FILTERING, ALL YOU NEED TO KNOW AND HOW TO BUILD YOUR OWN PART 2

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

[@jaybland4186]

Can you waste time searching misinformation on the web on brewing ?" Absolutely!" Can you just watch George for a few minutes and get useful powerful knowledge? "Aaaabsolutely!" Thanks George 👍

[@yonceydelatorre3802]

Since that PVC pipe is either SCH40 or SCH80, is there any risk of the alcohol stripping the chemicals that are intended to harden that pipe from the elements for its specific intended use and then contaminating the product and potentially hurting the consumers medically? Just a respectful sincere question? Design is spectacular thought.... Same goes for any plastic contraption not specifically made for ethanol, like a gentleman that commented on him using a ZeroWater Filter.

[@grayco2853]

Thank you Professor Duncan, as usual job well done. Happy Distilling Adapt Improvise and Overcome

[@rocketsroc]

I used to use such a filter contraption but years ago switched to the one you once recommended, a ZeroWater filter. Works fantastically with no mess, no need to prepare activated carbon which is messy and costly. The Zero comes with fill and catch tanks for about $35. The filter element is replaceable. Just have to run spirits through at less than 50%ABV (100 Proof). The Zero does not seem to affect flavors either. I love mine.

[@mannye]

Sure beats running through a Britta! Thank you for this series! Gonna save me a lot of money!

[@BarleyandHopsBrewing]

Glad you like them!

[@ypirnay]

Hello, George. Thanks for this. I said it before; I'll repeat it: your dedication to educating the crowds is beyond human. Thumbs up all the way. One suggestion, though: a part 3 to this video containing 1) actual demonstration of the process 2) coverage of the numerous questions I can read in the comments of part 1 and part 2. Cheers.

[@BarleyandHopsBrewing]

Wow, thank you I think I will do a part three.

[@mustyditch4703]

I seem to remember reading something .... I am not sure where ... that the alcohol must be cut to below 50% ABV before running through the carbon filter else the process will not work. Could this requirement be because of the type of carbon they were using? I would certainly like to filter my raw distillate that is coming off the still at 95%.

[@DiegoRodriguez-pr1bf]

Musty Ditch From Still Spirits maker of EZ Inline Filter- "Activated carbon is prepared in a manner which causes the carbon crystals to become porous and develop a very large surface area. One gram of activated carbon may have 500-1,500 m2 of internal surface area. This large surface area and the many internal pores in the carbon are able to adsorb many different chemical compounds including those which cause unwanted flavours in your spirit. The absorption process is very complex and depends on concentrations, molecular weight etc. In the case of alcoholic spirit, the process works best if the alcohol concentration is 50% or less. This is why we recommend adjusting the alcohol level before purification."

[@mustyditch4703]

@morse I bet that is where I read it ... I have his book on home distilling.

[@mustyditch4703]

@morse Yes I think you are correct. Great idea. Hahaha!!! Thank you.

[@calimero074]

Great question. I read the same thing somewhere. Im curious if someone knows the answer to this, because i would like to keep my spirit at 94% ABV at first for maceration with lemonpeel or other stuff.

[@richardwhitebrook5695]

Mine only cost 15 bucks, cos I did away with all that stuff on the bottom and just used a cap with a pinhole (in the spirit of constant innovation). No glue works a treat, just bang it together.

[@richardwhitebrook5695]

I was the guy in the back, but no worries I just watched it again ;) Thanks George, for blowing away the dogma and keeping it simple. And thanks for the metric references too..

[@spikelove9533]

George can I use Black PVC 🤣 JK that was the best guy in the back question I could think of thanks for the awesom info

[@walkawayjoe]

George the video's you've been doing are gold man. They have answered some good questions I've had and the comment question/answers are very helpful. To me this is about the best thing I found KZbin. The water chiller you came up with is a great idea. I been trying to come up with something similar to that since I've had more garage time lately. Keep it up brother your channel is great!

[@sheepseven7588]

dear soul God does not want His children to drink alcoholic drinks please don't show people how to make please thank you

[@outlaw7195]

Then why did Jesus turn the water to wine. Read your bible yourself instead of listening to brother better than you.

[@andyharris3084]

I hope there is going to be a part 3 that tries to answer some of the questions people have posted for part 1 and 2.

[@heymulen1840]

Yep ! a part 3 would be nice. I think see it in action. And is there something about not filtering 94 % abv ??

[@kennethcounts5905]

Yes, thank you so very much. Better to have it and not need it. Than to need it and not have it . Plus I learned something today from Professor George.

[@billb9946]

Isn't there a big taste difference between coconut, bamboo, & hardwood charcoal/carbon? And were do you find 1.5 lb bags....

[@rezganger]

so activated ch.coal doesnt heat up at the start? if so,you CANNOT USE ANY PLASTIC.

[@markhawkins497]

Beautiful just beautiful exactly what we love and expect, god bless.

[@courteneyderoo43]

I posted on a moonshine group about making this pvc filter and got lit up about how the pvc would be a horrible choice as it would leach and the taste would be bad. Just wondering if someone has been using one for a while with success. I personally don’t believe there would be a problem. Just want to hear from someone who has one! And one more question I live in Canada and would like to know where to get the activated charcoal. Thanks

[@damanicgrinam8053]

Thank you every time i gave up on this you save me. I honor you thank you. Happy distilling!

[@bigkevin20]

I seem to be getting too much dilution I don't understand I'm starting at 180 proof and it is coming out 150

[@stevew2842]

Thanks George, finished building my filter yesterday after watching this. The filter chamber holds 1100ml of liquid, so I add 1100ml of water to push the remaining spirit out of the charcoal. QUESTION: should the charcoal be removed and dried between use, or leave it there wet?

[@ElectricityTaster]

You can buy sanitary pipe / tri-clamp pipe made out of stainless steel for not that much money. It's the ideal stuff.

[@TeslaFactory]

George is either very well-read and/or our boy has spent time working in the oil/gas or related chemical process engineering industry... You clever devil ;)

[@ianrorchard6030]

Eliminate the 'wall effect' by adding a drain hose longer than the column that takes the spirit back up as high as the top of the carbon, then curves over to drain downward. This keeps the column full of spirit at all times so it has to pass through the mass of carbon, not sneak down the wall. As long at there is spirit in the reservoir or the top of the column above the end the the drain hose, the spirit will siphon through.

[@skrukke]

And your filter never runs dry. Genialt as we say in Norway

[@BeeeeeeeeeeeRad]

HA! Kinda looks like a potato cannon.

[@knold20]

The carbon heats up quite a lot when you add a liquid to it for the first time. Go stainless!

[@aloksaxena.bhopal]

Thank you so much Sir, you have given a very nice n simple idea to make the filtering device, would love to see the device working in your next video..

[@danwisnoski6952]

Is it possible to get specs & measurements & parts list for the filter

[@hacgarimman9660]

What is the tri clamp fitting on thr bottom with thr valve on called? Cant seem to find one!

[@philiptruitt]

Thank you George!

[@flyingbeaver57]

George, thank you so much for this. The timing is perfect for me, as far as getting all the "pieces of kit" ready. Special thanks for your explanation about the correct activated charcoal to use. That wipes out hours of misinformation and " 'ol boy knowledge" that isn't so good. I notice some people feel they need to do a lot of filtering of water for making a mash. However, your instructions in the "Beginner's" series, along with a pH meter answer those concerns. I'm lucky in having good water on tap - not the case for everyone, I know. I'm glad that PVC is OK for the filter column - large diameter copper or stainless steel is not readily available, and costs two arms and a leg for some pieces. Thank you, and as you always say, "Happy Distilling!"

[@andyharris3084]

Good video. I've constructed something similar out of 5x15.5cm TC 304 stainless sight glass segments. At the top I have a connector for the garden hose (Hozelock) which I run through first until the water turns clear out the bottom (plus a couple of minutes). I know the carbon is cleaned and activated at that point. I then have a bucket that feeds the filter with my alcohol at

[@JesusisJesus]

Andy Harris I do both. I use AC in a Still Spirits brand carbon filter “chamber” that’s about 2” round and 6” long, out of the still. Then it goes straight into a gallon jug, Demijohn, it has several names. When I’m ready to use it, I weigh 300 grams out into a 1 litre bottle, top it off with filtered water to 1 litre, which cuts 90-93% to 40%. I repeat this until I have all my 90% cut to 40%, because I have a personal rule that “Nothing leaves my house at more than 40%” Then I make sure my Brita cartridge is wet. Then pour in my 40%, 1 litre at a time. Pour it back into the gallon jug, and some flip-top 1 litre bottles. I write on them in permanent sharpie, 40% Filtered 2x, the date, and any other information. 93% will remove this “Permanent” sharpie from glass later. I can then use my 1 litre bottles for whatever flavour I choose to use later, and the gallon jug usually ends up in a 1 gallon oak barrel with 2x bottles of Still Spirits Rye flavouring. I also fill several crystal decanters, and label them in sharpie, AND draw a line at the fluid level to see how much “Decants” as this process can really smooth out the drink if you have the patience to leave it alone for 3 weeks or more. I have spent a year trying various things and have found this to be the most convenient and highest quality I can produce using a 25 litre dextrose ferment in a T500 reflux. I hope this helps, take what you need from this, but every step has a very good reason when you think about it. My rule of “Nothing leaves the house over 40% has come from feedback received on 60% ABV whiskeys I’ve given away where people are not used to such strong alcohol, and it is not smooth, burns, tastes awful to people not accustomed to “shine” Happy Distillin’

[@toddellner5283]

Thank you so much! Every one of your videos is solid gold

[@garrymcgaw4745]

Hi Sir, my ACF seems to strip some proof points out, it goes in 40% and comes out around 37%, does that sound right?. Thanks for all your help and tips.

[@BarleyandHopsBrewing]

Sure does. This is normal

[@adamj1815]

Would this work for beer? Seltzers ect?

[@dillonmech7206]

Could be a potato gun with a hole drilled in the bottom glue required

[@neutralgod300]

can I use bbq charcoal for the filter? thank you very much for all the videos you have been making. I have been learning lots!

[@ardnfast]

No

[@frlouiegoad4087]

I am awake! I was just resting my eyes!

[@alabamabassin3726]

Can you add parts list please!!!

[@geoffpetten1016]

You are a very wise man Indeed. My question is can I put a coffee filter on the end of my charcoal filter???

[@ardnfast]

Absolutely

[@johnnytiboni6745]

Great video. And did anyone else notice his coffee cup. It says. ( never take a sleeping pull and a laxative at the same time

[@johnnytiboni6745]

Never take a sleeping pill and laxative at the same time

[@szunpl]

water will not mix with etanol ?

[@oldfartsafloat178]

Hi George from the U.K.!! Did my build having watched your vids. Learned to TIG and did keg myself, built column and PID. First sugar wash came of at 90% ABV well pleased with myself lol. This vid is the last part of the process I need but can you clear up a discussion I often see which is can you filter high proof product? some say yes others say must be below 50% ABV which is fact??? Thanks in advance, keep up the good work!!!!

[@BarleyandHopsBrewing]

You can filter high proof.

[@oldfartsafloat178]

Excellent and thanks for the speedy reply 👍

[@davec3948]

Did I miss the part on how to seal it with wax ?

[@anapirtskheliani3994]

Hello everyone. I could not find the information about when should I refresh carbon. We have around 100 liters of vodka and I am wondering how will I know when is carbon exhausted? Would appreciate any help.

[@bryanmaher1001]

How much alcohol would you run through your filter system before you regenerated your carbon

[@thattechcoach3656]

I've finished making this per the video. I jist wonder if anyone else has finished one and used it. Haven't used mine yet but have worries about the flow rate. For the life of me I've yet to figure out an easy way to meter it as suggested. Have been to several hardware stores and yet to find a solution. The challenge of connecting the nipple to a valve is . Anyone have any ideas or suggestions. Thanks in advance.

[@andresmassott152]

Hi George thanks for the advice. Should I filter 96% ABV alcohol or already diluted 40% ABV?

[@JasonAlexzander1q47]

We're you a math or history teacher?

[@exaisle]

Hi George....this video has saved me $$$....I was on the point of buying a stainless steel filter but I'm going to make my own now. Thanks for posting this! And on the question of "should I filter or not".....yes..you should definitely filter your spirits. The improvement in flavour and quality is incredible. In fact, there's a lot to be said for filtering twice (you can use the same carbon) which will produce an even cleaner spirit. Just remember to cut the spirit down to below 50% as the activated carbon won't work above that level.

[@ShinerShane]

"and that shall set you free" #moonshinemessiah #disciplesofgeorge

[@GS-wz1ud]

Hello George. You had a 2in SS filter that had been attached to a still in the video. Was the filter effective at a higher ABV, or did it start filtering effectively when the distillate was around 50%ABV or lower? Is it possible to polish 90%ABV, or is filtering primarily used to remove the fusal oils etc from the end of the run? Sorry for the late question. I fell asleep down the back 😀

[@CountryBoyPodcast]

If I only have a calling to filter are you saying I should start adding water to it to keep the flow going? This confuses me

[@mustang3026]

Can I use black abs pipe?

[@floramaesarona1865]

Ok. Many years ago, Chem. taught h20 + the oh bind instantaneously and quiet strongly. Please quick explain how your experiment produces differing results. Being you get a non-binding between the two in tube ingredients. Enjoy your show, thank you for answering in advance.

[@steviertommoethompson5932]

fab setup george

[@bryanroupe8646]

Maybe you answered this question but I missed it. I only get a few quarts per run. Won't I lose a good bit of my product during this filtration?

[@peterbartley9777]

Works well.

[@77TAK]

I don't believe you can get away without glue on your PVC reservoir. Please let us know if it doesn't.

[@ravinderkumarsharma8925]

Nice!!

[@jsmitton]

George, I enjoy the benefits of your experience - saves a lot of errors! I came across the book on homebrewing and the link to about 30 odd pages on this filtration subject through brewhaus (I think). I built a 2" x 6' SS filter as that is what I had on hand. It holds the package of stone carbon and has room for a little reservoir of liquid above the bed. I may cut this down at some point - maybe not. I followed the manual on saturation of the carbon with ro water before introducing the product. My filtration is very slow and while waiting for the arrival at the bottom of the filter, held the SS pipe and notice something I have not seen mentioned. At the interface layer of the water and product, there was a band of heat about 2" high. I followed that down with my hand until it reached the outlet. The product had arrived!! I don't know if this is a one off on first run or will repeat on my next wash. I did note a clean switch from water to product at this point but, when flushing the product as described in the manual, there was enormous interchange. I ran the filtered product through my countertop air still to rid myself of the water re-introduced. I also don't know if this blending is normal. You did not mention this water "push" in this video so I would like to read your comments. I also use a Zero Water filter but find it keeps more than its fair share of product. Keep well George.

[@downrangeops]

What would happen if you filtered at 50% then reran it through the still to concentrate the spirit for long term storage? Would you still have to filter the spirit when you diluted back to 40% in the future?

[@garywood8449]

As usual George teaches so good. I don’t know if he was ever a college instructor. If not he should have been.

[@lorijohn101]

How much activated carbon does this size filter hold?

[@chuckdontknowdoya6100]

Congratulations on 80k subscribers my friend with informative videos like this 100k is right around the corner keep up the great work you make me a better distiller with each and every one of them and I've been doing this for over 50 years your help is greatly appreciated and always enjoyed. For all of you that are afraid to hit that subscribe button don't be I hit it over three years ago and comment on almost every video sometimes a few times and no one has come knocking on my door so hit the button and help our buddy George the king of home distilling get paid for all his hard work. And just for your information this Chuck never gets stuck there's always a solution to any problem. As alway #HappyDistilling and stay safe out there.

[@JPDreyer1]

I have a milky distilate due to crappy water, do you guys think filtering it would clear that up or should it go back to the pot?

[@The_Gallowglass]

How often do you need to regenerate the carbon? I know the heat treatment is basically to get rid of all the impurities and crap that builds up as they're filtered out of the ethanol.

[@knuckle47]

In order to keep the reservoir filled, I'm guessing you do not filter while distilling ? I thought I had heard contrary to that in the video. I too vote for a demo !!

[@77TAK]

Question. Does the carbon filter out any glycerin you may have put in the spirit.

[@ShinerShane]

Glycerin should be added at proofing and bottling time Sir.

[@77TAK]

@@ShinerShane That doesn't answer my question. I know when glycerin should be added. I want to know if the carbon takes it out?

[@karlosss1868]

@@77TAK - My guess is that it would. It may gum up the pores however so wouldnt do it.

[@oncorossignol]

Thank you very much George to be there for us, i will make my PVC filtering to day.

[@JasonAlexzander1q47]

You say to keep a constant flow. So you can't pour a gallon in if that is all that you have and let it do it's thing?

[@andremarais2706]

You just talk way too much and far to many dad/grandpa jokes.

[@stephenb4411]

Hi George, if I have got this right, filtering is more designed to filter impurities from sugar washes and not so much for grain mashes as it will strip the flavors from the grain. Am I right or wrong? Thanks for your dedication and time for making these videos.

[@billmcgran3048]

Again very important . Saved us money.

[@brettuleja4461]

Thanks Again George ! Wonderful video ..

[@gingerbreadmanquan]

Can you list the items plz so I can send to the shop for pickup please thanks

[@DeonBabu]

Wow, this is super awesome. Thanks soooooo much for the lesson,,

[@paulsapper]

Hi George and thank you for the awesome videos, just in time as I’m looking for something better than what I have. What do we do to the filter in between runs to keep the activated carbon hydrated, would you just fill the filter with water and store it like that? Thank you once again for another awesome series

[@prometheus4916]

Thank you brother .another dam good video like always have a bless day an stay safe family

[@NeoIsTaken]

Time to replace my "soda bottle" filters....lol

[@jonathanturner6819]

Thanks for the video George. I'm about to make one but couldn't quite work out how you trapped the mesh between the collar and screw in base. Is it just pushed in? What stops the weight of the charcoal dislodging it? thanks

[@cliffpeterson8820]

I would love to know that answer too

[@timkirk3736]

Great video George!

[@BarleyandHopsBrewing]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@chasetherocknroll5144]

Great timing with the video, my carbon just arrived.

[@francissesco7540]

How often should you regenerate the carbon?

[@arturocm9758]

Can the activated carbon get rid or diminish the strong alcohol taste ? I brewed a 10% alcohol beer and I was wondering if I can use the carbon to fix it a bit. Thanks.

[@theworldisastage1984]

Then you are defeating they purpose of an imperial

[@jmichel70]

Great videos, Thanks,

[@robertvillis5411]

George just for future reference I am in ENGLAND

[@carrierserena]

What are the benefit of filtering

[@oncorossignol]

Thank you very much George, you are the best !

[@mikew.1902]

As a long time subscriber I am confused. In some of your earlier videos you highly recommended filtering with with a water filter (Britta type). Have followed that recommendation fairly religiously with quite good results. Now you are saying filter or maybe not. So I kind of confused. Could you please clarify. Love your videos and I appreciate the time you put in to them. Thank you George!!

[@rocketsroc]

I use a ZeroWater filter to run all my spirits through. It polishes without removing any flavors. Just be sure to run your spirits at less than 50% ABV. Works great with a lot less mess dealing with activated carbon.

[@77TAK]

My Britta works great.

[@mikew.1902]

@@rocketsroc Not really a question of if it works, as mine works great too. But why the change from regularly filtering his spirits as in earlier videos, as he stated it made them so much better, to do it if you want. Curious as to change in philosophy.

[@rocketsroc]

I think too many brewers put too much expectation in filtering. At best my experience has shown me it is helpful in polishing but its not going to do much to alter the flavor. Old time moonshiners used lump oak charcoal heaped atop an old felt hat in a funnel and let the shine drizzle through it out of the condenser. I use this technique too, but substitute two coffee filters for the old hat. Personally, l believe this and my ZeroWater filter are all one needs.

[@ShinerShane]

Old Testament vs. New. It's all in your technique Brother. I still use methods learned in some of the earliest videos as they worked very well for me then and still do.

[@MrZaphry]

Damn, this is just what I need. I can't distill in Finland, but I can make sugar wash. Running it through similar system to remove the flavors.

[@ljandtboal]

We “can’t “ distill in America either 😏

[@vernonrandall3307]

Will this work with wine?

[@billyclark7341]

Great ideal George, thankyou

[@robertvillis5411]

Thanks again George, will try this and hope it takes the funny aste away, happy distilling 👍👍

[@ShinerShane]

May I ask about said "funny taste"?

[@JesusisJesus]

Yeah, what “funny taste” are you getting? Are you fermenting dextrose, sugar or grains? Pot or reflux still?

[@robertvillis5411]

From the first taste to establish what meth tasted like, it was same all the way through run ! Even kept a full jam jar back for heads. Used household sugar, and it's the chinese pot still George done a run with

[@JesusisJesus]

Robert Villis Do NOT taste the methanol. Put it in a spoon and light it! It just smells like “Don’t drink this” Switch to dextrose, get a T500 reflux and use Still Spirits products, follow the instructions to the dot, including putting their carbon product in the wash, Turbo clear when it drops below 1000 or 9.90 or whatever your hydrometer reads, and use activated carbon / charcoal as it comes from the still and you will get perfect 90-93% alcohol with no foul taste. Follow the directions for the simplest thing you have available in your part of the world, don’t try making corn whiskey with rye and 6 row barley until you’ve mastered the basics. Then when you get bored with the commercial products, you can begin boiling your own mash & stuff. Sugar contains a lot of fillers and crap, almost sand. Just start with dextrose.

[@robertvillis5411]

@@JesusisJesus Thanks a lot for info, I done burn test too, even on the jam jar tried later it is lovely blue. Only just got this still can't afford another, I do let the fermentation go right down to lowest reading, and racked off loads of times till completely clear, will have to try the dextrose sugar, and the next run I'm not putting the silly yellow balls in chamber

[@MrBillroetter]

Excellant going to try that thanks

[@alanlangley7246]

repeat DO NOT USE FISH TANK CHARCOAL.

[@daleriff]

I have been using it for a few years now without a problem

[@johnstondigital]

I'm running an 8 gallon Mile Hi Still that generally puts out 92 -94% abv depending on the washes used(TFFV and Birdwatchers). The distillate comes out perfectly clear. When I water it down it becomes cloudy. I've tried using tap water, spring water and distilled water and ended up with the same results. It tastes fine. Will filtering remove this cloudiness?

[@thattechcoach3656]

Remember to add whiskey to water...doing so slowly will reduce chance of water clouding.

[@HenrikAndersson1]

After you have watered it down, you should filter it. George only shows the most simple way for this filter. Please look at this document of activated carbon. downloads.brewhaus.com/activated_book1.pdf

[@christopherpettigrew7838]

There is a video from George that cloudiness is possible caused by distilling too far into the tails. Try stopping sooner and see if that helps.

[@dennisolden542]

George, you mentioned you were going to tell us how to regenerate this carbon so we can use it over and over again. Can you elaborate your comment on how to do this please

[@mahdihozhabri]

It's mentioned at the end of the video.

[@dennisolden542]

Sorry my friend. I don’t know what video your watching but I didn’t hear anything about how to clean after use so you can use the carbon over and over. If you can tell me at what time in the video I want to know. Thanks

[@mahdihozhabri]

@@dennisolden542 Dear Dennis George has added a text at the end of record (time 14:30) and explained the carbon regeneration.

[@dennisolden542]

Got it. Thanks I turned it of right at the end. I should have let it play. Thanks again

[@foodforthought73]

hiya George been watching a long time now. The only question I've ever had..... The thermometer , is it better to put into the liquid in still or in the vapor collector...?... I'm running a 5 gallon coppor still with a simple in line condenser. Thank you so much for what you do. Taking your time to teach and educate us. Massive kudos

[@rocketsroc]

The most important one is the thermometer at the top of the column where vapor flows into the condenser. I have one also in the boiler which is nice but not necessary. It lets me know what boiler temp is, and this is useful info in judging where things are at in a run so I don't let boiler temp get too high.

[@BarleyandHopsBrewing]

Exactly what Skyhook said.

[@foodforthought73]

I thought so. Just double checking guys. Thank you

[@adamwanderscheid8559]

HAPPY DISTILLING!