Making a BIG Batch Of Rum : Blackstrap Molasses Wash & Dunder Pits

It's time to make a big old batch of Buccaneer Bob's rum. The plan is to use up all the blackstrap molasses and make a decent size rum wash.
We also have a little look at the two dunder pits.
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[@joefarang]

cracking show mate - just discovered you the other day and am working my way thru the archive. great subject, very well presented - just the right mix of science, entertainment, opinion & info.

[@ndrjskrbnk]

exccellent! finally someone who uses a garden hose, tap water, recycled yeast and an ordinary 130 liters 18 euro plastic barrel. bravo!

[@zanechrisman2486]

You might try a drill powered paint mixing paddle bit, would be way easier to mix and add oxygen.

[@sgrasmick82]

Only way to go!

[@Richdudevids]

coming along looking good,Thanks for sharing.

[@StillIt]

Thanks mate 🥃

[@haydenholmberg6327]

No1 on my subscription list and always hang out for the next video.

[@brettjennings1196]

RE Fish tank heater - I had the same problem with a 300w unit - boiled a wash. So stripped off the plug and connected it to the STC1000 - set temp at 30c and STC at 28c - worked 100%. Give it a try.. Cheers

[@jcmining9450]

Gday Jesse , I’m on Gen 4 of rum , planning on using the last of the molasses for maybe a banana rum , I use a 50 watt aquarium heater in my 30 lt fermenter and a 100 watt aquarium heater in 50 lt fermenter, iv got them set at 26’c and all seems ok , it’s all I have so better than nothing I reckon , cheers mate

[@StillIt]

Interesting. Perhaps I just have a crappy one. I think it's definitely better than nothing. Especially if you are in a cold climate.

[@Dustinielson]

Hey Jess. I'z born in Napier but lived in Aus since '75, anyway - I was last there in '82 and there was a common cold "cure" called Waterbury's Compound and this blackstrap I'm stilling smells BADLY like it - lol. Hopefully get a nice drop out of it. Been mixing a litre of that with 3 litres of raw/brown sugar wash to tone it down.

[@daschoe4193]

Aquarium heaters are designed to be used with circulation. That could account for the fluctuation in temperature.

[@StillIt]

Interesting. And good point!

[@davidschumann4495]

Spot on (aquarium guy here) really big batch with a small wave maker work ?

[@lovitomato2726]

Maybe a heating mat? Brothers green discuss them for kombucha

[@davidlarsen2184]

Inkbird temperature controller would be the way to go with that heater

[@dmithsmith5880]

@@davidschumann4495 I know it's kind of late but alongside the aquarium heater just toss one of those $10 small black magnetic impeller submersible pumps in.. It keeps everything moving and maintains heat nice and even.

[@countryboycharlie9793]

I’ll have to try this rum recipe 👍 never done it this way... wish it was legal in are state , I’m always making lawnmower fuel tiller might run better on this recipe

[@gezicht22]

Great pellicle on the dunder, man! In a few weeks and generations the rum coming of that will be something special..

[@StillIt]

Yeah I hope so man!

[@MegaDavyk]

@@StillIt In "And a Bottle of Rum", author Wayne Curtis references the gross but fairly well documented 18th century practice of adding the contents of a chamber pot to new rum fermentations. I hope you chucked a Turd in that brew, you know it will taste better if you do.

[@1FrenchConnection1]

Can’t wait to give it a try!

[@StillIt]

Its good fun man!

[@graemebrown4611]

I k ow this is an old post but the aquarium heater should be totally submerged in the liquid. The bit you left out of the liquid is the thermostat hense the massive fluctuations hope that helps

[@wes6969fannys]

I drop mine to bottom heat rises 👍

[@BeerByTheNumbers]

Rum for all and all for Rum!

[@peterwiley2780]

Two of my three favorite KZbin channels are making rum. Jesse, if you’re not subscribed to Barley and Hops Brewing, look them up. George and Ray are great. I’ve learned a ton from them

[@StillIt]

I was watching them before I even started still it haha.

[@djscottdog1]

looks great

[@StillIt]

Cheers mate 🥃

[@philryan7616]

I use a paint stirrer on the drill to mix and add oxygen works great

[@Talon828]

Love your work

[@StillIt]

Cheers mate 🥃

[@kodiacademy9825]

So those fishtank heaters do work you just have to get a lower wattage around 500 to 1000 depending on the size of your fermenter. You have to get the completely SUBMERSIBLE ones and just drop it in the bottom. Set It a few degrees lower it will float so I weigh it down with stainless steel washers. In the dead of winter my mash stays around 75 degrees Fahrenheit.

[@brucehutchings]

The making of an awesome beard

[@Mrboxo]

STC 1000'S are awesome but PID's are better for un insulated vessel temp control. As its constantly evaluating and adjusting the energy needed to keep at the right temps it can handle fluctuations of ambient temp. Thanks for the vids mate, i know it must be hard with two fresh ones at home.

[@StillIt]

Dang good point......I think a buddy hooked me up with a cheap Chinese one.

[@meatstick84]

If you want to use a heater in your wash and have it reliable then you could hook up a johnson a419 heat controller that will regulate the power on and off and keep the wash within .1 of your desired temp. relatively cheap and you can just plug your heater into it.

[@StillIt]

I use a stc1000 which is similar to the a419 (I assume I don't know it, but your description sounds like it ) 🥃😊

[@razorback0z]

Perpetual Rum has been my wheelhouse for about 6 or so years now. Great video thanks.

[@StillIt]

Awesome! What are you normally running? Do you have a fave recipe?

[@razorback0z]

@@StillIt Like I said on the other post. Very simple recipe that I researched as apparently being close to how they did it in the day. 4L molasses and 2kg brown sugar for 25L of water. I also add a 2L bottle of off the shelf 100% pineapple juice. I dont like additives like citric acid, I try to do things using some natural alternative. For example all these people who use "distillers conditioner".... I mean WTF is even in that? Just make sure you wash is finished then let it settle and siphon it carefully, then dont over fill your boiler... bobs your uncle no need to put things in that dont even have the ingredients on the bottle. Anyway... I transfer the last 1-2L of the last wash into the next one and my yeast is now about 6 years old. Then I also transfer about 1-2L of the "dunder" whatever... distillate leftovers... to the next run also. As I was saying... 12 months in an oak barrel and I would defy anyone to tell mine apart from Pusers blue label. Now thanks to watching your videos Im about to have a crack at a 100% grain run. Just bought 25kg of coopers malted barely... should be enough to fill a 10L keg in the end then we will see in 12 months whether I did any good... Love this hobby.

[@danieldanielson2650]

@@razorback0z is there any progress on your barley project?

[@jordanb8909]

I got my first wash of blackstrap molasses rum going today. Did 14 gallons, 240oz of molasses, 17 pounds of sugar and bakers yeast. I did not have any dunder as this is my first batch... I added lemon juice as well. Will not having any dunder be a waste?

[@rimrock53]

Would using a sourdough starter for the yeast allow a rum to be more interesting without getting into Dunder?

[@pdmark311]

what do you think about sous vide to do both aeration and temperature control of your fermentation batch?

[@sta39cee]

I'm getting into making rum and I am very intrigued with the idea of using the dunder or backset. I have watched several videos but I'm confused as to when the backset is used. Do I use it in the next generation fermentation or the distillation?

[@oilandsteelfilings3272]

Would your aquarium heater work if connected to the std1000? As you said probably too much heat in one area tho. Might be worth a try.

[@StillIt]

Yep sure will. And a good idea. But yeah still the energy density is a problem still. . . .

[@josephbXIX]

Distilling my second batch of Buccaneer Bob. Cheers!

[@scottlessard5861]

Great video Jesse. One question, do you not add any additional yeast? I’m shocked that you didn’t use anything more than the yeast from the backset for this wash. Does it really carry over that well?

[@StillIt]

Normally I do add something. This was not my recipe, The goal here is to add a whole lot of esters so I wouldnt be surprised if slightly stressed yeast is going to throw more in this case. This is also blackstrap, so it has a lot more in it compared to a lighter molasis.

[@mustavertwang]

When you refer to backset does that equate to tails?

[@StillIt]

Nah the stuff that is left in the still after a run. The tails and heads would be the feints :)

[@caseyrounsaville1258]

Have you thought about inoculating a sour mash for whiskey the way you did with the rum? I'm kind of curious as to how that would turn out. Love your channel I just started watching it a while back you really do a good job making your videos informative and entertaining.

[@jakofall79]

I have done it and it will be the best whiskey you've every had !!!

[@nateashe3140]

Awesome! A question though... is using dunder kinda the same thing as a sour mash, only with wild yeasts, etc?

[@StillIt]

Pretty much man. Except I am going to add it to the low wines.

[@jakofall79]

Hey how's it going just saw video not sure how long it was up. But I'm in both field's aquarium and spirits. You need a regulator with a probe the heater will plug into the unit the heater of course goes in the fermenter with the probe from the regulator and the regulator plugs into wall socket then set the temp on the regulator and the heater once it reaches temp the probe will turn the heater off and you have no worries at all. I actually saw as I kept watching you do have a probe set up your just using the probe outside of the fermenter with a space heater same concept

[@benmwv]

Mailing you some Kentucky bourbon barrel wood tomorrow, maybe some will find it's way into a little jar of this rum haha! In Maine at the moment, I'll throw in some goodies from here as well.

[@StillIt]

Ah your awesome man!!! Thanks :)

[@benmwv]

No prob buddy, can't wait to see how those dunder pits turn out!

[@jasonharris3103]

As always amazing video. Maybe I missed it but what is DAP? That you added? Thanks.

[@StillIt]

Sorry man, Diammonium phosphate. Its basically a fertiliser. Here we are using it as a yeast nutrient.

[@JavierMedinaImagery]

More rum yes!

[@StillIt]

Haha. Yeah should be a decent amount 🥃🤔

[@somerandomguy32]

Great job Jesse as always ..you seem to be enjoying the rum almost more than the ujssm ..did the whiskey vault ever respond to what you sent them ?

[@StillIt]

Yeah it's a fun one! I think I am just enjoying all of it more haha. Problem with that.....it's a little tricky to get it there. I am still working on it 🥃

[@raymondwilhelm4194]

Hi everyone I work at a bee field and have all the honey I could ever want but I'm wondering if you can make moonshine with it and how

[@danieldanielson2650]

With yeast,water and a still?

[@natef1191]

Jesse, you made a comment in this video about starting gravity being too high and it stressing out the yeast. Could you please explain that more? Is there any general starting gravity thats too high? Where should i start and where should it be when fermentation is done? Keep making the good content!

[@LloydieP]

Anything above 1.060 is going to stress the yeast a bit. Depends on the variety really. The higher the gravity, the more yeast you should pitch. It's osmatic pressure that stresses it; mostly it's the growth of new cells that suffers. If I'm making a high gravity wash, I'll add the sugar over a few days to allow the yeast to consume some before adding more.

[@peterscandlyn]

What Javier says....Question on how do you drop your strip runs to a sipping? level? Staged dilution or all at once?

[@StillIt]

Funny you ask that. I just heard something about a test that someone carried out. Long story short they saw a perceivable difference proofing down slowly. I will need to look into it some more.

[@peterscandlyn]

Yeah, maybe what I've seen too. Thing is had some to drop today and got impatient....That's how it is sometimes :-)

[@ZMan3k]

How do you go about collecting and washing your yeast? Do you wash it? Do you just collect everything from the bottom of your fermenter? I’d really like to try making a batch of rum. How many runs would you say before it starts getting tasty?

[@StillIt]

In this case I just kept everything in the fermenter as there was very little else (but yeast) in there.

[@ZMan3k]

Still It thx for the info! Very similar to the way I keep my sour mash whiskey going. Cheers🍻

[@StillIt]

Ah interesting. You just add it to the still not the fermenter?

[@ZMan3k]

Still It I ferment on the grain. Only the wash goes into the still. Then I keep 1/3 of the grain/yeast/trub in the fermenter, get rid of the other 2/3, and add 2/3 of the original grain bill back in with the same amount of sugar as originally done. Also I save about 5 gallons of backset and throw that into the fermenter as well. It not only adds a greater depth of flavor, but the backset helps get the pH down to where the yeast is able to function better.

[@ZMan3k]

Still It although I do usually add more yeast because I figure I’m probably taking 2/3 of it out as well. Never had a stalled fermentation either... so I must be doing something right lol

[@markdwyer314]

Hey man, really enjoying your vids! What type of water do you use? Filter it at home to save $$? Also; I got an 88L stainless drum on ebay for $135 delivered.....will let you know what it's like!

[@StillIt]

Awesome score on the stainless! Yeah I just use home filtered water.

[@markdwyer314]

Will let you know how it goes! Awesome mate, reckon I'll get me a home filter.

[@adrianedwards1671]

If you’re using a water heater you also need a pump to keep wash moving and that way the temperature stays a lot more even and not just heating the liquid around the heater and nothing else

[@karelerasmus4701]

Not sure if it has been mentioned but those aquarium heaters also have a water level mark on them and you need to make sure that you don't go below or you start reading air temperature. Almost wiped out my tropical aquarium having it too far out of the water.

[@BigEdsGuns]

I know it's winter in NZ. Do temps get cold??? (In your neck of the woods?) I run a 150 watt titanium fish tank heater (dangles in center of drum not attached to the side, temp control is on exterior near the plug) in a 55 gallon drum in New England USA winter. So temps get down to 0 C to -26 C. Drum sits on enclosed 3 season porch, with reflectix insulation beneath and 3 wraps around drum with x2 WW2 army blankets on top. Today (Summer) it was 29 C on the porch. UJSSM in primary, BW in secondary. Both are fine. Use fish tank heater in November to April. Confession: I had to google F to C, because I'm American. Cheers! [gulp]

[@craigcarnachan7153]

Hi there .. A Small Heating Pad would work much Better I think ..

[@stevenmittermaier2270]

If I was to do a 35 litre mix how much would I need ?

[@SachinBizofficial]

Hey Nice video, but what was that you added 10 tea spoons before adding yeast??

[@jayeshajhala4741]

Same question can u write down proportions

[@BigChiefPops]

My Dunder pit is alive! Two generations of backset have been sitting in a closed/aerated tub two weeks plus ... I went to pull some backset out for my flavor on my current bottling... and it was fermenting! Even after going through a lengthy distillation ... some yeast LIVED! Those must be some badass yeasts! THIS IS A KICKASS WEEK!

[@StillIt]

Awesome man!!!

[@cleantone634]

Hii ni changaa

[@Njennings42]

how much did this foam up during fermentation

[@Matthew-kv2xh]

Hey recently just upgraded from a T500 reflux still to a reflux/pot still 2 inch 50L boiler from a local dude and was wondering what you use for stripping runs/collection jars (noticed some of your previous videos over the last year have like 9L????? STOVE POTS???) can you reccomend anything cheap im seriously considering looking into finding another 50L keg and doing some mods on it to store low wines as 5L demijohns at 20$ are starting to stack up and become costly among other reasons for needing more then 5L storage

[@StillIt]

Yeah storage is a problem huh! For strips I tend to sometimes use the stainless pots. But then I need to move it to something else to keep it in anyway. Have been using swing tops with altered gaskets a lot.

[@Matthew-kv2xh]

Still It cheers

[@BeardedBored]

Best thing on KZbin:-)>

[@StillIt]

Bahaha. You not seen gangnum style?

[@parklot8036]

i took all the crap off my 300 watt aq heater suspended by its cord close 2 bottom of my 220lt bsrrel.. works perfect..

[@JamieKidman]

Hey you able to show the airlock you use for the large vessels. Cheers mate

[@ZMan3k]

Jamie Kidman just get some vinyl tubing, and a barbed adapter for that size of tubing. The barbed adapter will have a barn on one side and make threads on the other. Then fit the correct size female threaded pvc fitting under your lid, and add an o-ring to make it air tight. Then put the end of your tubing in a cup, fill the cup with sanitizer or vodka a few inches higher than the end of the tubing. This type of air lock will work on any sized container, and is much cheaper to build than buying an oversized airlock.

[@ZMan3k]

Sorry for the spelling error. It should read barb, not barn.

[@StillIt]

Zman has a good tip for you. I am basically open fermenting this. No air lock just a loose fit lid🥃

[@JamieKidman]

okay ive used one im currently using is similar to this one homedistiller.org/forum/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=35751

[@ZMan3k]

Jamie Kidman that’s a super simplified version of what I use. Basically just a one way valve right? That will totally work for ya. If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.

[@shanetempleton7101]

Revisiting some old videos today. If you see this, would honeyshine be improved with a dunder pit process?

[@dan8402]

That's a lot of wash. :-) So what do we use the Dunder put for? Would love to know the flavor changes between generations. Sort of like the UJSCCM. :-)

[@StillIt]

Ah crap! I forget to talk about my dunder plan! I am going to use it with the low wines. So use the live dunder to cut the low wines down before the spirit run.

[@dan8402]

Still It well here is the friendly reminder LMAO! Always excited to see your new content. Oh hey hope the wife and twins are doing well! Much love and respect from the U.S.!

[@StillIt]

Bahaha thanks man. Yeah the kids are doing well now.

[@musicrocks9087]

How many days for fermentation bro..? Plz reply

[@StillIt]

Untill its done man. Every one is going to be different. Trying to force it to your schedule is nothing but down side.

[@MegaDavyk]

Aquarium heaters are used to keep sensitive Tropical fish alive, I have used many of them to make beer, wine and moonshine over 35 years without a problem.

[@aaronnoble8306]

Place the aquarium heater in a double boiler to maintain temp.

[@OldNorsebrewery]

I use a heating belt with an STC-1000 for my fermentation. Check ebay. Belts are almost free

[@StillIt]

Awesome good idea thanks mate 🥃

[@OldNorsebrewery]

Mr T www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_from=R40&_trksid=m570.l1313&_nkw=heating+belt&_sacat=0

[@dallasklarenbach2674]

I got to about 5 gen and my wash would not ferment anymore. I'am guessing to much back set and too high alcohol. About 35 litres of wash.

[@smokinpork]

Aquarium heaters are meant to be in stagnant liquid the liquid needs to have some type of flow for them to properly work

[@dack4545]

Just saying dude, by made in Italy when it comes to fish tank stuff, 👍🏻🇦🇺

[@khumansinghsolanki3531]

How many days will it take for molasses to ferment

[@Dustinielson]

Is "Chase the craft" just something you tell the Mrs, so you can hang out in the shed making and drinking grog? (Or did I just break the 1st rule of 'Hic Club?)

[@StillIt]

hahaha, Dude, it wouldnt be here without her. I dam near gave the whole channel up when the twins were born. She sorted me out quick smart and told me to keep going. Lucky, this whole thing saved our asses when covid hit.

[@VideoHawkeye]

Distilling is legal in Canada?

[@StillIt]

No but he is going legit. He is on KZbin. Look him up 🥃👍

[@icikarisukma8378]

Mine is smell like molase after destilation prosses, how to reduce the smell?

[@bushturkey2]

I've been catching up on all your videos for the past couple of days, and I just have one question about these numbers you keep saying like 1065, what does it mean? Love your videos by the way.

[@StillIt]

Hi mate. Sorry haha I guess I should explain hat more. 1.065 is a specific gravity reading. Taken with a hydrometer to tell you what density of sugar is in the liquid.

[@theKashConnoisseur]

You look thinner compared to older videos. Kids are tough, eh? :p Great video as always.

[@StillIt]

Hahaha yeah dude! Cheers 🥃

[@rhysezfpv]

Can I go up to Gen 420 with dunder if I wanted to bro ?

[@leonmrkic8621]

im a bit confused how do you know how much yeast to add

[@kodiacademy9825]

For 15 gallons use 500 watts 55 gallons 1500 to 2000 watts depending on the ambient temperature

[@dave_bob]

Great video the dunder pit looks good and nasty! lol

[@StillIt]

Yep they are getting there ;)

[@zeynabnorozi6940]

Hello, i'm from iran, i want to make alochohol by mixing sugar and yeast, i have 220 ltrs bucket How much sugar? How much water? Thanks alot for answering

[@zeynabnorozi6940]

And how much yeast?

[@raymondwilhelm4194]

And if so will you do a video on this subject thank you

[@allpro0424]

The people who dislike these videos don’t know what distillation is and They suck at it

[@rustykeg4594]

Jesse. Where did you get the molasses from.

[@StillIt]

Rd1

[@StillIt]

Which is like a farm supply store. If your not from NZ haha :)

[@rustykeg4594]

Yeah. Bro. I'm in Northland. Thanx.

[@MegaNightmare93]

I'm new to all this...what is dunnder ?

[@politicritic]

Why didn’t you use any of your dunder pit?

[@StillIt]

It went in later on. Into the pot. So I used it to flavour the run, not for a secondary fermentation.

[@trishnel6960]

please may I email you for advice - bomber Nel from south africa - I want to make my own still - I have been following you on Utube

[@dack4545]

And a 50 watt submersible heater is plenty up to 50 ltr, to keep it between 24-26 c, don't skimp on the important stuff bro

[@lovitomato2726]

Yeast... Don't really want oxygen? Fermentations are anaerobic procredures

[@ratpackcolorado]

Add dunder before distillation in this case no grain.

[@M0N0K0I]

Somehow I have the impression this video is a good example of recent legal changes made in Canada, eh?

[@StillIt]

I'm in New Zealand my man. But there were changes in the law?!?

[@M0N0K0I]

My bad, sorry! Canada just changed their 420 laws.

[@StillIt]

Yeah true, perhaps this is next!

[@joalaar]

Aquarium heater needs circulation.

[@Crnchyproductions]

Sorry in advance for this.. Dunder from the land down under.

[@zeynabnorozi6940]

And how much yeast

[@ratpackcolorado]

KUMBUCHA

[@sgrasmick82]

Love your videos but this was an awful lot of work for a 1.055 OG

[@swayjaayy5495]

This guy doesn't sound like he knows what he's doing. Can't manage to keep anything temperature or from spoiling or even replace dead batteries. Last person I'm gonna take advice from is this guy

[@StillIt]

Bye 😊👋

[@tricorter1]

This would be a great hobby, but if I were to partake it would be 10 years in federal pound me in the @#$ prison.....

[@Mrglitch123]

Boil with out the condencer to lose the heads and forshots

[@joegutierrez3892]

Yuk

[@bea120]

Too much talk

[@StillIt]

Bye bye 👋👋