How To Fix The Problem With Your Still

[@RidgeRunner5-]

TURN IT DOWN. You want to bring up the heat slowly to keep the still in equilibrium. I also like to let the mash completely clear even if it means using finings then racking into the boiler, nothing to scorch.

[@JBernhard72]

Great video! Keep them coming!

[@milehidistilling1]

Thanks for watching brother!

[@BillMooney-r5c]

If you get burnt material on a SS element, can't you just turn it on, full power, with just water, to boil it off?

[@milehidistilling1]

I guess it would all depend on how severe the burn. A lot of the times, I notice the burning is so severe, it can't be washed/boiled or cleaned off. Furthermore, once something stick that element, 9/10 it will completely fry the element, making it not put out any amperage and needing to be completely replaced.

[@BillMooney-r5c]

@@milehidistilling1 I have noticed that sometimes I will get scorching on the bottom of my small water distiller, when I am doing small rums, mostly with fruit based washes. It usually isn't too bad and I do a run of distilled water with either a bit of vinegar, or with baking soda and that will do the trick, but I see your point. SS, regardless how good it is can get some burning/scorching and I guess that directly on the element itself, could cause some problems. I haven't experienced this, myself, though I only do occasional runs. I guess I should pick an extra, or two, element, just in case. Thanks for the advice. Love the videos.

[@milehidistilling1]

@@BillMooney-r5c My pleasure, thank you for watching and I'm glad you're enjoying!

[@MadJix]

How about green hooch?

[@milehidistilling1]

Dang, I wish I thought of this. Green=alkaline most of the time in this craft. If the fermentation is green, it's most likely due to too much nutrient in your fermentation. If the spirit comes out green, you likely need to just clean your still heavily with a 50/50 water/vinegar mix or another type of abrasive acidic mix. Copper oxidized and creates a patina as well as can create an alkaline environment so this problem is more common in copper units.

[@MadJix]

@milehidistilling1 yeah, I had a big batch come out green and was told in the forums it's toxic. Is there any way to redistill it and save it?

[@milehidistilling1]

@@MadJix That's a bummer! I would not even risk running it. I would chalk it up as a learning experience and pitch, honestly. There's not really anything you can do, unfortunately.