When To Proof Spirits - Common Mistakes & How Too

If you chase the craft of home distillation you are going to be proofing or cutting spirits down a lot. At first glance this seems really simple, mix the spirit with water to get to 40% before putting it in the bottle right? Its not always that simple.
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Would you go pro/commercial if you had the opportunity?
Why / Why not ?
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[@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

[@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!

[@simonmckenna2621]

Yes! I love that the experimentation is endless. I am constantly thinking of ideas to try but I lack the time.

[@kennycelt]

Great to have you back doing what you do best, educating us in the art of distilling. Sláinte 🇮🇪

[@kurtwhiddon6751]

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

[@billlewis8144]

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

[@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

[@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

[@jimbrady9910]

Yes I love making spirits I started a year ago and absolutely love it ty for everything you do

[@basevol9646]

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

[@StillIt]

Very true

[@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.

[@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.

[@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

[@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.

[@bgj2940]

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

[@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.

[@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.

[@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.

[@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

[@nhenderson2094]

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

[@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!

[@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 👍

[@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.

[@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.

[@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. 👍😀

[@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 🤘

[@duaneneiderhiser2961]

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

[@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.

[@engizmo]

Yes. Gotta love your job. I would love this job.

[@jamesgrey8093]

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

[@myrtilusgames]

Yes, i would love to. There is an allure around working with a team to create a great product - you can absolutely do this on your own as a hobbiest but I personally would love to work with others to create a national or international product that people enjoy. That would be the ultimate. Love the channel by the way you're videos are always informative - thanks again.

[@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

[@AK49ERR]

Yes I would , To try my recipes on a larger scale

[@1218Draco]

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

[@BarleyandHopsBrewing]

Awesome Jesse

[@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

[@jovahsangel]

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

[@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!

[@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.

[@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.

[@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 🙂

[@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.

[@taffdavies5573]

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

[@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

[@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 :)

[@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 ❤️

[@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.

[@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.

[@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"..

[@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

[@JohnBoy]

Yes, I love the craft.

[@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

[@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.

[@antdaldy5167]

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

[@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.

[@jdwinfield8598]

Dude you're rocking it. Keep it up buddy.

[@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💯💯

[@Rammsteinschmidt]

I appreciate all your wisdom thank you

[@matthewwise5165]

Yes, If I could be in charge and be able to scale the recipes that I have.

[@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

[@vialb2]

I already love my job and studied a long time to get where I am. I'd say yes to going pro, but later down the road. I have ideas, but gotta make getting that diloma worthwhile.

[@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

[@Chevychevy014]

Hi! A huge thank you! This gonna help me a lot. :) And for answer to your question, yes, i'd like to be a pro. i aim to buy a lil farm in Normandy like Kilchoman and produce my single malt spirits. For the moment i learn and practice. i hope be ready on 2024/25 max. Cheers from France!

[@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.

[@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.

[@shlombeen]

I'd love to go pro kuz why not. your passion could turn into something amazing.

[@copuis]

yes, yes I would take it cause, end of the day, I dont have much experience, and what better way to bypass a lot of simple mistakes than to learn a system already in place, and branching out from there

[@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.

[@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!

[@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.

[@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.

[@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..

[@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;-)

[@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!

[@bouchardwilliam1391]

yes, I would be doing it, why: cause i just feel so good at looking at my production falling down from the condenser and pushing it further and further. Plus i never let a distillation day on the side for a motorcycle day which only god knows how much i love it.

[@saleshks]

Thanks a ton!

[@billarmstrong2411]

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

[@kenniclown3103]

I would totally go pro if I could! Why? Because while I enjoy my work I am reminded of the adage : "Find a job doing what you love and you'll never work a day in your life!"

[@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.

[@travisbrink7322]

If I could go commercial (legal, I'm in the U.S.)? Hell Yes, I would. I love what I do, my craft, my product, and I love to share it. Unfortunately, selling, sharing, even just MAKING anything other than go-kart fuel right now, can get me in a lot of trouble. I am happy with - even proud of my process, and finish, (I bottle whiskey at 60%, rum at 50%) and believe that getting it into other hands, and glasses, will quickly spread that cheer. You know about what us Bastards in Texas are up to. Most opportune time to get my Straight TEXAS Whiskey out there. Shine On!

[@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

[@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!

[@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

[@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!

[@LP23D6]

Yep, right on!

[@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.

[@ironsoul80]

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

[@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

[@moosebonsai]

Yes, I am having a kick-ass week.

[@tonyoliver4920]

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

[@gregorbuckingham6636]

I’m gonna say no to going pro... Id rather keep my operation as a hobby and my product limited so when friends come over they know they’re getting something “special” that they can’t get anywhere else.... I’ve noticed that’s something my friends really appreciate...

[@michaelwilliams3492]

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

[@1972prem]

Great vid

[@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.

[@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

[@guygregoire6378]

Yes. Id go commercial, because I truly enjoy doing this…

[@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.

[@brummettx]

I would be interested in taking it to a full time operation, I feel it would open more doors and knowledge learning more about the craft.