0000

Carbon filtering works best at around 40%, and it works best if you chill first. It still works at 50% though, so you’ll be fine!

As far as the freezing is concerned – sounds about right, that’s 1/3 water so it makes sense that it would make slush. I’ve had that with store bought vodka when it’s the cheap stuff!

I think I need to put a forum on this site, pronto.