FILTERING SPIRITS #1 (POLISHING)

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

[@caintfindme4735]

Mr, George,I Mention in the past that we the watchers would really like to see you publish a Brewery book,with all the great recipes from all the videos and alot more.we are still waiting.

[@BarleyandHopsBrewing]

Still working on it. George

[@caintfindme4735]

@@BarleyandHopsBrewing you're my hero buddy,I'll be waiting

[@knuckle47]

Me too!...looking forward to it

[@capitaldd3693]

Actually, that's not a bad idea. 🥃

[@Mychannel-fw5mb]

@@capitaldd3693 it’s George...he never has bad ideas 😂🤘🏼

[@vanwaestel]

Gratings from Poland. We know how to polish

[@shanelowther543]

Sir, you have guided me every step of the way. Thank you. You are like the Yoda of distillation.

[@michael3607]

Well said Shane. Thanks George for all of your guidance. Keep it up sir!

[@ThePunitiveDamages]

Hey George! I just want to say Thank you. I'm part of that silent 99.99% that have learned so much from your videos, (and the others too) My wife says you must have been a teacher because you do it so naturally and have the patience of a saint. Thanks again George. Be well. ❤

[@williamhbonney1328]

Plastics and Glue with alcohol, this really should be avoided, Glass copper and stainless is the way to go

[@joeogden7361]

George. We are fermenting our Septic tank to get enough fuel for a Moonbeam Spaceship to get to Luna. Please send schematics. Thanks, Joe

[@stevebovair2872]

I had a laugh at 'grass clippings'. I have seen some stuff in 'online' forums...like asking about fermenting peperoni or some other meat and asking what it would taste like after distillation. We feel your pain George! Thank you for the videos and happy distilling.

[@zacharyhottell8251]

Someone is probably trying to figure out if they can make fuel out of grass. I guess the question is still out there waiting to be answered.

[@thomthejuggalo]

Happy distilling. Thanks for all you do George.

[@thomasklasko9064]

George, don't let the few idiots get to you. There are many of us that love what you do. You have given us so much information we could never properly thank you!! In the name of the craft thank you!!!!

[@BarleyandHopsBrewing]

Thanks

[@petercatto9795]

Hello George take it too angry dude ???life is too short and we don't mind if we can't ring you George ,,,that's all good mate your health is important to...

[@zachary2284]

George you are a wealth of knowledge. Your videos have helped me greatly. Thank you for doing what you do and helping continue the community of home distillation.

[@BarleyandHopsBrewing]

You are very welcome

[@ypirnay]

hello, George. I guess they used to say "polish" because they wanted "shine". Cheers.

[@ToeStab45]

Thank you George, definitely appreciate your content!

[@BarleyandHopsBrewing]

My pleasure!

[@patrickhalbert6377]

The first thing I noticed was the picture of George holding what at first glance looked like a giant joint. He had an enormous smile on his face wich always happens when you hold a joint that big. Great info, as per usual.

[@miledalbared936]

I watch this and I can feel how frustrated and tired he is from all the not-so-smart questions he gets. We appreciate all that you're doing, sir. And we hope you can keep guiding us even though you might sometimes get really angry at some questions that you get from some people. The rest of us would definitely abhor to lose the guidance and mentoring of such a wise person as yourself due to a rage-quit. We cannot thank you enough sir! Keep up the absolutely awesome work.

[@danielcourtney7478]

polish on (filter) ... polish off (time to make more)

[@wynandesterhuizen9743]

Thanx a million all the way from south africa again for all the golden info.

[@benjaminderringer1680]

Thank you for what you do George. Keep the knowledge coming.Let the negativity hit you like water on a ducks back! Thanks brother!!!

[@stevejohnston4820]

George, Thank You... wish you were my neighbor.... GREAT MINDS THINK ALIKE....

[@VagaBond-m6w]

Please tell me about the tip you have and where you bought it. I see a plastic pipe, but let's pretend I am from Mars and know nothing about the other pieces.

[@mwh459]

Remember assholes are very important!.........try living with out one! I must be nuts! Because I'm always hanging around one!

[@wutntarnation]

"Hi George, I have a question about fermenting grass clippings" ..............."hello?"......... 'Click'

[@YiHogyun]

George already knows this, but for those interested in research behind filtration through activated carbon, the conclusions have been that ~12x40 mesh size is the optimum sizing to adsorb contaminants while avoid the large pressure drops in flow rates. This does mean grain sizes greater than 1mm - actually up to 1.7mm size. This from multiple repeated confirmed peer studies in published literature.

[@chefprov]

My first ever Mash just finished off today !! It was the George Washington Rye ,,, can’t wait to run it ,, It smelled (and tasted) so good coming out of the fermenter !! Super excited 😍😎👍

[@BarleyandHopsBrewing]

Nice!!

[@dr.feelgood2358]

i have taken some really bad tasting moonshine (150 proof), and ran it through a 2 quart volume tube of activated carbon with a coffee filter, about 3 times, and then macerated juniper berries and herbs for 24 hours before redistilling. one of the smoothest and best gins i've ever tasted.

[@donaldroyer2961]

I'm very sorry that it has come to the point that you can't answer the phone or emails anymore. You helped me once when I was stuck. I truly help these Jack asses aren't the reason you've taken a break, although I couldn't blame you. You have a tremendous amount of knowledge and if I lived closer to you I'd offer to buy you a drink or have you over for dinner. Maybe you could help my wife understand my crazy hobby lol. Anyhow, remember to savor every moment of everything.

[@aubreyowen5146]

Hey George!! My filter is the same size as yours but I used 200 micron stainless screen. Take care bud

[@kennethcounts5905]

Good evening Professor Duncan! Believe me I know your frustration and the toll it takes on what you're trying to do. So that being said you just have to blow it off and go on, easier said than done I know. But the Humans are just like that. And it cheeses me off that it is interfering with my education. Anyway when I first seen you build this I did a little research. And what I ended up doing was building the same basic structure as you did. But I had an epiphany. RV inline carbon water filter. Nifty self contained filter that attaches to the bottom of the stack with simple garden hose fittings. Rated for 5000 gallon and you can stack them if you so desire, their around 10 bucks a pop and sealable when not in use. Just unscrew and put a plug in it. Gets full, throw it away. Easy peasy. Oh by the way, I was just letting this play in the background while I was working. And in 23 min they have 10 commercials on you. Now if you were not successful you couldn't bring them that kind of ad space. Thanks stay safe and stay well. Ken

[@BarleyandHopsBrewing]

Thanks for the comment. Great idea you have there. Commercials are out of my control (^%$E#&), I guess you are right and if this channel was not successful they wouldn't do that.

[@gavinthorley4193]

Hi George, love your work. Quick question, is this only for neutral spirits? If I make a sour mash and carbon filter will this remove those flavours?

[@BarleyandHopsBrewing]

Flavors are dictated by molecule arrangement and are not necessarily molecules themselves. The only flavor that can be removed is the flavor of any molecule captured by the carbon. The rest continues through.

[@jasongannon7676]

You have been sharing enough info to where I have not needed to interrupt you with a call. But it would be a kick in the ass to do so.

[@TheAlbiCollier]

Any particular type of plastic to get? I been barked at about leaching chemicals from the spirits...

[@gregleak5134]

I found you in the past few months, to bad you have what I call retailed, ie you have cared about what you do that been abused one time to many, I have a few of those hats to. Thanks for lessons

[@HodgyE5]

George, Thanks for being a great mentor. I appreciate you RTFM comment. This hobby requires initiative. Semper Fi

[@adammitchell3462]

All of you guys spend alot of time tending to the idiots out there who couldn't possibly have a genuine love for the craft

[@duaneneiderhiser8599]

I have learned a lot from you. And the info you put out is spot on. Thanks for the videos. Let the negative comments go in one ear and out the other. Your Doing a GREAT Job !!

[@PaulSmith-tf9bn]

Lots of good information, the question is does it take the burn out, or am I going to have to catch my breath.

[@stevecarlson6904]

George, I use hot (but not boiling) water before and after the intro of alcohol into the filter, the temp difference can be felt on the outside of filter to "know" when/where the change from water and ethanol is in the process. Also I start with a little higher proof into the filter so if water mixes in, it will still be above what my final proof will eventually be.

[@johnarnekristiansen3435]

Is problem using 40-100 activated carbon?

[@terrylansford6664]

Is or is not the polishing the difference in between bourbon and whiskey???

[@knightmare1015]

To me the absolute best filter and polishing system you can use is a ZeroWater pitcher.

[@BillMcGirr]

Good stuff.👍🥃

[@briandanner9312]

Thank you for what you do. Your expertise on this subject is invaluable

[@bensoncantrell2912]

Great info, as always George. My Paw just used a silk hat to filter his moonshine. Is this the same principle as polishing? Or is that something different?

[@claudeclyde3275]

Hello what is of the music in the background ? thank you

[@benwilliams3539]

How do you know when you filter youre not also filtering out good flavours too?

[@shadow4280]

Happy distilling! Thanks for a tolerating all the emails and phone calls for this long! I've sent a couple emails.lol

[@paulwolfe9278]

Hey George, Great video as always. I'm just getting in to the craft. Would adding carbon when you add yeast do a similar thing, (Still Spirits Pure) claims to do that - what's your opinion. Thanks.

[@BarleyandHopsBrewing]

That is a technique. I am not a big fan but that is only because of the mess liquid carbon tends to make. This has a tendency of removing a good portion of the low boiling point volatiles so they are missing when the mash goes into the still.

[@paulwolfe9278]

Thanks George 🙂

[@roberttokley7544]

Always one bad apple that spoils the bunch for everyone else.

[@craigswart1751]

Following... Also from South Africa. Great information! Thank you!

[@crp110]

Is there a faster filter available? I use the ezfilter but it takes soooooooo long! 😡

[@wereiswally1]

Hi mate love your Chanel,,,,, can you filter lemonchello

[@bryanbetournay5557]

You are my research George! Hahaha. Keep up the great work & remember haters got to hate!!

[@donaldmcintyre2895]

Do you have a link to how you made your filter?

[@Mychannel-fw5mb]

Looks like a tater cannon I made in high school 😂🤘🏼

[@peterhiross1780]

I hope this is not thought of as a 'stupid-ass' question but we are using an alcohol (ethanol) on plastic (pvc pipe). My concern is whether we would/could leach out some of the plastic from the pvc piping and be adding unpleasant tastes into our now filtered distillent? I saw an episode on Moonshiners where a contestant used a piece of plastic piping in the bottom of her worm and that distillent (very hot) pick up a plastic taste. What might be a better that using pvc? Cooper pipe or stainless steel piping? Thoughts?

[@trbig67]

This was my thoughts as well. I was hoping George would have answered. I checked the price of 4" copper and stainless pipe and decided that was a nope! lol. I don't know the price in your area, but a 4' piece was over $300. I finally just made a square tube using 1x6 aged oak with stainless screws and 100% silicone at the joints, then some stainless window screen on the bottom. I control the flow with a stainless pot/tap dripping from the top. I've since decided that one or two passes through a regular counter top water filter is just as good and a lot simpler. Back to plastic, but I've never detected any leeching. I suspect George has come to the same conclusion with his PVC or he wouldn't use it.

[@robertmountjoy5870]

Good on you George. I appreciate your patience and the time and effort you put in to help us all.

[@paulgrendall5138]

Hi there!! Can anyone tell me who is singing the opening credits?? Thanks guys.

[@ray5220]

I've wondered that my self

[@grayco2853]

Thanks George At what Abv is the best to filter at?

[@gavinthorley4193]

Great question. My understanding is less than 50% Abv.

[@delpurslow1180]

Your a great instructor George. I believe I’ve watched everyone you’ve made. Sometimes you didn’t answer some of my emails and I went back and noticed they were dumb questions that I could have answered with a little research. I appreciate all your hard work. Thank you George for what you’ve done for us!

[@BarleyandHopsBrewing]

Sorry, some emails just get by me. I do get hundreds a day and sometimes need to filter through them. I mean no disrespect if I don't answer. I just can't keep up sometimes. George

[@mongosmom1676]

I have learned a lot. Thanks so much

[@MrCecil_KD9WUS]

Thanks for another very informative video!!!!!!!

[@yesenodf]

Great video, love your work. But dude....your starting to add too many commercials.

[@BarleyandHopsBrewing]

Dude, I don't add these. KZbin does.

[@mikeperdew2719]

Best thing try the zero water filter OMG

[@johnalmgren2183]

George, as someone who has called you about a challenge with my equipment, you were extremely helpful and patient. Its disappointing that people would take advantage of that generosity and behave as if it's your responsibility. Most of us follow you because of your attitude, your ability to teach and the information you pass along. Please don't let the selfish fools get you down and know that so many of us really appreciate all you do.

[@bobnewhart4318]

100% facts it's always the few ruining it for the many..

[@leematthews6150]

From South Africa, you're freakin amazing. Thanx to you I've run my 3rd batch and enjoy every sip.

[@MysticDonBlair]

You South African guys should be making your own. It’s a shame alcohol is banned for you right now. It’s cool that you can make your own though 😄👍 God bless

[@leematthews6150]

@@MysticDonBlair Man this Lockdown really sucks but hey, I'm running my shine at 86% so after cutting it, I end up with 7 bottels of 43% home brewed lip smacking goodness. 😁

[@ifell3]

Everyone wants things done for them these days!!

[@BarleyandHopsBrewing]

I think I'll share a few of the most outrageous ones on the next few videos. Now when the phone rings I cringe always wondering of it is way in left field or not.

[@mikeperdew2719]

Oh I have learned so much thank you

[@garywood8449]

George you help me , thank you!

[@piratepete1961]

Great vid as always George would love to get that when your done oh and thanks for all the great advice you have given over all this Time

[@BarleyandHopsBrewing]

Thanks 👍

[@williamrickard8302]

This made my day....my dad would love you.

[@silver-hy6mi]

Great what would distilled grass clippings be like! I ain’t trying it!

[@BarleyandHopsBrewing]

Great point!

[@jonathanlallo4920]

Im hearing your doneness

[@thegrootouders]

well said and on point

[@Hamiltonian963]

Another Outstanding Video Thanks George

[@BarleyandHopsBrewing]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@deant6627]

Would grassclippings work as a stand-off 😆

[@BarleyandHopsBrewing]

Absolutely. lol

[@brandaddy5150]

you filter the good flavors with the bad?

[@BarleyandHopsBrewing]

The bad stuff is smaller in size and is captured in the carbon, flavor and good stuff continues through.

[@unclezeds]

Like they say, You can lead a horse to water but you just can’t.......... beat the living daylights out it’s dumb ass head. Err sorry, don’t know where that came from. Just wanted to say how much your content means to us out here. You are a legend and legends will always have some trolls that want to pull them down. We won’t let that happen as George is too valuable to loose. A true national treasure and a true KZbin Celebrity. Even my missus likes watching your videos. In fact she said to say hi too and keep your chin up!

[@stuff2008]

:) grass clipping.

[@brandaddy5150]

Thanks George!

[@rainman2671]

Love you to George!

[@daverees986]

Hello George, Interesting point when you mentioned not too use BBQ charcoal, There is a Guy on here called Beaver. He actually used BBQ charcoal by treating it first.

[@geraldbaxter321]

Id love to just sit an watch you make a video. Never a dull moment. And always keeps me interested.

[@martink9785]

Fantastic information George, thank you for all of your work! I really hope that you come back to share more expertise

[@matbrasserie2892]

Hello Georges, Thank for your vidéos. I am french. The Only actif carbon i can found in France are aquarium actif carbon. I have done one hard seltzer, but its not cristal clear, its a bit color not not Foggy. Do the active charcol can catch some of the color ?

[@jamessoave7812]

Ditto the many thanks for sharing so much. I got a laugh watching George in the shop wearing short sleeves. Up here in "the D"" (No Not Dallas, Detroit!) its 9 out. I want to get back to 30 before venturing out to create a new mash. For now, jusr have to draw down the stock from learning, trying, and tuning!

[@Dabhr2]

I thank you for everything you have taught me George, I have learned more by watching your videos than any other sources!!

[@RobnKath]

I find your videos very informative but I’ve also found a new use for them as well since I’ve had my back injury I watch them just before bed time to help me fall asleep lol

[@skyhookspirits]

Remember your older video on filtering where you suggested using a ZeroWater filter? I've used one ever since and found it to be far and away the best and easiest filter for spirits. Only con is cartridge cost. I found it even works on flavored spirits with no loss of the good flavors. The ABV as you noted back then must be no more than 50% or it will flow too fast through the ZeroWater filter. Old timer moonshiners used American white oak charcoal or Hickory charcoal. I heard Hickory was considered the best. I've tried both and like them better than activated charcoal, but that's a personal preference. Overall, I'll take the ZeroWater filter system over all the others. Side note George: don't let the little bumps in life get to you, just let them go. You are a bit stressed and showing my friend. Happy Distilling!

[@clayblaney6036]

Thanks George, I appreciate you and all you share. 🙏

[@hurcellwilson212]

My man George!!! Always a great video!! Always great info!!! Always motivating me to achieve more, while raising my quality, not quantity. Ty

[@lbskinner]

Appreciate your knowledge, I’ve been moonshining for 12 months and love the science of it.....and the taste. This is the first time I heard you can’t filter out tails. No wonder it hasn’t worked for me, double damn. Tried Brita and made my own big filer, nothing ever worked. I’ll follow your lead and not even collect after the tails show up. My corn whisky hearts tastes awesome all by themselves, no filtering. I’ll save myself hours of tasting wet cardboard after the hearts. Thanks!!!

[@themfnnitrorooster7619]

Mr George I wanna thank ya again I'm the one who lost like half his family and got a still from my uncle after he passes and man I'm still rocking thanks to you my first sugar wash u showed us turned out great then I did a real full blown corn mash and few hick ups using cracked corn (like the pre boiling got me so I had to restart ) took me 3 days in my kitchen and my wife hated it but boy il tell ya what it's running beautiful and Cristal clear and so smooth and tasty and all I had to do was listen to you . Thank you everything you teach always works the first time every time . Love all yall brewing and distilling Brothers thank yall for the help here and there 🙏 bless you all

[@lakedog3616]

I’ve used aquarium carbon and I’ve used the carbon from Mile High. IMO there is zero difference in their effectiveness.

[@silveraven1]

What about a company like JD where they use maple charcoal. Is this only for flavor?

[@isaacclay126]

You’re videos are so helpful. Making much better spirits than when I started. Thanks for the tips and tricks George!

[@wormytom]

I've never been to a commercial distillery, but i get the impression you've spent a minute or two in one. I imagine they do batch analysis. Hypothetically if i was to be producing an un aged spirit, what parameters would i be testing for and where along the process would i be sampling. Assuming there's more than the one sample taken before bottling? also i've been a fan for sometime now and I'd just like to remind you of the phrase 'nil illegitimi carborundum'. Your videos are priceless to me.

[@adammitchell3462]

Hey George, I'm a new distiller,I'm an avid watcher of you,jessie and the bearded dude and my knowledge of this art is huge thanks to y'all

[@freshcleanair]

Thanks George! Appreciate your time and efforts. In past videos, you used the Zero water filter system; I noticed a loss of gravity pts. after filtering. Would hold true for the Stone carbon too?

[@checkmatebutty]

I’ll say I’ve wanted to email but I think the errors will be a better lesson. You can lead a horse to water but you can’t make him drink. Thanks for another great video.

[@josephdellwo9469]

Sorry about the trolls. Your videos are awesome. I wish I had more time to watch them all!