When Distilling How much Do I Get

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

[@valleyboys7498]

We want you to get the credit you deserve! You've taught us almost everything we know about our craft. From fermentation to distilling. Thank you so much for the videos!

[@BarleyandHopsBrewing]

Wow, thank you!

[@joaocruz1979]

Valley, i make your words my words.... 👍👍👍👍

[@BrettARadcliff]

These are the BEST videos on this subject! Period !!

[@BeardedBored]

Awesome refresher course. I could listen to you all day, George!

[@BillMcGirr]

Ok Bearded... Now for your 2 cents. Do YOU reuse your tails in a subsequent run/runs? And have you noticed off flavors from it? Or do you just toss them? I respectfully disagree with George on this. The amount of useful ethanol in the tails is... in my opinion too valuable to waste. George obviously disagrees. What say you?🤔

[@BarleyandHopsBrewing]

Wow, thanks!

[@BeardedBored]

@@BarleyandHopsBrewing Thank you for the solid content, brother:-)

[@BeardedBored]

@@BillMcGirr I think both techniques have merit, and it just depends on what you're running and what your goal is. If you have a use for tails, then putting in the time is worth it. There are always some weird flavors in the tails that might add to a blend, maybe only a few ounces. As far as rerunning in a new wash, yes, as long as it's the same spirit. You get the congeners and the ethanol. Whiskey tails into a whiskey wash. I did a video on feints about this, but it really is a preference thing. If you feel like spending the extra hours running and like hunting for that 2 ounces of caramel or whatever that's hiding in the tails, then that's what you do. If you want the residual ethanol added to a new wash, then you run deep. But if you'd rather have a nice clean hearts cut, then save those hours and cut it like George does. I like both methods and decide which one based on the end goal.

[@BillMcGirr]

@@BeardedBored Good stuff. Appreciate the reply. Best wishes.😊👍🥃

[@MDizzle020881]

When using George’s technique of “cut it off at 100 proof AND 204 degrees” you’ve got to hit them both not either or, the math works great every time. 5 gallons of 10%, science says that’s .5 gallons of 180 proof. Take off 200ml of foreshots and 400ml of heads, you get almost exactly 1 gallon of 90 proof every time (same as 1/2 gallon of 180, just brought some water with it due to the azeotrope relationship). Now you can make cuts and separate for higher proof in the first few quarts and lower proof for the last few quarts, but a gallon of 90 proof works for me. Happy Distilling!

[@mrpiekuta]

I love the way you say not forcing the vapours but letting them rise up. It makes perfect sense and something I will remember next time. Thanks George 👍

[@BarleyandHopsBrewing]

Glad it was helpful!

[@Puuch44]

Mind = Blown. Never truly understood the difference between ABV & Proof. Thank you George!

[@sdgsdfgsdfhs]

George I just want to honestly thank you for all the awesome and valuable knowledge you share in you channel, I'm a distiller from Colombia, south america and provably all the things i know i've learned from your channel, thanks for all your hard work.

[@Ytviewer43]

You’re the man George! Love your teachings. Have learned so much from you.

[@danssv8]

Glad to hear you enjoyed your holidays and back with some new videos.

[@garthhorne617]

I love the amount of information you pack into a video. I am sure you were a teacher in a former life, you have all the illustration skills and bring difficult concepts down to a very understandable level. I also love you non-judgmental approach to dissenting opinions. I find the comments sections almost as entertaining and informative as the videos getting into a finer and nuanced discussion of the topic at hand with additional helpful hints. Some of the older 'sages' with their 'traditional knowledge' learned through years of working in the craft are also invaluable if looked at through the lens of modern science. Thank you George for all your efforts and the stimulating discussions you have 'provoked'.

[@shanewoods9950]

You the best teacher in this hobby I have come across and the only channel I watch now. KEEP UP THE GREAT JOB!! ABSOLUTELY LOVE YOU VIDEOS

[@jamesramey3549]

Welcome back George, thank you again for the wealth of knowledge!!

[@BarleyandHopsBrewing]

My pleasure!

[@rickmooreEz-2chew-BBQ]

Great job as always George...Thanks

[@kenwalker4203]

Excellent video George thanks Happy Distilling

[@toddbiskupiak7170]

Welcome back! Glad you enjoyed your time in Tennessee. Been missing you. This topic could not have been explained any simpler.

[@gtg-inspections]

Thank you for your content. First run of my unit this weekend. You have given me so much good info leading to a successful distilling day.

[@jimmarsden5911]

Thank you George. I have been worrying for some time that I was doing something wrong because I was stopping the process at 100 proof and maybe I should continue for longer. Your explanation is clear, makes complete sense and demystifies the topic.

[@Charlie32856SBCT]

if the still is still running how do you stop at 100%? I'm very brand new to this and just started learning all this before I buy any still.

[@jasonbennett499]

​@@Charlie32856SBCTTurn the heat off and stop collecting

[@chucknaturale307]

Glad to see you back my friend as always good information all keep them coming #HappyDistilling George Thanks for your help.

[@Najeeb706]

Thanks a million George. So much knowledge. God bless you.

[@chadbrault5844]

I love watching your videos. It’s like watching my high school chemistry teacher teaching me things I actually care about!! Love it

[@philiptruitt]

Thank you, George!

[@rimrock53]

Question?. Your 1.75 gal of hearts aren’t 100% abv. They probably average 60% +/- abv across the run, so the actual 100% ethanol volume would be 1.75 gal x 60% or about 1.05 gallons of 100% ethanol. That represents a little less than half of your initially calculated alcohol content. If the actual final abv was 65%, it would get you to about half. Am I missing something?

[@zberteoc]

I agree. If initial ABV is 13% then from 18 gal that represents 2.34 gal at 100%ABV. But his product is around 60% so if you consider only 2 gals out of the 2.34 gal went through, subtract forecuts+heads+tails, then his final product quantity should be 2*100/60, which is 3.3 gal.

[@larrylaffer6015]

George.... welcome back! I have learned so much from you over the years. Hope all is well on your end. Looking forward to new videos.

[@jerrycrum2513]

Keep coming back to watch George you are the best to my beginnings . Wish you well stay safe

[@WEGOTEYEONYOU2]

Thank you George.

[@pennsyltuckian4941]

Just Wonderfull For the past few weeks I have been mesmerized by each of your contributions George, you are truly a gifted communicator and expert in the art of distilling. And it is an art, the science is impeccable but the taste is technique, so many people don't understand that. I am an immigrant and my family has been distilling for more generations than I care to mention alcohol such as Schnaps, Brandy and Vodka and every time, growing up, I would watch my uncles distill out of the same base and argue why each batch tasted just a Lil' different...chuckle. Thank You!

[@colinbrelsford9489]

For the newcomers to this hobby this video was invaluable Thanks

[@KB-uv7xo]

Wow. Very educational. Thank you for taking the time to share your knowledge.

[@guildofillumination]

I always appreciate the info you share George. Thanks Brotha!

[@BarleyandHopsBrewing]

My pleasure!!

[@alexiscasimiri651]

Hi! thanks George again to clarify some of the math behind distillation Kind regards from France

[@jfk139]

Great info George, you answered so many of my questions! Thank you!

[@BarleyandHopsBrewing]

Glad it was helpful!

[@jimfryar1]

Understood it perfectly!! Thanks for your efforts!

[@theuniebotha8718]

Thanks George, excellent teachings.

[@darencuthbert11]

Great simple explanations George....awesome work

[@jonathanleviton5787]

Just discovered your channel. I love your personality and your expertise. Ty for the excellent content.

[@hornetlm42]

Great video again George

[@danspatula212]

Thank you so much! This was the exact lesson I needed! Subscribed

[@BarleyandHopsBrewing]

Thanks for the sub!

[@keithbowers3980]

Love ya George always looking forward to the next video

[@blackbeltrw]

Always very informative!!👍🏼

[@m8harry]

Very interesting video, thanks for sharing your knowledge!

[@Turts_McGurts]

FINALY!! jesus george. kept us waiting eh? love your videos ! pump em out as quick as you can! 2 weeks is too long

[@BarleyandHopsBrewing]

Working on it!

[@HodgyE5]

Great Video! Thanks for this info.

[@knightmare1015]

Great video George. In the end, the batch size and the amount of ABV your batch has will determine how much you will get before dilution/proofing which is pretty easy to do. I use Liters and Mililiters to dilute my alcohol to a drinkable state before filtering because it's more accurate. Below is some basic formulas that anyone can use to calculate and dilute their alcohol. ABV Hydrometer Formula (Calculates your ABV in a mash/wash): Original Gravity - Final Gravity = answer mulitplied by 131.25 = ABV in a wash/mash Specific Gravity Formula for refractometers using Brix: Brix Units mulitplied by 4 = Specific Gravity Alcohol Dilution Formula (I use L and ML's because it's more accurate): Actual ABV % divided by required ABV% multiplied by liquid volume minus the liquid volume = needed water.

[@dixonjames4177]

Thanks for this George it is really helpful. This make a good guide for what new beginners to expect how much hearts they can get when they don't know what tails taste like to begin with. Happydistilling!!

[@BarleyandHopsBrewing]

Glad it was helpful!

[@DurbinsBourbon]

Great video as always George! Cheers 🥃

[@BarleyandHopsBrewing]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@scipio2009]

Getting really curious about tails runs, tbh; for all the grungy/nasty that's left in the tails, there's still not only good alcohol, but likely some interesting flavor notes that can be worked with

[@japleo87ap]

That was an amazing video through an through...

[@BarleyandHopsBrewing]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@wildmanworley]

I wish i could take in half of your knowledge

[@mickk9440]

Keep in mind folks,that you have in the states, a gallon is 3.8 litres, Whereas in Australia we used to have gallons that were imperial Which were 4.5 litres Before we went to metric measure's

[@phillipgriffin]

That’s a HUGE white board George! We have not been to Gatlinburg in ages. Glad you are back safely.

[@fishingphill]

Thanks, that really helped. From Australia 👍

[@geraldbaxter321]

Tks man. Very helpful.

[@joachimlandes5745]

very informative, thank you very much from Australia

[@danssv8]

Love your videos mate

[@kb8ktp]

glad you had a good vacation

[@justice4all719]

PID controlled by a flow sensor at the output of the still, would automatically raise temperature and keep ideal output flow. Could add temp sensor to stop the process once a certain temp is reached. Nice videos, learning a lot! Thank you for that.

[@kenstar1862]

Excellent teacher, thanks

[@BarleyandHopsBrewing]

Thank you! 😃

[@grayco2853]

Thanks George As always great job. I can attest to not adding tails back in to a run. I had saved up from several runs the heads and tails, (about a gal). It made the whole batch smell and taste off. Or it might have been in my head but I'll never do that again. Thanks again Professor Duncan!

[@grayco2853]

Happy Distilling!

[@kyleanderson3079]

Thanks George for all your videos... My only question right now is about your automated still that runs off an 18 gallon mash in about 3 hours... very impressive ..... can we get a video of that speedy process or a small explanation? Thanks.

[@frankiedunham6678]

Gorge your the best thanks for your help bro 🙏

[@TheOriginalFILIBUSTA]

I'm happy to see your results in temperature, volume and purity mirror my own. Except I was occasionally adding feints. Your explanation of why not to and how valueless they prove to be was great. Not doing that anymore. Just made 1 1/2 gallons of 43% gin. Very happy. Peace.

[@chrisanderson1498]

Great video George, I am really starting to understand this the more I watch and then go do it myself ! Cheers buddy!!

[@cliffarmstrong7815]

Re the screen for the carbon filter The best I have found and cheapest pick up a fry pan filter screen at the Dollar store cut it up works fantastic. Cliff in BC Canada

[@carrierserena]

What model is your automatic still? Great video as always.

[@perdu0609]

Always nice to watch your videos but i got a Small question, the cut explaination (tails) with a bit of cloudiness, you could have that also with the foreshots no ? (demysting test for methanol).

[@petercatto9795]

Hello George people like you on KZbin mate??? Make our life easier thank you for being there

[@BarleyandHopsBrewing]

My pleasure

[@croz71]

Great video George Quick question, will activated carbon clean up tails or is filtering a waste of time. I'm talking about a sugar wash. Cheers mate

[@smithto3]

👋🏻Professor, how many times can you reuse the sour mash? What can you make with “spent” mash? Thanks a lot for your wonderful videos!!!

[@Totalpath35]

Hey George! I just got 10 gallons of fresh pressed apple cider and I want to make apple brandy out of it. I wanted to know what you thought of adding sugar to boost ABV. I worry I won't get a large yield out of the ferment as it usually goes dry around 7% when I make my hard apple cider.

[@CraigMullins1]

What machine is your automated one model and cost? any videos on it/using it?

[@russellwhite4487]

I hate to go off info, but I go to Gatlingburg and Pigeon Forge every year since 97. Well before legal moonshine was there it was legal and was thrilled you made a trip there! Moonshine capital of the world! lol Now there is so many distillery's to try, it is hard to sample them all and not have a good time! I'm from Iowa and recommend it to you"all! I was there in September and missed you George! As always love your videos!!!!!! If you ever go back , would like to show you around , it is a great place to enjoy! Wives love all the shopping!!! (:

[@downrangeops]

Another great video George. Could I ask you to look at some mods or best practises with T500 reflux still? Your insights and explanations are the best!

[@mrbrown3546]

Mods, tips etc would be good. Anyone new to this can never have too much information to help understand.

[@rayfox212]

George has a vid on using the t500 as a sort of pot still and vapor infusing with it.

[@mrbrown3546]

@@rayfox212 I've seen that one. I think downrange is like me and curious on more information about what can be done with them, what can be 'modified from the original'

[@kevinbaxter2578]

Awesome vid George. So ironically enough you were at 75% efficiency. So we always say that our normal efficiency is between 80-75% efficiency roughly. If we go conservative and say I'll normally hit 75% as my avg then you could say 18*.13*.75 is damn close to your potential collection amount. Whalla, that's almost exactly what you collected.

[@jameswarrington7875]

these videos are great and im in the uk my question is this when working out your hearts is there a difference between a mash and asuger wash

[@jonasbjorkquist429]

Thanks for all the instructive videos George! Big fan, learnt alot the last couple of months that I've watched your videos. My math and/or thinking might be incorrect here, but I think you forgot one step of the calculation. There's 2,34 gallons of pure ethanol in the still, but the product exiting the still is not pure ethanol. For example; If you get 60% during the entire run it would mean 2,34/0,6 = 3,9. If you could collect all of the ethanol (including foreshots, heads and tails), at a 60% abv you should get 3,9 gallons of of that 13%, 18 gallon mash. Please correct me if I'm wrong though, and never stop doing what you do! :)

[@BarleyandHopsBrewing]

These volumes are all round figures so you can predict collection amounts. You will never collect 100% pure ethanol and actually you will never collect 100% of what is in the still.

[@jonasbjorkquist429]

@@BarleyandHopsBrewing That's true, but in my opinion it's better to take that into consideration when calculating what you can expect from a run. If there is 1 gallon of pure Ethanol in the still and you get 1 gallon of 100 proof, you really can't say that you got it all out as there are still a lot more distillable ethanol left. More than enough to just dismiss it as heads or tails. If you use a reflux still and get about 95% out, the difference is not that big. But if you use a pot still and get about 60%, the difference is significantly bigger. But I'm here to learn, and all of your videos really make workdays and evenings more interesting. So thank you for that!

[@brianmckibben2300]

The whole exercise is for taste and smell. The process should be toward those ends so ignore the math because you cant calculate good tasting booze.

[@jonasbjorkquist429]

@@brianmckibben2300 That is true, and I fully agree. Though my "issue" here is the calculation itself. Say you have 2 gallons of pure ethanol in the still, and you extract 1 gallon of 50% ABV. The amount of pure ethanol left in the still is now 1,5 gallons, not 1 gallon. To not take the output percentage into consideration when calculating will give incorrect numbers. Not talking about process, just maths. And i know that collecting 100% of what's in the still is not the goal, just saying with that example he gave, taken away foreshots, heads and tails, should result in a much larger number than 3,2%.

[@mostills4017]

I've got a question. Since I've seen people using the tails or backings from the last run in their next batch of mash what kind of abv would that render after adding something with obviously higher abv content?

[@paulnordaker2833]

Uses for tails. Hand sanitzer. Possible zippo fluid. Tiki torchs. I make recycled paper logs for winter save up alot of tails to have higher proof fire starter

[@johnman559]

Hi George from across the pond😀👍 would that automatic still be a Genio still from the Polish boys? I was considering one you see and was wondering if the company is reputable

[@CookieMonster_1969]

Please tell me you were/are a chemistry professor, if not you should have been. I think I learned more in this 26 minute video than I did in college chemistry. Which, typical of education in the US, provided absolutely no context of application. In plain language, you just described the obscure laws and standards we were taught about chemical solutions, using a practical application, and very minimal math. On another note, is it possible you were a math teacher, I can see it... Awesome video, glad I found your channel.

[@rick43pen]

Just distilled 20 gallons. I'd checked it before fermentation and also used the PABV chart which both came up as 10 percent. In the end I had a total over 3 gallons. I'm still scratching my head about that one.

[@reshairo]

Hi George, i learned a lot from your content. What if i re distilled my heads & tails. What are the output will be ?

[@michaelwillett2520]

Hi George gr8 vid , Just 1 silly question if i make 25lt at 20% apv and I am producing ethanol at 70% how much will I have in my jar Thanks

[@danaanderson5896]

When I get started I make all the math easy.. 5 gallons goes in the still at 11% ABV, I expect 10% back out. 20 quarts in 2 quarts out.. I keep an eye with the P&T to keep from running under 100 proof like George, and it has worked great for 25 years for this old bag! Ever consider posting your videos on Rumble? Many of us are trying to dump U-toob, so it would be nice to see you over there..

[@jovanimoran146]

Mr George, My still turn off and ended up with lots of oil and cloudiness, the question is Can I triple distil and get rid of that tail, how much can I get of 3 gallons at 68 proof. I'm distilling agave. And thank you so much for all the good info. You are very passionate.

[@Thin447Line]

I just ran across your videos recently. Fascinating subject and looks like a fun hobby. Only, I can't get past the fact that distilling high ABV alcoholic spirits for drinking at home is illegal almost everywhere. How do you do what you do as a "hobby" as you describe? Do you have any videos discussing the legality of what you do?

[@MattKrallman]

What a terrific explanation! For those wanting a super high proof (160+) without a reflux. Can someone explain how to get it out of your run safely. Novelty purposes.

[@brockstanford7608]

You start with say a 10% wash, and do what is called a "stripping run" and run until your total collected abv is 40%. Then a "spirit run" is when you re-distill that 40%, it'll be higher proof than the original run. Never put anything in your still that is above 40% abv as that's a safety hazard.

[@bradkurilla700]

Once again, right on the money... I look at the abv as how much I potentially will draw. How efficient I run it will determine proof. Theoretically.

[@BillMcGirr]

I agree mostly... But I say that the size of the still will more significantly effect the amount that you draw. Potential abv is just a matter of personal preference, ego and attention to detail. Proof is dependent on process, equipment and number of distillations. Ultimately I believe we should all be in search of perfect quality... If such a thing exists.😊👍

[@bradkurilla700]

I agree completely

[@danssv8]

So if I got 25 litres at 20% about and add a extra 10 litres of water diluted the mix for a cleaner run i will still collect the same amount of alcohol (ethanol) is that correct George??

[@weehatz3177]

Hey George.....as I understand it, to make sour mash you have to re-use the stuff in the still at least once and up to about 7 times. Do the tails stay in the still tank after each run? Or do you distill it out into a jar and toss them?

[@davehennick9856]

I very much need to know that answer also.

[@unclepapaw7699]

George I get it and I don’t collect tails during my run either. It is just bad stuff.

[@sidneyplattenburg7259]

Can you share a link to where I can purchase an automated still? Thanks in advance

[@whip8]

If you’re making a pot stilled whiskey than only keep what tastes good. When you have enough feints for an all feints run you always end up with something.

[@chefprov]

Is the cloudy part of the 80 proof, what the large distilleries “chill filter” to remove. As a scotch LOVER (the peaty ones) some of those “tails” add the flavors that we are actually looking for ! A “unchill filtered whisky” gets cloudy because the oils (flavors) left behind ! Perhaps it’s not as important in clear neutral spirits ? Still learning,,, but I will look at some tails to mix in ???

[@highergroundfarm7527]

Great info George. Thank you. The question I have is if you plan to use 25-30% of the leftover stillage after distillation to add to the next fermentation for a sour mash, then a portion of the tails are carried forward with the stillage. If you do it over and over in consecutive runs, say 4th or 6th generation, doesn't that add increased risk of tails with each generation? What are the benefits and risks associated with doing this over and over? Since this is the way commercial distillers make their sour mash products, there have to be some benefits. TIA and #HappyDistilling

[@brockstanford7608]

Each generation is more diluted. If you re-use 25%, and did it infinite times, the total effect of re-use is about 33%. Early tails can be good, but you need to pay attention to when to cut.

[@davedonaid7346]

you can use left over mash

[@77TAK]

What about running the tails through a Brita water filter. Won't this tale out the fusel oils out?

[@GaBiggunn]

I'm not quite getting the yield I am looking for. My sugar wash consists of 12lbs of table sugar, 5 gallons of water, DADY and tomato paste and lemon juice for nutrients. I'm running a milk can style still w/8 gallon capacity. It has a 2in column and a shotgun condenser. I start to get my heads and fores off at about 145 degrees up to 165. Then I start collecting hearts. My hearts usually start around 150proof and the first two quarts I get will average 140-150. However, after those two quarts my proof drops off quickly, usually down to 110 for the next quart and 90 for the next pint or so. I usually stop collecting when it gets that low. This leaves me with less than 1 gallon for a 5 gallon wash. Any ideas? I do not know my specific gravity as I don't have that style hydrometer, (on my need to buy list).

[@paulnordaker2833]

I want to use a temp controled electric unit like a new wave. Im wondering if i put temp at 149f to regulate temp. Shouldnt i be able to separate the methanol 1st

[@codyreynolds2810]

I've seen people put cloudy shine threw a britta water filter and it makes it clear does that get the fatty acids out

[@vashonwatchdog]

The problem I’m having with the mathematics is, the volume collected was not 100% ethanol

[@danssv8]

I stop when my boiler reaches 95 degrees Celsius and catch 4.5 litres from a 25lt batch and still end's with a 88abv. My wash is between 18 to 20 abv after fermentation.