THUMPERS, THEORY AND HOW THEY WORK

[@Cougar139tweak]

Holy crap, this guy may be the best teacher I've ever seen, missed your calling, should have been a college professor......but glad you decided to do this instead

[@lockjaw5161]

yep!

[@austinmentz8314]

This video is amazing. I find my self nodding to your questions like your are talking to me in person. It feels like I’m sitting with my grandpa and getting great wisdom.

[@Tara-sf7uu]

I love this channel! You sir, are the Bob Ross of distilling. Your teaching method is much appreciated

[@mikes279]

This was the best and most thorough explanation of a thumper I have come across. Now that I know what it's for and how it works, I decided not to use it. But, I watched the thumper implosion video and decided I would use the thumper, to infuse flavors.

[@d9inger]

Best explanation of a thumper I've heard. Thanks George.

[@Drfixit904]

Once again.. Thank you for your time that you put into these videos

[@DROPTINE]

This is Exactly why Popcorn Sutton was the best of all time He went by sound and trial and error ! NO temperature gauges etc etc...... Pretty Impressive! He Is a TRUE LEGEND!!!

[@zombieSlayer-kn2rk]

I think he was saying that Popcorn Sutton was the legend. But this guy doing the video is definitely pretty freaking awesome.

[@smyers820gm]

You just like popcorn Sutton because you’re wowed by his video. Humans have been distilling for over 3000 years. Now when you think of all the humans that have been doing this that popcorn was the absolute all time best 🤔 I dunno maybe 🤷‍♂️ but that’s one helluva claim 🤷‍♂️😂. To be clear I like popcorn too. 😂

[@DROPTINE]

@@smyers820gm Your talking out your AZZ You know NOTHING about me or who I am. Has NOTHING to do with videos. We all know people have been doing this for a LONG time. My fault I know guys like you get all shook up about words 🤣 In my opinion he was one of the BEST to do it and by the way I have met Popcorn several times through my Father. Hope this makes your panties feel a little better...... 🤣

[@bigrockk2980]

Wow, glad I found your site, by far the best videos I have come across. Fantastic explanations, much appreciated!

[@giacomellijr]

Tranks for the explanation George. In Brazil we dont use Double Destilation for our drink, the Cachaça. But I will Run Bourbon, then is too hard to learn about thumper in Brazil . I apreciate your lessons a Lot. Thank you!!

[@PetraKann]

The back pressure created by the "thumper" unit can be calculated by using the following formula. P = ρgH ρ = density of the fluid in the thumper (kg/m3) g = force of gravity = 9.8 (m/s2) H = height of water level above the vapor inlet tube outlet located at the bottom of the thumper (m) The back pressure in a modestly sized thumper with say a liquid level of 0.2 m is quite small. Technically this thumper set-up is not a closed system. Think of the boiler or pot still having a bleed valve attached at the top which permits a certain amount of vapour to pass through or escape to the next section. The liquid level in the thumper unit serves the same function as a bleed valve. The vapour must overcome the liquid level which provides a tiny amount of back pressure. Increasing the liquid level would be like closing the bleed valve - both actions increase the back pressure. cheers

[@timflynn3218]

Does original atmospheric pressure need to be included in this formula? Seems to me adding 14.7 psi to the above formula would be correct. I may be wrong, just saying.

[@PetraKann]

@@timflynn3218 You can be dealing with pressure drop or pressure gradient where atmospheric pressure doesnt matter. It's a relative difference in pressure between two points. Or you can also be dealing with Absolute or relative pressure. Remember, a relative pressure gauge will read zero when left in the open air. The same gauge will also read zero if taken to the top of Mount Everest even though the surrounding air pressure has decreased. So you need a different type of gauge to determine absolute pressure or a calculation or algorithm solved. We know that there is an atmospheric pressure present in both scenarios. If one thinks about it, a reading of zero pressure implies a perfect vacuum. But the pressure gauge is just determining the difference in pressure between two points within the gauge.

[@shawndaley5907]

George for president!

[@johnladd9885]

I know this is an old video but I just found your channel.. dude you could sell a book or DVD you are a mountain of usable easy to understand knowledge.. thank you so much I've been wanting to do this for a long time but couldn't find the write knowledge for me but this is awesome.. thanks again for sharing this knowledge and God bless..

[@edthayres9175]

Hi George, excellent videos. I just started watching them. I understand 99% of the distilling process but for my own summation, the vapor from the still pot rises, travels through the tubing into the thumper. It passes through the liquid in the thumper and rises again to the top as vapor. Then up and over into the condenser, turning back to liquid and exits as liquid at the collection sight?

[@shadowmihaiu]

Very nice, you crystallized a couple pieces of important information for me. Much appreciated.

[@edwardhelms2431]

Thanks George you have helped me out so much with my hobby and save me a lot of money keep doing the videos keep teaching I appreciate your time sir

[@sorensenperformance]

George..- First thanks so much for all the videos you post they have been very helpful. I run a thumper set up and I have to mention.. filling it to 3/4 is way to much .. if you fill it that full it tends to push the mash wash out into the final product especially near the end of the run as I find everytime the thumper fills up with more liquid by the end of the run. Filling the thumper to just cover the imput tube is just right.

[@BarleyandHopsBrewing]

Thanks so much. Experience and shared tips are always welcome here. George

[@ramrodfishingoutdoors8155]

George I love all your videos you explained it perfectly ! 👍😎

[@LloydieP]

Absolutely beautiful explanation! So much information and context. Thank you!

[@arrrgonot7801]

Outstanding discussion. You really bring it all together easy to understand. Thanx George

[@garymitchell7326]

top bloke best teacher ever could watch you all week and I will

[@alenalenson6281]

Thank you very much sir for good info .George would you do a video about making Jäermeister (the famous German spirit ) thanks again

[@BarleyandHopsBrewing]

This mixture has as many 34 ingredients and are a closely held secret. I have not found any information on this.

[@Cardassiaprime]

Whoa, You Sir are an educator, that was an awesome guide to Thumpers. I cannot thank you enough for that video (obviously for educational purposes only since I reside in England where Distilling is second only to murder.) As we say over here -over the pond- TOP BLOKE. Barnie.

[@bubbasgood]

Best description of a thumper and how it works. I only wish I had found this video first it would have saved me a lot of trail and errors but some times that's the best way to learn. At least for me. Thanks again for the video can't wait to check out more.

[@dominickbianco5080]

i love watching your videos im learning so much. thanks for sharing your knowledge.

[@LordMekanicus]

Buddy I love how you explain things! Dropped in to see how you shared your knowledge and am duly impressed. Keep doing what you do, I'll keep doing what I do, and as you say; "Happy Distilling." "Apples and Oranges aren't the same, until you put them in a mash." -"Grandpa" Martin.

[@keithf5883]

I love your passion for your craft. Thank you sir.

[@michaelmiller8914]

I'm 5 years late to this party. I used this method 6+ years ago, but I missed the control side of the thumper. I had a 15g still and 15g thumper. I missed the mark with filling the thumper for sure and the holes in the feed pipe to the thumper. Thank you so much for the knowledge of functionality.

[@gierhedd75]

Holy Bejeebus! You sir, should be writing books in this - or even teaching this at some lucky college as an adjunct professor. I have been home brewing for the past few decades, and could only wish that I had the guidance of someone like yourself when I first started out. Now that I'm finally taking those first baby steps at distilling, you have given me the confidence and the tools (thank goodness for the interwebs sometimes, I guess) to have at it. Thanks for taking the time to produce these excellent videos. I hit that subscribe button so hard, I nearly cracked my screen!

[@BarleyandHopsBrewing]

Awesome. Thanks a bunch George

[@downdirty8543]

Absolutely love the way you teach! I could listen to you all day.

[@bigfred1813]

You make the best and most informative videos I've ever seen on this subject thank you very much

[@ClassicRyder1]

You make it so easy to understand. Always wondered about how thumpers worked and if I needed one.

[@roytetwart]

Thank you for an excellent video. I often wondered how a thumper worked! You really do have a talent for explaining things. (Especially to people like me who are not the brightest spark in the fire!). I've now subscribed.

[@SirGolfalot-]

Good explanation, on both the thumper and the slobber box. I become a little more knowledgeable about this craft every time I watch one of your videos. Thanks for your service

[@mrpeterpotts5106]

I have watched a couple of your videos- love your style. You never mentioned scrubbing- passing a vapour through a cleansing liquid . A thumper acts as a cleaner- all impurities and dissolved in the thumper liquid and pure distillate evapourates. They do this in laboratories. I imagine if you had several thumpers connected in series the end product would be super refined. Anyway- I do not know what I am talking about and I love your presentations.

[@freedomfamily1358]

Glad i found ya much needed extra 411 my pawpa was a shiner hillbilly in wv where i was raised and all this is very exciting informative info as i never got to meet him he passed b4 i was born thank you sir for ur time im now subscribed!!

[@hellbillyjr]

I'm just getting into this, so I've checked out a few channels. You're explanations are awesome. I only know two moonshiners and asked a few questions, but I hate asking some of the basics. That's said, if you're on your first run, could you use your first mash, then use the tails later on?

[@byronsowntime]

Massive thanks from Finland.......quite simply the best description of a thumper I have heard and seen...just looking for an excuse to to phone you up and say hi....keep doing what you do...its greatly appreciated ......

[@UsedBrain4U]

You sir are the Red Fisher of distilling. You are a real story teller. I love listening and learning from you.

[@adammason4554]

Been waiting for a barley and hops thumper video, thanks from Australia George

[@rachelvanemmerik5221]

Thank you so much for sharing your extended knowledge. Your a star.

[@bowpro88]

Thanks, I really appreciate all your videos and sharing of knowledge.

[@chrisolivier9776]

Thanks George. I've used your guidelines to build my thumper - I'll probably test run it next weekend. I'll email you a few photos 😁

[@loofy26]

Best teacher ever ! answering all thoses questions i always wonder. Cheers from France !

[@chasingsalmon]

Hi, Ive just bought a still, 3 stage. I thought the "Thumper" has the store has sold me would be the same has the one you've shown. ie pipe all way down the bottom. In mine it has an inlet, only through the top, no down pipe, and an outlet to the worm from the top. I was wanting to put a 20/30% alcohol into my thumper with some juniper berries to make gin. Cant I do that with not having the pipe all the way to the bottom ? love the channel. Shaun, UK

[@rogersilva77]

When you use a thumper do you have to disconnect it right away when you shut the heat off I enjoy your sessions every time

[@stevenrigsby4635]

First off i want to say thankyou for all the information you are putting out there. Second. I have a question i need a little help with. I have a 6 gallon pot still and it has a thumper on that looks to only be about 1 quart in size. I believe this is to small. Can i run it dry just as a slobber box or do i need to cut the inlet pipe off at the top of it for it to work? Thanks for your imput!

[@jimbean7431]

Do you still have to do a methanol pour off with a thumper ? Also what do you do with what’s left in the thumper when you are done ? Is it drinkable?

[@SkinnyMarty1]

George Can't thank you enough for your time and info You and your crew have made this a most pleasant hobby with your professionally done videos

[@IsraeDan]

So clear George. Thanks

[@southcack8245]

Would also suggest some holes up the side of the input pipe near the bottom to help prevent a boiler vacuum colapse. Never heard of the need to fill it 2/3 full. Just a couple of inches to cover the end of the pipe is enough. A water charge will also give a boost in ABV. The thumping sound you hear is the collapse (condensing) of vapor as it enters the cool liquid. Theoretically the liquid in the thumper will nearly always be slightly cooler than that of the boiler. At least until the boiling points of the two become somewhat equalized. Just my $.02.

[@handyman75657]

Artist and Professor. Thank you!

[@jeffgrier8488]

Great explanation George, much appreciated!

[@kevinconzo4293]

Thank you for making this video. GREAT background information.

[@Airborne33850]

another great video pure pleasure watching them all thanks

[@SvS7209]

Thanks, George.. You, Sir, are awesome. The knowledge on this has certainly helped to better my education on my all-time favourite hobby.. Sure could have used that slobber box a few weeks back.. 🤦‍♂️ I will try the thumper as demonstrated..

[@gsusuhsgsu1892]

استاذ شكرا لك على هذا الفديو المفيد سوال ماهو بالضبط عمل الصندوق الضا رب وماهوالسائل الذي يوضع فيه وهل انه لايجعل خروج الراس السام ( الميثانول) بصورة صحيحة

[@d.j.robinson9424]

Makes perfect sense George, love the ideas of a slobber box and thumper; 1 question, what type of silver solder do you recommend..?

[@KC9RXP]

Been looking for a few years to find a clear explanation of this.

[@FireHorse454]

Great Video & thanks! But what should be the temp in the thumper? Dose it change over the run?

[@donalddooley209]

Thanks so much for your videos and your teaching skills

[@markcrume]

Thank you George!

[@trebor66n2]

Thanks again. You are my favorite person to watch on KZbin, and I watch a lot on KZbin.

[@BarleyandHopsBrewing]

Thanks

[@ronnorth4853]

What's the difference in reflux and thumper? From my understanding each section of a reflux column does the same thing as a thumper.

[@anthonybarra2391]

Always wondered the science behind a thumper, thanks George top explanation

[@jamesp1979]

What would you recommend filling the thumper with when distilling bourbon? I realize you can use a number of different things, but what would be your top pick for creating the best bourbon possible?

[@davidkallay6464]

George in the Thumper... is there any advantage making the down pipe in the Thumper a worm? I assume this will help heat the Tail liquid in the Thumper faster. I like your idea of drilled end cap to make smaller vapor bubbles.

[@tassoarakelian499]

Hey George, Tell me what kind of electric burner you use? Most of them are not very big and powerful enough to heat up my 8 gallon pot. Some even say that the diameter of the pot must not be over 10 inches. That’s way under my pot size.

[@b-kerbchek-k7582]

Great video... I finally understand the difference and purpose of a Thumper and or slobber box... thank you

[@dingleberry3695]

Question, Given how a slobber box works, would you say that a system with a slobber box instead of a thumper would still be an open system? Would copper mesh in the slobber box affect the process/flavor? Could I add an aromatics basket to the slobber box for additional seasoning? Thank you so much for all the videos. They've basically taught me everything I know!

[@munro902]

Yehaw some good ol cape Breton mountain Dew coming this summer , thanks pal

[@ipreweda]

Can you please make a video where you are actually using a thumper. Iv learned so much from your channel. Please continue the great work you guys are doing.

[@Billy0Nitro]

FINALLY, A THUMPER EXPLAINED!

[@shoover17331]

Awesome! Gorge, you the man. Thank you!

[@peribox2]

Love the video very explanatory I have a question please, Can i make the cuts by regulating the temperature? for example I can hold the temp to 150F the methanol evaporates when stops pouring at the end I know there is no more methanol left, then I increase the temp to 175 and hold it there for ethanol then again when stops pouring I know there is no more ethanol in the mash Do I still have the tail in final product if I stop the heat before water starts to evaporate? Thank you!

[@jameslanning8405]

Adding the cap to the bottom of the pipe, coming from the still would certainly add pressure to the still. The small holes may slow the amount of bubbles and make them smaller, at the bottom of the thumper. Most stills have a 45 degree cut at the bottom, or have the bottom of the pipe cut like a "crow's foot," at it sits on the bottom of the thumper. A modern still could probably take the added pressure, using a cap with holes in it. I wouldn't recommend it for anything less. A thermostat can be useful... Around 170 is the heat in the still you want to maintain. That will boil the alcohol. If you get to 190, then you begin to boil the water in the still and it will begin to cut your run with too much water. Simply put, your ethel will boil out of the wash, at a lower temp than the water will... And so you will check your run in several jars, with a hydrometer, to check proof. The proof of the run is never consistent from start to finish. You will run out of alcohol before you run out of water in your wash. The oldtimers, used to be able to keep track of the heat under the still, by how often they heard the "thump," in the thumper! Too fast meant it was too hot, and you'd get a weaker product. "Slower is always better for the quality of the finished product." It takes great patents to get that... Great whiskey cannot be rushed, unless you like water!

[@jeffcameron3192]

Great explanation! Love your videos

[@jasoneaton1281]

Thanks George. Enjoying your videos! Some say that modern reflux stills are TO efficient and you do not get as much flavor of the final product as old pot stills or thumpers. Any comments on how to let just the right amount of flavors through in a pot still?

[@jaybarnes1869]

Thanks for answering my question

[@michaelsmith1675]

Great job George on closed systems

[@taffdavies5573]

One location the Falkland Islands. Terrific stuff George.. Thank you for all..

[@garysnyder527]

Would sugar water in the thumper add sweetness to the product or, putting fruit give it the fruit flavor?

[@jameswitte5167]

If a thumper is used to add flavor could it be the same size instead of two thirds ??? Can you use more than one thumper to add different flavor profiles ???

[@darkforcex7362]

I was using a propane burner to distill. I only ever got tails. I added a thumper and I actually started producing ethanol. George is the Greatest of all time.

[@martinsavage9555]

George I’m new to this game & most of what I know comes from your channel. Brilliant Thank you👍 Quick question, could I use 2 or even 3 x 1”copper pipe with copper manifold top & bottom with 1” pipe to ss 5 gal’ kettle & top 1” pipe wth ccvm type pre condenser, pipes filled with ceramic baking beans. I have 1”” copper @ 2” is silly money. Sorry wasn’t that quick. Thanks again. 🥃

[@BarleyandHopsBrewing]

If this was my still and since it is a 5 gallon kettle I would go with stainless steel which is much cheaper and I would go with 2 inches for the column size. I know that copper is important to most but I am one the fence with that one. The problem you will have with a 1 inch is the reduced flow of vapors and a less efficient still. It will work but the results could be much better with a larger pipe. I know copper is ridiculously expensive. For my $$$$ stainless steel with copper mesh is the way to go if copper is important to you. Hope this helps George

[@gsusuhsgsu1892]

في بعض عمليات التقطير توضع النكهة مباشرة مع السائل المراد تقطيره ماضرر ذالك وهل عند استخدام الضارب تكون النكهة والنقاء من الشوائب افضل

[@fredA1234]

Also can you tell me as a beginner what videos I should watch in order first to last that way I don’t have to call you to bother you thank you. Or should I give you a call? Fred

[@briced.hornback1062]

Where can I find the laws regarding how much is legal to distill in various states? Thanks!

[@allenwhitehead8031]

Brilliant, im from the UK and seen lots of videos on moonshine and how moon shine stills work. By far i have learned more from this video clip, i have watched give than from all of the othere video clips, iv seen befor, iv subscribed to and looking forward to watching all of your videos, and in time i will be phoning you with a few questions about a still im going to build. Thanks Allen

[@genegates2094]

George, What actually goes into the Thumper ? can I put the mash that I put in the pot?

[@zombieSlayer-kn2rk]

I think he did say that. Maybe go back and watch again. That's what I do.

[@carlhaywood3668]

You can also save your tails and use them in your next batch. Higher alcohol content than the wash.

[@sebastiantellstheworldgran9237]

Amazing video. Thank you

[@austinmentz8314]

Great content. You should write a book with all this knowledge.

[@topjob1000]

Great video.

[@dantmanish]

hi george ,, if I make a thumper would you reuse the liquid form it ,, say I filled it with some other alcohol /say wine or some of the wash , wouldn't the liquid from the thumper be more potent after every use? I mean doesn't it take some of the abv away at first till it gets hot?? I was wondering

[@austinshort1751]

So would it make sense to pour some everclear and water in the thumper during a grain mash or should I go with something a little less proof?

[@giuseppescalia9068]

I'm Italian and to understand I had to insert the automatic translation. Finally someone who explains how the thumber works !! I have a question, however, and that is in the case of not using the thumber to separate the head and tail of the grappa, I adjust according to the temperatures, with the thumber how should I adjust?

[@jamiecoppedge8279]

It wouldn't need much adjusting. Just consider the thumper as if it was a second boiler who's heat source was the vapor of the first boiler. Vapor won't be hotter than the boiling point of whatever liquid it started as. In this case, the highest boiling point of any liquid in the first boiler is that of water, at 100°C. The only way to get the thumper hotter than that would be to add some liquid to the first boiler with a higher boiling point, or to build a fire under the thumper...so it's effectively self regulating.

[@giuseppescalia9068]

@@jamiecoppedge8279 Thanks, but what liquid do you put in the thumper?

[@jamiecoppedge8279]

@@giuseppescalia9068 you could easily run the exact same mash in the thumper as what you put in the boiler. this system is designed to use the thumper to turn the alcohols into a vapor, while leaving the water as a liquid, using only the heat being imparted to it via the vapor from the boiler, which will never be hotter than the temperature of boiling water. that way it becomes much harder to overheat the mash. you could use plain water or whatever, but it would take longer to start collecting distillate in the condenser. you could use pure ethanol from a previous run too, in which case it wouldn't take very long at all. I'm not really into brewing wine or making booze though. just a chemistry enthusiast, with a good understanding of why distillation happens, and thought i would help to explain it since i like to see curious people reassuring me the human race still has smart individuals who want to learn, and so ask questions. ever watched a movie called idiocracy? if you have you know what i mean...lol

[@chrislusk3531]

Noob question - if I keep my pot below 212 degrees, how will it produce water vapor? And since methanol evaporates at a lower temp than ethanol, thumpers won't have any effect on reducing heads and increasing hearts right?

[@mikenewton7038]

hi great great videos, im very new to distilling and would like to have some sort of knowledge before attempting, so i would like to ask couple questions if possible. first one is do you have to regulate the temputure in this system if so how?, secondly would it be a benefit to have the condenser vertical? sorry if these are stupid questions love your videos from the uk

[@BarleyandHopsBrewing]

The thumper was a solution to regulating heat since in the back woods firewood was often used to heat stills and very hard to control. A vertical condenser may work against you. As it is now, once condensed gravity causes it to flow out. If it were vertical this may be a challenge.

[@andriesdoman7065]

Hello George, a quick question. I saw a design where the "thumper" is mounted on the lid of the boiler and also about 1/10th of the boiler size. Your thoughts? Enjoying your channel!

[@HauptJager]

Great video George, if I'm following you correctly, if you pack a column with one of copper mesh, and use a gin basket you could get a similar effect to a thumper without having to have an extr pice of equipment or risk.

[@BarleyandHopsBrewing]

In a direct comparison, yes. There is much more to it than that but in its simplest terms the answer is yes, you could mimic the results with column packing.

[@carlosmatos9848]

This might be a dumb question, but if you can control the heat of your still, do you even need a thumper? Water boils at 212, ethanol at 173, why do you only end up with only 60 or 70% ? Edit: forgot, so does the thumper sort of work like a more simplfied version of a column still?