When To Proof Spirits - Common Mistakes & How Too

[@ryansmith5043]

I am actually watching these videos while I am in the progress I’m getting my Masters of science in distilling so I can become an IBD certified Master Distiller. Going commercial is my life goal

[@mitchroczniak9936]

How you going with your masters and distilling? @ryansmith5043 ? G,day from a small town in VIC, Australia 👋

[@donbrenton4009]

I would not go pro. I enjoy “chasing the craft” without the pressure. I am retired and plan to stay that way.

[@StillIt]

Nice, Definitely worth keeping hobbies and work separate. Especially if you have already put your time in!

[@taffdavies5573]

Yes.. It pays for my hobby.. Best wishes from the Falkland Islands..

[@boysathome5051]

Thanks for the new post. No I would not go commercial. Not a drinker and no interest in going down that route. Just love tinkering with stuff.

[@guygregoire6378]

When proofing, I came across the formula C1V1=C2V2, concentration 1 times volume 1 equals concentration 2 times volume 2... So, if you have 80%ABV Concentration in 1litre Volume and you want 40%abv Concentration you need to calculate (isolate) Volume 2. V2 is total value. If that makes any sense... Yes I would like to go pro, for the challenge of making something objectively good because subjectively i like what I do... Keep up the good work i truly enjoy your videos.

[@CharlieMacklin1]

One important thing about water is the pH. I’d probably start with distilled or RO water. The tap water where I live is loaded with calcium carbonate and has a pH pushing 9, that might change the taste a bunch! They say a fine aged whiskey has a pH around 4.5 ish. Great work by the way love the channel.

[@anthonyburkett2146]

I found it very interesting what you said about the "aging" proof being a determinant of the qualities derived from the wood... INTERESTING!!! Something that I had not considered... Thank you for that little nugget of wisdom!

[@deborahstclair4126]

Anthony Burkett my experience is that high proof leads to leaks and over watered product. The bourbon laws are not bad here

[@wiseguysoutdoors2954]

I found that in my bourbon making efforts. I start in the medium toasted oak chips at 130 proof to get some of the darker notes, then proof it down to 115-120, then after a week, take it to your chosen final proof and test it every week until you get your taste you want. I only go 3 days maximum at the highest proof, unless you want a spirit that will slap you silly!! Lol

[@deadmaumurphylaw8052]

I was a home brewer and went commercial, contract brewing for 3 years. It was a great experience but was a hard slog and takes away the fun I used to have home brewing. I've been distilling for a while now and people have asked me if I would go commercial distilling - No Freedom to do what you want when you want without filling orders, doing paperwork and paying bloody taxes

[@MarkBrown-ci6hv]

I would love to go commercial. Its my life long dream. Making spirits is in my blood. I love doing it no matter how early, late, or tired I am. It's my calling in life. I want to be the person to bring happiness to others and to allow people to go from a boring conversation to a really wonderful night with friends and family. Keep up the great work. Love your shows.

[@cameronwild7311]

Hi Jesse. Many years tasting and two years chasing. You helped me kick start my journey and you are still my oxford dictionary of the craft when I need answers. Thank you for being you and being a go to for all of us. Cheers

[@TheOzflyer]

No I wouldn’t go commercial, it’s my hobby that I can do my way with a broad range of applications, play with my own flavours, learn more, discover new methods. That’s why I follow channels like yours and George’s, keeping an open mind, learning, continue the chase. All the best Jesse, and thanks for your channel and passing on your knowledge 👍

[@Whiskeyaficionado]

Made the mistake of making a super tasting London Dry Gin and by adding water to adjust the ABV down to 44% the whole batch went cloudy. I waited but no joy, I added high ABV which didn't help. Now I always proof down slowly. If for example I have a 1000ml's to add I'll literally add 50 - 75ml's at a time pouring down the side slowly and gently stir, repeat repeat etc. Doesn't take long and I've not had a problem since. I use a Spirtulator calculator on my phone for the exact calculations. "LOVE your WORK"..

[@fromtheflightdeck252]

No. I feel we are in it for the sheer joy and pleasure of being a home experimenter. It is a passion that you can get to try any new idea and be your own boss. No pressure from outside, just going with the flow and ideas that pop into your head.

[@Andre2199CE]

Yes I will go pro if I had the chance I have found my passion in life making people happy and creating something great💯💯

[@wiseguysoutdoors2954]

I have made whiskey, single malt - Peated, two bourbons, blackberry, strawberry watermelon, rum, Tequila, and a cherry bounce and all have gotten better since I have come to understand more as I go. And all have been well received. Blackberry and cherry bounce have really been praised.

[@BeardedBored]

Great topic dude! Yes, I would want to go commercial because I love it enough to do it everyday. I worked in commercial kitchens long enough to know that I'm fine with repetition as long as it's my creation. Eyes open about the pitfalls and all, I think I'd enjoy doing it. No merch for me, I just like sharing my daydream;-)

[@kurtwhiddon6751]

No, I find this hobby a stress relief, when something becomes your livelihood things seam to change.

[@antdaldy5167]

yes i would like to go pro. Because i love chasing the craft and why not do something you love for a career

[@josephray6159]

Yes I want to go pro been chasing the craft for 20 years I am the 3rd generation of my family to chase the craft. Love the show constantly watching

[@deadmenssilence4664]

Yes I would go pro but mainly to make more of the information easier to obtain and to showcase the local sugars and help the local area

[@evilurn]

Yes. I would love to play with this everyday at the moment I work 3 jobs and can only get out to the shop when I can. Love this channel because you get to play with it and I get to watch it. Cheers

[@thesavagekiwi3492]

Yes (and almost did about 10 years ago) Why: it is an art that covers off two of the things that makes me happy a) it rewards (and punishes) creativity which keeps it exciting and b) it rewards a science and processes, which also makes me happy. If you can earning a living from doing something you enjoy then you will never work another day in your life :) p.s. loving your content and it is inspiring me to get back out into the shed, blow the dust off my kit and get back in to the craft.

[@jethrob258]

Yes if I had the chance to go pro I would take it. The reason why is I'm have 12 years left before I could retire and I'm ready for a change in my life and I truly love the idea of learning more about distilling.

[@ScottBrills]

FWIW, just chatted with my buddy, the head distiller of a very successful gin distillery. He told me that they step-proof their spirits gradually, and it does make a difference. Interested to try it myself!

[@jeffswett4579]

First off, beard is looking godly. I dont know if you will see this but you are more helpful then you will ever know and i am so thankful for you sharing your knowledge. You've helped me more then you'll know, keep it up.

[@trevorarmstrong4358]

Hey Jesse, Great stuff. I’m a Kiwi living in Aussey. As you know the craft is so illegal here but nevertheless we have our ways. I’ve been chasing the craft for near on 9 years now with the hope of one day going legit. I would go commercial in a heart beat. I’ve been chasing single malt whiskey all this time specialising in Manuka wood blends. I’ve finally cracked it. You ask why. I have something to put to the public that I believe will blow the pants off anyone who try’s my “Whanuka Hue”.(Another story). My Son hates Whiskey but now can’t get enough. Had a Scotsman, who prides himself as a whiskey man, took some back with him. Love the craft to pieces. It’s the licensing side of things that’s the brain fry. Cheers

[@Ritley32]

Yes and No, Yes if I could run the show, No if I had to make the same Stuff every day for someone else. I enjoy the playing around, trial and error, Taking something and making it my own. Keep it up man, Love the Videos

[@RyanAbrey]

I would go pro with a pro visor, that it starts a as a side hustle. I love how this is a craft not just a science and it would be nice to put effort and get recognition while sharing it. Coz it’s really fun. And best jobs are the ones you find fun.

[@Iyla_Basil]

I know this is super late, so I just wanted to throw this out there, I'm actually majoring in fermentation science, I will be a freshman this fall, and I'm super excited to lean more, and work in this field in the future!

[@adamdavidson5006]

I had the opportunity to work in a commercial distillery and took it without hesitation, the opportunities and information sharing once you are working in the industry seem to be unlimited. Everyone I've met so far has been awesome and happy to share their knowledge, offer recipe advice, explain why they chose their still setups etc and every now and then you get to start your work day doing barrel samples or evaluating new products :)

[@willmarona-jn9wc]

I made the cardinal mistake of not proofing down after the stripping run and tossing it all in (@63 ABV). Everything went well till I mis judged the volume coming off. Needless to say it is a rookie mistake and ill be getting my soldering kit out to seal up a joint line and a couple pin holes. DEFINATLY proof down so you wont run dry!!!!! ( and I wont be doing that again😅)

[@daviddean6953]

I like it as a hobby. Don't think I would enjoy it as much if it was my job. Love the videos keep up the great content. 👍😀

[@DroneRecon]

Yes I would 100% go pro, because I love trying different drinks and I love to play around with them so making and selling my own is my dream. I’ve already started the process into filling in paperwork etc to apply for my distillers license so this time next year maybe.....🏅

[@ticheek]

I absolutely would! In fact I've had discussions with my wife and a few friends about it. I think the biggest reason "why" is just I enjoy making things with my hands, and sharing with folks.

[@STILLinCANADA]

Yes and I have with SilverFox Distillery. There is no better path in life to turn my passion into my profession! I will never have another day of work, I will have days full of adventure. Each batch I make over and over is a chance to learn the craft and make the best possible spirit I can. Add to that the endless amounts of learning and exploration of new tastes and creations. A product that sells really well is confirmation of my labour’s. Also this is the only thing in my life that I will never stop learning on. The possibilities are absolutely endless, it is that, which is the most exciting part!

[@Truckerjonsoutdoors]

So I am just learning and hoping to be making moonshine sometime soon. Two years ago, I learned my great grandfather was a moonshiner back during Prohibition. Learning his story has given me the desire to learn this craft. I recently ordered an inexpensive Vevor. I figured this would be a good way to start applying some of the information I have been learning from your channel. There is so much to learn, and it feels a bit overwhelming. I would like to get to a point where I could get out of trucking and work at a distillery. I can imagine the thing I could learn working under a Master distiller. I have been enjoying your videos for the last 6 months. Thanks for sharing your knowledge.

[@jock5656]

Yes, I’d love to set up a commercial distillery. I love the science behind the craft and spending every day perfecting the art and producing quality drink for others to share would be a dream come true. Yes hard work but that never killed anyone!

[@paulhutchison6994]

To answer the question. I would definitely go pro given the opportunity. The reason: honestly this craft is all I think about. The chance to openly practice this craft would give me the opportunity to expand my understanding and share it with the world.

[@deezynutz4742]

That’s a big yes, because if you do what you love you will never work a day in your life. Distilling and botany are my loves in life ❤️

[@yezok01]

Yes I would, I have been chasing the craft fo over 35 years and enjoy doing it I was introduced to it as a young boy and was taught to the best product you an and always strive to make it better.

[@MrConway072002]

Absolutely YES! It all about doing what you love! Working for someone else making them money doesn’t get you any further ahead but doing what you love and making a living is all you as for in life

[@StillIt]

Yeah, waking up and being pumped to go to work is something special.

[@MrConway072002]

Still It certainly is,

[@kimimmel6170]

I started off with 70 hour weeks. But It never felt like work, and it still doesn't. I have a taste profile that i like, and want to share it.

[@stillcrazy4023]

Yes! yes i would! why? i have so many ideas and different mash bills that I've run on small scale that i want to share with the world! keep chasing the craft!

[@jaredroberts4973]

I would love to open a commercial distillery. Where I live it is illegal to distill which really limits the creativity and experimentation involved with the craft. There has been many micro distillery's opening up in my area and it's been sitting in the back of my mind for quite some time now. I'd love to share my personal experience chasing the craft with the wider community. I've been joking around with my mates about opening a distillery but every time I think it gets a little more serious. We'll see where it goes. Thanks for the awesome videos!

[@michaelwilliams3492]

I would absolutely do this for a living. Why? Because it’s all I want to do. I’m obsessed. I love it.

[@ARCSTREAMS]

you should talk about chill filtration at home, i been experimenting with this and getting great results and sometimes weird surprises you learn from

[@susanmessenger9052]

Thank you Jesse. Love this video. Your tips are so helpful. Your online calculators are fantastic. Keep on keeping on ! Have a kick a**e week. From Adelaide South Australia

[@SnazzPatrol]

Yes, i would love to go commercial. It has been a dream of mine for close to a decade now but regs here (usa) are insane and capital is hard to come by. I love the artisanal aspect of it and the community is full of amazing people, touring distilleries is my favorite thing to do. The people are so friendly and down to earth and being part of that comes is something ive wanted forever

[@timmorris1138]

I’d love to go pro! I’d love to leave the corporate world and build a sustainable business that my sons could join and continue down the road. It’s such a joy to actually make something that others can take pleasure in.

[@timothyoestreichii1553]

Yes/no I am undecided if i would like to go commercial or not. I am extremely new to the craft and am still in the experimental stages. At this point i am enjoying the learning process with the triumphs and failures. One thing i do know for sure is i am definitely sticking to the craft.

[@StillIt]

Yes/No I like it haha. Honestly exactly how I feel about it too at the moment. I am torn.

[@timothyoestreichii1553]

@@StillIt As long as you still make content for me to watch I support either decision you make. Love the information I get from you. Keep bringing them brother.

[@brandonl2954]

Yes i would absolutely jump at the opportunity to go pro.. Its in my future plans.. I love to cook and make delicious beer and spirits that people love to enjoy..

[@petermcmurtrie]

Good video discussion Loved it Jessie 👍 In answer to your questions 1. Yeah Nah! 2. I retired at 54 and aim to keep it that way. 😎 Keep up the good work 🙂

[@connortyson9891]

Is there a platform for getting help with distillation?

[@user-vm9bi3mx9q]

Yes I would go pro. Currently attempting to but as most know...capital is a real thing in starting a distillery. But love the craft, the art, and the science. Experimentation is addicting

[@StillIt]

Hi Jordan, I drew your name out to win this prive in yesterdays live stream, Congrats! Hit me up at [e-mail] we can get your prize sorted :)

[@JimmyJusa]

Yes, I have no experience with distilling but I'm doing my best to become a skilled brewer with plans to go pro. I've always enjoyed messing around with different flavors in cooking, brewing has become my way of sharing my creativity.

[@georgemccully1071]

My answer is a ‘hell yes’! 4yrs ago I quit my well paying job and halved my salary to work my hobby as a craft brewer, I still drive to work each day with a smile on my face. We have a distillery at work that has been mothballed and it’s looking like it might be resurrected..........watch this space.......

[@stefwan6335]

A couple of weeks ago I distilled my first birdwatchers thanks to you and this channel Jesse, I have my first rum in at the moment, a take of buccaneer Bob's recipe. I had such a blast distilling, so yes I would consider turning this new found hobby into a job down to the pure satisfaction it would give me knowing people around the world would be enjoying my product. Also would just like to add, love the beard Jesse, keep it 🤘

[@michaeldupreez5341]

Yes! It has always been a dream of mine to own or run a micro-brewery and or micro-distillery one day - I am from Cape Town, South Africa and here we have a huge homebrew community! I have only recently gotten into distilling and have been into home brewing for about 4/5 years now (I'm only 23 so...). My main reason would be that I absolutely love anything craft/custom hand made - not just in terms of booze but in general. I have always been a 'do it yourself' kind of person and home brewing has been something that has allowed me to share this passion with all different sorts of people. a bottle of homebrew can quickly turn into a thank you present that means so much more than a bar of chocolate or something! I hope this made sense lol. Thanks for the excellent and quality content!

[@allenhilley]

When using moonshine I. Trying to get her proof to turn to Apple pie

[@e.beazer7728]

Love your videos man. A possible solution to your question about proofing spirits with sugar is the Dr. William Honneyman,Ph.D method that we are going to be trying at our distillery for our limoncello. Basically its taking an initial specific gravity measurement, boiling the product to half its original volume and refilling back to its original volume with distilled water and remeasuring SG. Take your first SG measurement, subtract your second SG measurement and you can get an alcohol content using the table he made. Hope that helps! We'll be trying it ourselves and see how well it works. Cheers!

[@thedjdyer]

It's a yes from me too go pro is a goal of mine in the next 10-15 years. The reason of me is simple I love the craft and why not make a living from something I love doing.

[@anthonyburkett2146]

With grain products I typically proof down to 45 to 50% abv... for fruit products down to 35% because I believe the lower abv allows a more fruit forward flavor in the finished product.

[@kevinmessick5550]

Yes I would definitely go pro or commercial. Why you ask? “If you’re doing something you love, you’ll never work another day in your life.” I actually love chasing the craft, I mean every part of it. Making something I love to drink and the chemistry part of it. I had no experience in whiskey or bourbon until about 3 years ago, started apprenticing under an ol’ timer for a bit. Built my first still piece by piece and earned my way. Now I’m taking ingredients and flavors I love and being able to combine them.

[@stupiduser6646]

Yes I would go pro. I would be able to chase the craft more than just the limited time I can as a hobby

[@gordie141]

I doubt I would, mainly because I work for a commercial distillery that is almost 200 years old and follow the same old recipe and procedure day in day out and as a result the "craft" has been forgotten. I didn't really learn anything about spirits and distillation until I begun the hobby. It's much more enjoyable pleasing yourself with no stress to please others.

[@geneglisson286]

Yes I would go pro if I had the chance. Reasoning isn't for money, but for the craft and others at a much farther reach taking part in the "art" I've created. Think it would be mote enjoyable

[@mrpaul6971]

Complicated question jessy! But I have to say no, if my time on earth has taught me anything its that there is a such thing as to much of something. I used to be consumed by turbo builds and I've done multiple in the driveway with nothing. But I work in the automotive industry and it quickly put out the flame that I once had to even maintenance my vehicles. I don't and won't risk that with this hobby!

[@keithquillen9482]

I would absolutely go commercial. I have a lot of ideas and good current results, and I think I have some good offerings that could be scaled up so that everyone can enjoy them. Plus, it would be way better than the current job that I have, and without too many pitfalls, it could be quite lucrative. Keep doing what you're doing. You are helping a lot of people with your vast knowledge of distilling. Thank you.

[@jovahsangel]

Not ready, yet. Just starting out, saving up for equipment / supplies, & learning all I can right now.

[@kernrobert8655]

Yes to going pro / commercial. My background is in chemistry and I love to run experiments to see how things turn out. While home distilling isn't legal in the US, I've been applying / honing those skills with beer, cider, and wine and it seems like a logical step.

[@billarmstrong2411]

Yes, because I’d like to try to come up with my own spirits to commercialize. And keep chasing the craft!

[@basevol9646]

Yes! Endless way to share my product with others, and to learn as much as I can!

[@StillIt]

Very true

[@jamesgrey8093]

Yes jesse i would go pro in a second, i have idias that need to be seen and i love this craft.

[@afiblacksails23]

On your question in the video of going pro or not... yes I would because if you make something great and love doing it it’s worth it and also you can create a generational wealth that even if you don’t experience it yourself you know your family line will benefit from your hard work... so 100% yes for me

[@michaelford8494]

1. Although it would be really cool to be a professional distiller I would choose to not go pro. 2. I've watched enough shows that for the ones who do go professional there is a lot of red tape. I think it would eventually take some of the fun out of the craft. Plus you probably wouldn't be able to mess with the recipe and flavoring as much since it would need to be mostly the exact same every time for a brand name. ps love the show. between you and George I feel extremely comfortable getting ready to run my first run. thanks

[@MrSleepz0r]

hey answer for Q1 is no i would not go comercial. Q2 the reason is i find it fun to make spirits as a hobby... i also used to sell a few bottles to mates. They ended up wanting a lot every week so it then turned into a chore and i no longer enjoyed making it.... so i pretty much stopped just over a year ago.

[@nathanharr1411]

i would go pro simply because it would give me access to grains and equipment that i would never have access to otherwise. On the other hand if i want given the freedom to experiment it wouldnt be worth it, but assuming i would be granted the freedom to explore and develop different flavors i would be all for it.

[@rocketsroc]

The beauty of the distilling craft is being free to do whatever turns one on. Pretty much every great thing was discovered by thinking outside the box. No rules, just the freedom to experiment. That what it's all about.

[@bsbru88]

Yes, I would. I was a pro brewer for a few years. It's great to be able to produce product on a large scale. It's like doing a hobby on a large scale that you get paid for.

[@paulclifford5712]

That’s a no from me too for same reason as everyone else. Going pro would make it a job... I like tinkering. On another not Jessie - how far out are your calculators? I’ve been using them heaps - thanks for making them available!

[@StillIt]

Fair enough mate. I think I have it at a point where they either work or do not work right now. Calconic forced some updates and everything went whacky. Right now the dilution calcs are simple and do not take into account water+alcohol disvolving (had to roll them back). Working on it :) If you see any issues let me know

[@BarleyandHopsBrewing]

Awesome Jesse

[@nhenderson2094]

Yes. I enjoy the process almost as much as the final product (maybe even more).

[@philvonallmen9690]

I would for sure!! I definitely don't have the knowledge but love the craft and I think it would be pretty awesome to do for a living.

[@mustyditch4703]

Have you ever experimented with temperature? I occasionally like to use whisky stones to cool down my bourbon. Cools the bourbon but doesn’t water down the strength. Can’t say that it changes the flavour profile much but is a nice change from neat.

[@billlewis8144]

Yes absolutely. I enjoy both the art and the science. The way they both come together is endlessly fascinating to me.

[@JoshuaFinancialPL]

we had fun once with a cask strength bottle of islay. everyone had their own distilled water and eyedropper. the water released all sorts of interesting things, each of us got to play around with each serving. i suppose that would be a good way to discover what abv works if you're making a consistent product (given that each stick of wood will introduce it's own uncontrollable variable). would be fun experimenting anyway. (but honey, really, i have to drink a lot of it. it's research. see, i'm taking notes.)

[@solocaretaker2034]

Thank you. Very helpful and simple terms all could understand. Makes me remember the old days on my first few runs when I had no idea how to proof and thought that 130 plus proof was what I was stuck with

[@ironsoul80]

Yes to gain the experience and see the process at a large scale operation over a long period of time

[@goadamson]

Yes. Mainly because it would love to see more people enjoying the spirits

[@dfriendly1966]

Yes absolutely without question I would go pro. I love experimenting. Making a spirit just to see if 30% taste better than 50%. Imagine making a cocktail sticking in a straw and the first sip is different from the last.

[@chuckdontknowdoya6100]

A big Yes for me. If you're doing what you love it's really easy to go to work everyday. Thanks for the great information Jesse I always go with high proof on the chips then proof down to 55 abv to go into the barrel that's as low as I go unless I'm making fruit brandy then it depends on the fruit. Thanks again for the great video.

[@chuckdontknowdoya6100]

I've already given mine a name Naturale Vine Distillery

[@timbritzjr4099]

I would love to go pro since I'm about done with my day job at my age. I've been kicking around the idea of a Nano Distillery and I'm on the fence with doing it myself. Working for someone first may be the answer! Cheers

[@silasbermudez2738]

I am planning to get pro here in latin america. Thanks for all your vids

[@StillIt]

Awesome! Good luck!

[@1218Draco]

Yes, I would. To recreate recipes and test untested combinations of flavors; I’d want to give the world something never witnessed before

[@allenkwarta7102]

Yes I would go pro. Now that I'm retired I would appreciate the "process" so much more. After working in many capacities and then a chemical engineer in fuel ethanol and pharmaceuticals among others I miss the dynamics of a chemical process. I love troubleshooting and experimenting. Great video. Thanks for all your hard work.

[@jacobdeslattes3519]

Would love to! I love to tinker. Also soapification idk if the spelling is right or not i may have missed it in the video but dont remember hearing it.

[@duaneneiderhiser2961]

I would go pro !! It is my passion ! I like the history and the process !! Thank you for your videos !!

[@Cptsko_1]

Q&A: No I would not, because I have only meds 2 mash's and I don't know what I'm doing yet. I would fail as a professional. Lol. Love your channel. Thanks for the opportunity to win some merch.

[@bgj2940]

Yes, because you could get your taste profile out there.

[@scottyoung8642]

1. Yes I would go commercial 2. There is a way to make this legal for those who want to “Chase the Craft”. How it is set up breaks normal ideas but still plays to the laws for everyone.

[@tonyoliver4920]

Yes Because in the UK a ltd company is required to distill at home

[@goodtimeswithbrian]

I wouldn't go pro because then I would be locked into making my spirits a certain way. What I love about this hobby is the fact that I can play around and not have to follow any rules. Whatever I like is what I make. It's the best of everything.