Can you waste time searching misinformation on the web on brewing ?" Absolutely!" Can you just watch George for a few minutes and get useful powerful knowledge? "Aaaabsolutely!" Thanks George 👍
George, thank you so much for this. The timing is perfect for me, as far as getting all the "pieces of kit" ready. Special thanks for your explanation about the correct activated charcoal to use. That wipes out hours of misinformation and " 'ol boy knowledge" that isn't so good. I notice some people feel they need to do a lot of filtering of water for making a mash. However, your instructions in the "Beginner's" series, along with a pH meter answer those concerns. I'm lucky in having good water on tap - not the case for everyone, I know. I'm glad that PVC is OK for the filter column - large diameter copper or stainless steel is not readily available, and costs two arms and a leg for some pieces. Thank you, and as you always say, "Happy Distilling!"
I used to use such a filter contraption but years ago switched to the one you once recommended, a ZeroWater filter. Works fantastically with no mess, no need to prepare activated carbon which is messy and costly. The Zero comes with fill and catch tanks for about $35. The filter element is replaceable. Just have to run spirits through at less than 50%ABV (100 Proof). The Zero does not seem to affect flavors either. I love mine.
George the video's you've been doing are gold man. They have answered some good questions I've had and the comment question/answers are very helpful. To me this is about the best thing I found CZcams. The water chiller you came up with is a great idea. I been trying to come up with something similar to that since I've had more garage time lately. Keep it up brother your channel is great!
Yes, thank you so very much. Better to have it and not need it. Than to need it and not have it . Plus I learned something today from Professor George.
I was the guy in the back, but no worries I just watched it again ;) Thanks George, for blowing away the dogma and keeping it simple. And thanks for the metric references too..
Hello, George. Thanks for this. I said it before; I'll repeat it: your dedication to educating the crowds is beyond human. Thumbs up all the way. One suggestion, though: a part 3 to this video containing 1) actual demonstration of the process 2) coverage of the numerous questions I can read in the comments of part 1 and part 2. Cheers.
Hi George....this video has saved me $$$....I was on the point of buying a stainless steel filter but I'm going to make my own now. Thanks for posting this! And on the question of "should I filter or not".....yes..you should definitely filter your spirits. The improvement in flavour and quality is incredible. In fact, there's a lot to be said for filtering twice (you can use the same carbon) which will produce an even cleaner spirit. Just remember to cut the spirit down to below 50% as the activated carbon won't work above that level.
Thank you so much Sir, you have given a very nice n simple idea to make the filtering device, would love to see the device working in your next video..
George, I enjoy the benefits of your experience - saves a lot of errors! I came across the book on homebrewing and the link to about 30 odd pages on this filtration subject through brewhaus (I think). I built a 2" x 6' SS filter as that is what I had on hand. It holds the package of stone carbon and has room for a little reservoir of liquid above the bed. I may cut this down at some point - maybe not. I followed the manual on saturation of the carbon with ro water before introducing the product. My filtration is very slow and while waiting for the arrival at the bottom of the filter, held the SS pipe and notice something I have not seen mentioned. At the interface layer of the water and product, there was a band of heat about 2" high. I followed that down with my hand until it reached the outlet. The product had arrived!! I don't know if this is a one off on first run or will repeat on my next wash. I did note a clean switch from water to product at this point but, when flushing the product as described in the manual, there was enormous interchange. I ran the filtered product through my countertop air still to rid myself of the water re-introduced. I also don't know if this blending is normal. You did not mention this water "push" in this video so I would like to read your comments. I also use a Zero Water filter but find it keeps more than its fair share of product. Keep well George.
Congratulations on 80k subscribers my friend with informative videos like this 100k is right around the corner keep up the great work you make me a better distiller with each and every one of them and I've been doing this for over 50 years your help is greatly appreciated and always enjoyed. For all of you that are afraid to hit that subscribe button don't be I hit it over three years ago and comment on almost every video sometimes a few times and no one has come knocking on my door so hit the button and help our buddy George the king of home distilling get paid for all his hard work. And just for your information this Chuck never gets stuck there's always a solution to any problem. As alway #HappyDistilling and stay safe out there.
Hi George and thank you for the awesome videos, just in time as I’m looking for something better than what I have. What do we do to the filter in between runs to keep the activated carbon hydrated, would you just fill the filter with water and store it like that? Thank you once again for another awesome series
Thanks George, finished building my filter yesterday after watching this. The filter chamber holds 1100ml of liquid, so I add 1100ml of water to push the remaining spirit out of the charcoal. QUESTION: should the charcoal be removed and dried between use, or leave it there wet?
Hello George. You had a 2in SS filter that had been attached to a still in the video. Was the filter effective at a higher ABV, or did it start filtering effectively when the distillate was around 50%ABV or lower? Is it possible to polish 90%ABV, or is filtering primarily used to remove the fusal oils etc from the end of the run? Sorry for the late question. I fell asleep down the back 😀
Eliminate the 'wall effect' by adding a drain hose longer than the column that takes the spirit back up as high as the top of the carbon, then curves over to drain downward. This keeps the column full of spirit at all times so it has to pass through the mass of carbon, not sneak down the wall. As long at there is spirit in the reservoir or the top of the column above the end the the drain hose, the spirit will siphon through.
Good video. I've constructed something similar out of 5x15.5cm TC 304 stainless sight glass segments. At the top I have a connector for the garden hose (Hozelock) which I run through first until the water turns clear out the bottom (plus a couple of minutes). I know the carbon is cleaned and activated at that point. I then have a bucket that feeds the filter with my alcohol at
Andy Harris I do both. I use AC in a Still Spirits brand carbon filter “chamber” that’s about 2” round and 6” long, out of the still. Then it goes straight into a gallon jug, Demijohn, it has several names. When I’m ready to use it, I weigh 300 grams out into a 1 litre bottle, top it off with filtered water to 1 litre, which cuts 90-93% to 40%. I repeat this until I have all my 90% cut to 40%, because I have a personal rule that “Nothing leaves my house at more than 40%” Then I make sure my Brita cartridge is wet. Then pour in my 40%, 1 litre at a time. Pour it back into the gallon jug, and some flip-top 1 litre bottles. I write on them in permanent sharpie, 40% Filtered 2x, the date, and any other information. 93% will remove this “Permanent” sharpie from glass later. I can then use my 1 litre bottles for whatever flavour I choose to use later, and the gallon jug usually ends up in a 1 gallon oak barrel with 2x bottles of Still Spirits Rye flavouring. I also fill several crystal decanters, and label them in sharpie, AND draw a line at the fluid level to see how much “Decants” as this process can really smooth out the drink if you have the patience to leave it alone for 3 weeks or more. I have spent a year trying various things and have found this to be the most convenient and highest quality I can produce using a 25 litre dextrose ferment in a T500 reflux. I hope this helps, take what you need from this, but every step has a very good reason when you think about it. My rule of “Nothing leaves the house over 40% has come from feedback received on 60% ABV whiskeys I’ve given away where people are not used to such strong alcohol, and it is not smooth, burns, tastes awful to people not accustomed to “shine” Happy Distillin’
Ok. Many years ago, Chem. taught h20 + the oh bind instantaneously and quiet strongly. Please quick explain how your experiment produces differing results. Being you get a non-binding between the two in tube ingredients. Enjoy your show, thank you for answering in advance.
Thanks for the video George. I'm about to make one but couldn't quite work out how you trapped the mesh between the collar and screw in base. Is it just pushed in? What stops the weight of the charcoal dislodging it? thanks
Since that PVC pipe is either SCH40 or SCH80, is there any risk of the alcohol stripping the chemicals that are intended to harden that pipe from the elements for its specific intended use and then contaminating the product and potentially hurting the consumers medically? Just a respectful sincere question? Design is spectacular thought.... Same goes for any plastic contraption not specifically made for ethanol, like a gentleman that commented on him using a ZeroWater Filter.
How often do you need to regenerate the carbon? I know the heat treatment is basically to get rid of all the impurities and crap that builds up as they're filtered out of the ethanol.
What would happen if you filtered at 50% then reran it through the still to concentrate the spirit for long term storage? Would you still have to filter the spirit when you diluted back to 40% in the future?
Hi George, if I have got this right, filtering is more designed to filter impurities from sugar washes and not so much for grain mashes as it will strip the flavors from the grain. Am I right or wrong? Thanks for your dedication and time for making these videos.
I've finished making this per the video. I jist wonder if anyone else has finished one and used it. Haven't used mine yet but have worries about the flow rate. For the life of me I've yet to figure out an easy way to meter it as suggested. Have been to several hardware stores and yet to find a solution. The challenge of connecting the nipple to a valve is . Anyone have any ideas or suggestions. Thanks in advance.
Mine only cost 15 bucks, cos I did away with all that stuff on the bottom and just used a cap with a pinhole (in the spirit of constant innovation). No glue works a treat, just bang it together.
Hello everyone. I could not find the information about when should I refresh carbon. We have around 100 liters of vodka and I am wondering how will I know when is carbon exhausted? Would appreciate any help.
Hi George from the U.K.!! Did my build having watched your vids. Learned to TIG and did keg myself, built column and PID. First sugar wash came of at 90% ABV well pleased with myself lol. This vid is the last part of the process I need but can you clear up a discussion I often see which is can you filter high proof product? some say yes others say must be below 50% ABV which is fact??? Thanks in advance, keep up the good work!!!!
In order to keep the reservoir filled, I'm guessing you do not filter while distilling ? I thought I had heard contrary to that in the video. I too vote for a demo !!
From the first taste to establish what meth tasted like, it was same all the way through run ! Even kept a full jam jar back for heads. Used household sugar, and it's the chinese pot still George done a run with
Robert Villis Do NOT taste the methanol. Put it in a spoon and light it! It just smells like “Don’t drink this” Switch to dextrose, get a T500 reflux and use Still Spirits products, follow the instructions to the dot, including putting their carbon product in the wash, Turbo clear when it drops below 1000 or 9.90 or whatever your hydrometer reads, and use activated carbon / charcoal as it comes from the still and you will get perfect 90-93% alcohol with no foul taste. Follow the directions for the simplest thing you have available in your part of the world, don’t try making corn whiskey with rye and 6 row barley until you’ve mastered the basics. Then when you get bored with the commercial products, you can begin boiling your own mash & stuff. Sugar contains a lot of fillers and crap, almost sand. Just start with dextrose.
@@JesusisJesus Thanks a lot for info, I done burn test too, even on the jam jar tried later it is lovely blue. Only just got this still can't afford another, I do let the fermentation go right down to lowest reading, and racked off loads of times till completely clear, will have to try the dextrose sugar, and the next run I'm not putting the silly yellow balls in chamber
Can the activated carbon get rid or diminish the strong alcohol taste ? I brewed a 10% alcohol beer and I was wondering if I can use the carbon to fix it a bit. Thanks.
Very good video as usual. Please talk about the Brita filter -vs- this new filter. Advantages, disadvantages between the two filters. For small batch runs, is the Brita good enough or not. I realize that the bigger filter will be able to do much more and be more efficient at that than the Brita. Is there preperperation for the Brita filter? Thank you again for all that you do for this community.
Don't know about a Brita, but I've used a ZeroWater filter system for several years. George recommended it way back. The Zero has two tanks, one for fill and one for collection. It cost me like $35 and the filter element is replaceable. It is far away better than an activated carbon column. Activated charcoal is too messy to deal with and clean. The Zero is much better. Dump in your spirits and out comes a clean product. Just be sure you filter with a proof below 50% ABV (100 proof).
I use the E-Z water filter available at Mile High Distilling it cost a little more but will hold 3 gallons at a time and has a spigot which make bottling a snap.
Hi Sir, my ACF seems to strip some proof points out, it goes in 40% and comes out around 37%, does that sound right?. Thanks for all your help and tips.
I seem to remember reading something .... I am not sure where ... that the alcohol must be cut to below 50% ABV before running through the carbon filter else the process will not work. Could this requirement be because of the type of carbon they were using? I would certainly like to filter my raw distillate that is coming off the still at 95%.
Musty Ditch From Still Spirits maker of EZ Inline Filter- "Activated carbon is prepared in a manner which causes the carbon crystals to become porous and develop a very large surface area. One gram of activated carbon may have 500-1,500 m2 of internal surface area. This large surface area and the many internal pores in the carbon are able to adsorb many different chemical compounds including those which cause unwanted flavours in your spirit. The absorption process is very complex and depends on concentrations, molecular weight etc. In the case of alcoholic spirit, the process works best if the alcohol concentration is 50% or less. This is why we recommend adjusting the alcohol level before purification."
I posted on a moonshine group about making this pvc filter and got lit up about how the pvc would be a horrible choice as it would leach and the taste would be bad. Just wondering if someone has been using one for a while with success. I personally don’t believe there would be a problem. Just want to hear from someone who has one! And one more question I live in Canada and would like to know where to get the activated charcoal. Thanks
George is either very well-read and/or our boy has spent time working in the oil/gas or related chemical process engineering industry... You clever devil ;)
hiya George been watching a long time now. The only question I've ever had..... The thermometer , is it better to put into the liquid in still or in the vapor collector...?... I'm running a 5 gallon coppor still with a simple in line condenser. Thank you so much for what you do. Taking your time to teach and educate us. Massive kudos
The most important one is the thermometer at the top of the column where vapor flows into the condenser. I have one also in the boiler which is nice but not necessary. It lets me know what boiler temp is, and this is useful info in judging where things are at in a run so I don't let boiler temp get too high.
For those considering using a pvc pipe, it's generally advised against. Most plastics, including pvc contain plasticizers and other chemicals that aren't water soluble but are alcohol soluble. With high proof spirits, the safest bet would be a copper or stainless pipe for the filter. Otherwise very informative video George. Happy distilling.
I'm running an 8 gallon Mile Hi Still that generally puts out 92 -94% abv depending on the washes used(TFFV and Birdwatchers). The distillate comes out perfectly clear. When I water it down it becomes cloudy. I've tried using tap water, spring water and distilled water and ended up with the same results. It tastes fine. Will filtering remove this cloudiness?
After you have watered it down, you should filter it. George only shows the most simple way for this filter. Please look at this document of activated carbon. downloads.brewhaus.com/activated_book1.pdf
As a long time subscriber I am confused. In some of your earlier videos you highly recommended filtering with with a water filter (Britta type). Have followed that recommendation fairly religiously with quite good results. Now you are saying filter or maybe not. So I kind of confused. Could you please clarify. Love your videos and I appreciate the time you put in to them. Thank you George!!
I use a ZeroWater filter to run all my spirits through. It polishes without removing any flavors. Just be sure to run your spirits at less than 50% ABV. Works great with a lot less mess dealing with activated carbon.
@@rocketsroc Not really a question of if it works, as mine works great too. But why the change from regularly filtering his spirits as in earlier videos, as he stated it made them so much better, to do it if you want. Curious as to change in philosophy.
I think too many brewers put too much expectation in filtering. At best my experience has shown me it is helpful in polishing but its not going to do much to alter the flavor. Old time moonshiners used lump oak charcoal heaped atop an old felt hat in a funnel and let the shine drizzle through it out of the condenser. I use this technique too, but substitute two coffee filters for the old hat. Personally, l believe this and my ZeroWater filter are all one needs.
Old Testament vs. New. It's all in your technique Brother. I still use methods learned in some of the earliest videos as they worked very well for me then and still do.
George, you mentioned you were going to tell us how to regenerate this carbon so we can use it over and over again. Can you elaborate your comment on how to do this please
Sorry my friend. I don’t know what video your watching but I didn’t hear anything about how to clean after use so you can use the carbon over and over. If you can tell me at what time in the video I want to know. Thanks
Thanks for the vid. QUESTION: I only produce very small batches, about 2 quarts at a time. What are your thoughts on using a Brita for filtering small batches? If anyone else in this comment section has experience using Brita or reasons not to, please reply. thanks!
I've used it in the past with no problems. The whole point of the system is to filter the impurities from the water portion of the spirit. That's what a brita filter was made for. The only questionable part is they do not advertise the size of the activated carbon so we're not really sure if the carbon is optimal for spirits, but it's definitely optimal for water so I use it and see benefits with sugar recipes. PS, people have been using brita filters to make cheap store-bought whiskey taste better for a loooong time.
Don't know about a Brita, but I've used a ZeroWater filter system for several years. George recommended it way back. The Zero has two tanks, one for fill and one for collection. It cost me like $35 and the filter element is replaceable. It is far away better than an activated carbon column. Activated charcoal is too messy to deal with and clean. The Zero is much better. Dump in your spirits and out comes a clean product. Just be sure you filter with a proof below 50% ABV (100 proof).
Can you waste time searching misinformation on the web on brewing ?" Absolutely!" Can you just watch George for a few minutes and get useful powerful knowledge? "Aaaabsolutely!" Thanks George 👍
George, thank you so much for this. The timing is perfect for me, as far as getting all the "pieces of kit" ready. Special thanks for your explanation about the correct activated charcoal to use. That wipes out hours of misinformation and " 'ol boy knowledge" that isn't so good. I notice some people feel they need to do a lot of filtering of water for making a mash. However, your instructions in the "Beginner's" series, along with a pH meter answer those concerns. I'm lucky in having good water on tap - not the case for everyone, I know. I'm glad that PVC is OK for the filter column - large diameter copper or stainless steel is not readily available, and costs two arms and a leg for some pieces. Thank you, and as you always say, "Happy Distilling!"
Thank you very much George to be there for us, i will make my PVC filtering to day.
Thank you Professor Duncan, as usual job well done.
Happy Distilling
Adapt Improvise and Overcome
I used to use such a filter contraption but years ago switched to the one you once recommended, a ZeroWater filter. Works fantastically with no mess, no need to prepare activated carbon which is messy and costly. The Zero comes with fill and catch tanks for about $35. The filter element is replaceable. Just have to run spirits through at less than 50%ABV (100 Proof). The Zero does not seem to affect flavors either. I love mine.
Beautiful just beautiful exactly what we love and expect, god bless.
George the video's you've been doing are gold man. They have answered some good questions I've had and the comment question/answers are very helpful. To me this is about the best thing I found CZcams. The water chiller you came up with is a great idea. I been trying to come up with something similar to that since I've had more garage time lately. Keep it up brother your channel is great!
Yes, thank you so very much.
Better to have it and not need it.
Than to need it and not have it .
Plus I learned something today from Professor George.
I was the guy in the back, but no worries I just watched it again ;) Thanks George, for blowing away the dogma and keeping it simple. And thanks for the metric references too..
Thank you so much! Every one of your videos is solid gold
Sure beats running through a Britta! Thank you for this series! Gonna save me a lot of money!
Glad you like them!
Hello, George.
Thanks for this. I said it before; I'll repeat it: your dedication to educating the crowds is beyond human. Thumbs up all the way.
One suggestion, though: a part 3 to this video containing 1) actual demonstration of the process 2) coverage of the numerous questions I can read in the comments of part 1 and part 2.
Cheers.
Wow, thank you
I think I will do a part three.
Hi George....this video has saved me $$$....I was on the point of buying a stainless steel filter but I'm going to make my own now. Thanks for posting this!
And on the question of "should I filter or not".....yes..you should definitely filter your spirits. The improvement in flavour and quality is incredible. In fact, there's a lot to be said for filtering twice (you can use the same carbon) which will produce an even cleaner spirit. Just remember to cut the spirit down to below 50% as the activated carbon won't work above that level.
Thank you so much Sir, you have given a very nice n simple idea to make the filtering device, would love to see the device working in your next video..
Thanks Again George ! Wonderful video ..
George, I enjoy the benefits of your experience - saves a lot of errors! I came across the book on homebrewing and the link to about 30 odd pages on this filtration subject through brewhaus (I think). I built a 2" x 6' SS filter as that is what I had on hand. It holds the package of stone carbon and has room for a little reservoir of liquid above the bed. I may cut this down at some point - maybe not. I followed the manual on saturation of the carbon with ro water before introducing the product. My filtration is very slow and while waiting for the arrival at the bottom of the filter, held the SS pipe and notice something I have not seen mentioned. At the interface layer of the water and product, there was a band of heat about 2" high. I followed that down with my hand until it reached the outlet. The product had arrived!! I don't know if this is a one off on first run or will repeat on my next wash. I did note a clean switch from water to product at this point but, when flushing the product as described in the manual, there was enormous interchange. I ran the filtered product through my countertop air still to rid myself of the water re-introduced. I also don't know if this blending is normal. You did not mention this water "push" in this video so I would like to read your comments. I also use a Zero Water filter but find it keeps more than its fair share of product.
Keep well George.
Congratulations on 80k subscribers my friend with informative videos like this 100k is right around the corner keep up the great work you make me a better distiller with each and every one of them and I've been doing this for over 50 years your help is greatly appreciated and always enjoyed. For all of you that are afraid to hit that subscribe button don't be I hit it over three years ago and comment on almost every video sometimes a few times and no one has come knocking on my door so hit the button and help our buddy George the king of home distilling get paid for all his hard work. And just for your information this Chuck never gets stuck there's always a solution to any problem. As alway #HappyDistilling and stay safe out there.
Thank you brother .another dam good video like always have a bless day an stay safe family
Thank you very much George, you are the best !
Thank you every time i gave up on this you save me. I honor you thank you. Happy distilling!
Again very important . Saved us money.
Wow, this is super awesome. Thanks soooooo much for the lesson,,
Thank you George!
Great ideal George, thankyou
Hi George and thank you for the awesome videos, just in time as I’m looking for something better than what I have.
What do we do to the filter in between runs to keep the activated carbon hydrated, would you just fill the filter with water and store it like that?
Thank you once again for another awesome series
Great timing with the video, my carbon just arrived.
Thanks George, finished building my filter yesterday after watching this. The filter chamber holds 1100ml of liquid, so I add 1100ml of water to push the remaining spirit out of the charcoal. QUESTION: should the charcoal be removed and dried between use, or leave it there wet?
Excellant going to try that thanks
As usual George teaches so good. I don’t know if he was ever a college instructor. If not he should have been.
fab setup george
Great videos, Thanks,
Hello George. You had a 2in SS filter that had been attached to a still in the video. Was the filter effective at a higher ABV, or did it start filtering effectively when the distillate was around 50%ABV or lower? Is it possible to polish 90%ABV, or is filtering primarily used to remove the fusal oils etc from the end of the run?
Sorry for the late question. I fell asleep down the back 😀
Hi George thanks for the advice. Should I filter 96% ABV alcohol or already diluted 40% ABV?
I hope there is going to be a part 3 that tries to answer some of the questions people have posted for part 1 and 2.
Yep ! a part 3 would be nice. I think see it in action. And is there something about not filtering 94 % abv ??
Eliminate the 'wall effect' by adding a drain hose longer than the column that takes the spirit back up as high as the top of the carbon, then curves over to drain downward. This keeps the column full of spirit at all times so it has to pass through the mass of carbon, not sneak down the wall. As long at there is spirit in the reservoir or the top of the column above the end the the drain hose, the spirit will siphon through.
And your filter never runs dry. Genialt as we say in Norway
George can I use Black PVC 🤣 JK that was the best guy in the back question I could think of thanks for the awesom info
I have a milky distilate due to crappy water, do you guys think filtering it would clear that up or should it go back to the pot?
And again. Thank you for info.
Any time!
Nice!!
Good video. I've constructed something similar out of 5x15.5cm TC 304 stainless sight glass segments. At the top I have a connector for the garden hose (Hozelock) which I run through first until the water turns clear out the bottom (plus a couple of minutes). I know the carbon is cleaned and activated at that point. I then have a bucket that feeds the filter with my alcohol at
Andy Harris I do both. I use AC in a Still Spirits brand carbon filter “chamber” that’s about 2” round and 6” long, out of the still.
Then it goes straight into a gallon jug, Demijohn, it has several names.
When I’m ready to use it, I weigh 300 grams out into a 1 litre bottle, top it off with filtered water to 1 litre, which cuts 90-93% to 40%.
I repeat this until I have all my 90% cut to 40%, because I have a personal rule that “Nothing leaves my house at more than 40%”
Then I make sure my Brita cartridge is wet. Then pour in my 40%, 1 litre at a time. Pour it back into the gallon jug, and some flip-top 1 litre bottles.
I write on them in permanent sharpie, 40% Filtered 2x, the date, and any other information. 93% will remove this “Permanent” sharpie from glass later.
I can then use my 1 litre bottles for whatever flavour I choose to use later, and the gallon jug usually ends up in a 1 gallon oak barrel with 2x bottles of Still Spirits Rye flavouring.
I also fill several crystal decanters, and label them in sharpie, AND draw a line at the fluid level to see how much “Decants” as this process can really smooth out the drink if you have the patience to leave it alone for 3 weeks or more.
I have spent a year trying various things and have found this to be the most convenient and highest quality I can produce using a 25 litre dextrose ferment in a T500 reflux.
I hope this helps, take what you need from this, but every step has a very good reason when you think about it.
My rule of “Nothing leaves the house over 40% has come from feedback received on 60% ABV whiskeys I’ve given away where people are not used to such strong alcohol, and it is not smooth, burns, tastes awful to people not accustomed to “shine”
Happy Distillin’
Ok. Many years ago, Chem. taught h20 + the oh bind instantaneously and quiet strongly.
Please quick explain how your experiment produces differing results. Being you get a non-binding between the two in tube ingredients.
Enjoy your show, thank you for answering in advance.
Thanks for the video George. I'm about to make one but couldn't quite work out how you trapped the mesh between the collar and screw in base. Is it just pushed in? What stops the weight of the charcoal dislodging it? thanks
I would love to know that answer too
Since that PVC pipe is either SCH40 or SCH80, is there any risk of the alcohol stripping the chemicals that are intended to harden that pipe from the elements for its specific intended use and then contaminating the product and potentially hurting the consumers medically? Just a respectful sincere question? Design is spectacular thought.... Same goes for any plastic contraption not specifically made for ethanol, like a gentleman that commented on him using a ZeroWater Filter.
Is it possible to get specs & measurements & parts list for the filter
Damn, this is just what I need. I can't distill in Finland, but I can make sugar wash. Running it through similar system to remove the flavors.
We “can’t “ distill in America either 😏
How often do you need to regenerate the carbon? I know the heat treatment is basically to get rid of all the impurities and crap that builds up as they're filtered out of the ethanol.
Maybe you answered this question but I missed it. I only get a few quarts per run. Won't I lose a good bit of my product during this filtration?
What would happen if you filtered at 50% then reran it through the still to concentrate the spirit for long term storage? Would you still have to filter the spirit when you diluted back to 40% in the future?
Hi George, if I have got this right, filtering is more designed to filter impurities from sugar washes and not so much for grain mashes as it will strip the flavors from the grain. Am I right or wrong? Thanks for your dedication and time for making these videos.
Works well.
What is the tri clamp fitting on thr bottom with thr valve on called? Cant seem to find one!
Great video George!
Glad you enjoyed it
If I only have a calling to filter are you saying I should start adding water to it to keep the flow going? This confuses me
I've finished making this per the video. I jist wonder if anyone else has finished one and used it. Haven't used mine yet but have worries about the flow rate. For the life of me I've yet to figure out an easy way to meter it as suggested. Have been to several hardware stores and yet to find a solution. The challenge of connecting the nipple to a valve is . Anyone have any ideas or suggestions. Thanks in advance.
Very informative, thank you.
Glad it was helpful!
Mine only cost 15 bucks, cos I did away with all that stuff on the bottom and just used a cap with a pinhole (in the spirit of constant innovation). No glue works a treat, just bang it together.
Hello everyone. I could not find the information about when should I refresh carbon. We have around 100 liters of vodka and I am wondering how will I know when is carbon exhausted? Would appreciate any help.
can I use bbq charcoal for the filter? thank you very much for all the videos you have been making. I have been learning lots!
No
Can you add parts list please!!!
Hi George from the U.K.!! Did my build having watched your vids. Learned to TIG and did keg myself, built column and PID. First sugar wash came of at 90% ABV well pleased with myself lol. This vid is the last part of the process I need but can you clear up a discussion I often see which is can you filter high proof product? some say yes others say must be below 50% ABV which is fact??? Thanks in advance, keep up the good work!!!!
You can filter high proof.
Excellent and thanks for the speedy reply 👍
How often should you regenerate the carbon?
In order to keep the reservoir filled, I'm guessing you do not filter while distilling ? I thought I had heard contrary to that in the video. I too vote for a demo !!
Great video. And did anyone else notice his coffee cup. It says. ( never take a sleeping pull and a laxative at the same time
Never take a sleeping pill and laxative at the same time
How much alcohol would you run through your filter system before you regenerated your carbon
Would this work for beer? Seltzers ect?
Thanks again George, will try this and hope it takes the funny aste away, happy distilling 👍👍
May I ask about said "funny taste"?
Yeah, what “funny taste” are you getting?
Are you fermenting dextrose, sugar or grains?
Pot or reflux still?
From the first taste to establish what meth tasted like, it was same all the way through run ! Even kept a full jam jar back for heads.
Used household sugar, and it's the chinese pot still George done a run with
Robert Villis Do NOT taste the methanol. Put it in a spoon and light it!
It just smells like “Don’t drink this”
Switch to dextrose, get a T500 reflux and use Still Spirits products, follow the instructions to the dot, including putting their carbon product in the wash, Turbo clear when it drops below 1000 or 9.90 or whatever your hydrometer reads, and use activated carbon / charcoal as it comes from the still and you will get perfect 90-93% alcohol with no foul taste.
Follow the directions for the simplest thing you have available in your part of the world, don’t try making corn whiskey with rye and 6 row barley until you’ve mastered the basics. Then when you get bored with the commercial products, you can begin boiling your own mash & stuff.
Sugar contains a lot of fillers and crap, almost sand. Just start with dextrose.
@@JesusisJesus Thanks a lot for info, I done burn test too, even on the jam jar tried later it is lovely blue.
Only just got this still can't afford another, I do let the fermentation go right down to lowest reading, and racked off loads of times till completely clear, will have to try the dextrose sugar, and the next run I'm not putting the silly yellow balls in chamber
The carbon heats up quite a lot when you add a liquid to it for the first time. Go stainless!
Can the activated carbon get rid or diminish the strong alcohol taste ? I brewed a 10% alcohol beer and I was wondering if I can use the carbon to fix it a bit. Thanks.
Then you are defeating they purpose of an imperial
Very good video as usual. Please talk about the Brita filter -vs- this new filter. Advantages, disadvantages between the two filters. For small batch runs, is the Brita good enough or not. I realize that the bigger filter will be able to do much more and be more efficient at that than the Brita. Is there preperperation for the Brita filter? Thank you again for all that you do for this community.
Don't know about a Brita, but I've used a ZeroWater filter system for several years. George recommended it way back. The Zero has two tanks, one for fill and one for collection. It cost me like $35 and the filter element is replaceable. It is far away better than an activated carbon column. Activated charcoal is too messy to deal with and clean. The Zero is much better. Dump in your spirits and out comes a clean product. Just be sure you filter with a proof below 50% ABV (100 proof).
@@rocketsroc I don't know why I said Brita, but I use a ZeroWater unit. I do dilute to 50% before filtering. Thanks for the reply.
Great suggestion!
I use the E-Z water filter available at Mile High Distilling it cost a little more but will hold 3 gallons at a time and has a spigot which make bottling a snap.
Hi Sir, my ACF seems to strip some proof points out, it goes in 40% and comes out around 37%, does that sound right?. Thanks for all your help and tips.
Sure does. This is normal
You are a very wise man Indeed. My question is can I put a coffee filter on the end of my charcoal filter???
Absolutely
I seem to remember reading something .... I am not sure where ... that the alcohol must be cut to below 50% ABV before running through the carbon filter else the process will not work. Could this requirement be because of the type of carbon they were using? I would certainly like to filter my raw distillate that is coming off the still at 95%.
Musty Ditch
From Still Spirits maker of EZ Inline Filter-
"Activated carbon is prepared in a manner which causes the carbon crystals to become porous and develop a very large surface area. One gram of activated carbon may have 500-1,500 m2 of internal surface area. This large surface area and the many internal pores in the carbon are able to adsorb many different chemical compounds including those which cause unwanted flavours in your spirit. The absorption process is very complex and depends on concentrations, molecular weight etc. In the case of alcoholic spirit, the process works best if the alcohol concentration is 50% or less. This is why we recommend adjusting the alcohol level before purification."
Rick Morris in his book the Joy of Home Distilling recommends 55% as a Maximum.
@@morse2279 I bet that is where I read it ... I have his book on home distilling.
@@mustyditch4703
lf memory serves me correct didnt the G Still filter straight from the Condenser.
Maybe worth a look at their Charcoal.
@@morse2279 Yes I think you are correct. Great idea. Hahaha!!! Thank you.
"and that shall set you free"
#moonshinemessiah
#disciplesofgeorge
Can I use black abs pipe?
You can buy sanitary pipe / tri-clamp pipe made out of stainless steel for not that much money. It's the ideal stuff.
I posted on a moonshine group about making this pvc filter and got lit up about how the pvc would be a horrible choice as it would leach and the taste would be bad. Just wondering if someone has been using one for a while with success. I personally don’t believe there would be a problem. Just want to hear from someone who has one! And one more question I live in Canada and would like to know where to get the activated charcoal. Thanks
👌
You say to keep a constant flow. So you can't pour a gallon in if that is all that you have and let it do it's thing?
George is either very well-read and/or our boy has spent time working in the oil/gas or related chemical process engineering industry... You clever devil ;)
hiya George been watching a long time now. The only question I've ever had..... The thermometer , is it better to put into the liquid in still or in the vapor collector...?... I'm running a 5 gallon coppor still with a simple in line condenser.
Thank you so much for what you do. Taking your time to teach and educate us. Massive kudos
The most important one is the thermometer at the top of the column where vapor flows into the condenser. I have one also in the boiler which is nice but not necessary. It lets me know what boiler temp is, and this is useful info in judging where things are at in a run so I don't let boiler temp get too high.
Exactly what Skyhook said.
I thought so. Just double checking guys. Thank you
Isn't there a big taste difference between coconut, bamboo, & hardwood charcoal/carbon?
And were do you find 1.5 lb bags....
For those considering using a pvc pipe, it's generally advised against. Most plastics, including pvc contain plasticizers and other chemicals that aren't water soluble but are alcohol soluble. With high proof spirits, the safest bet would be a copper or stainless pipe for the filter. Otherwise very informative video George. Happy distilling.
How much activated carbon does this size filter hold?
I seem to be getting too much dilution I don't understand I'm starting at 180 proof and it is coming out 150
I'm running an 8 gallon Mile Hi Still that generally puts out 92 -94% abv depending on the washes used(TFFV and Birdwatchers). The distillate comes out perfectly clear. When I water it down it becomes cloudy. I've tried using tap water, spring water and distilled water and ended up with the same results. It tastes fine. Will filtering remove this cloudiness?
Remember to add whiskey to water...doing so slowly will reduce chance of water clouding.
After you have watered it down, you should filter it. George only shows the most simple way for this filter. Please look at this document of activated carbon. downloads.brewhaus.com/activated_book1.pdf
There is a video from George that cloudiness is possible caused by distilling too far into the tails. Try stopping sooner and see if that helps.
water will not mix with etanol ?
Will this work with wine?
Question. Does the carbon filter out any glycerin you may have put in the spirit.
Glycerin should be added at proofing and bottling time Sir.
@@ShinerShane That doesn't answer my question. I know when glycerin should be added. I want to know if the carbon takes it out?
@@77TAK - My guess is that it would. It may gum up the pores however so wouldnt do it.
What are the benefit of filtering
I am awake! I was just resting my eyes!
so activated ch.coal doesnt heat up at the start? if so,you CANNOT USE ANY PLASTIC.
Can you list the items plz so I can send to the shop for pickup please thanks
As a long time subscriber I am confused. In some of your earlier videos you highly recommended filtering with with a water filter (Britta type). Have followed that recommendation fairly religiously with quite good results.
Now you are saying filter or maybe not. So I kind of confused. Could you please clarify.
Love your videos and I appreciate the time you put in to them.
Thank you George!!
I use a ZeroWater filter to run all my spirits through. It polishes without removing any flavors. Just be sure to run your spirits at less than 50% ABV. Works great with a lot less mess dealing with activated carbon.
My Britta works great.
@@rocketsroc Not really a question of if it works, as mine works great too. But why the change from regularly filtering his spirits as in earlier videos, as he stated it made them so much better, to do it if you want.
Curious as to change in philosophy.
I think too many brewers put too much expectation in filtering. At best my experience has shown me it is helpful in polishing but its not going to do much to alter the flavor. Old time moonshiners used lump oak charcoal heaped atop an old felt hat in a funnel and let the shine drizzle through it out of the condenser. I use this technique too, but substitute two coffee filters for the old hat. Personally, l believe this and my ZeroWater filter are all one needs.
Old Testament vs. New. It's all in your technique Brother. I still use methods learned in some of the earliest videos as they worked very well for me then and still do.
George, you mentioned you were going to tell us how to regenerate this carbon so we can use it over and over again. Can you elaborate your comment on how to do this please
It's mentioned at the end of the video.
Sorry my friend. I don’t know what video your watching but I didn’t hear anything about how to clean after use so you can use the carbon over and over. If you can tell me at what time in the video I want to know. Thanks
@@dennisolden542 Dear Dennis
George has added a text at the end of record (time 14:30) and explained the carbon regeneration.
Got it. Thanks I turned it of right at the end. I should have let it play. Thanks again
Can you or should you filter after oak aging, or will this strip the color you have worked and waited so long to create as well as the flavors
Hi Jason. It will partally strip the flavor.
The whol purpose of the filter is to remove impurities. That includes esters/taste/color from your oak aging.
George just for future reference I am in ENGLAND
Thanks for the vid. QUESTION: I only produce very small batches, about 2 quarts at a time. What are your thoughts on using a Brita for filtering small batches? If anyone else in this comment section has experience using Brita or reasons not to, please reply. thanks!
I've used it in the past with no problems. The whole point of the system is to filter the impurities from the water portion of the spirit. That's what a brita filter was made for. The only questionable part is they do not advertise the size of the activated carbon so we're not really sure if the carbon is optimal for spirits, but it's definitely optimal for water so I use it and see benefits with sugar recipes. PS, people have been using brita filters to make cheap store-bought whiskey taste better for a loooong time.
Don't know about a Brita, but I've used a ZeroWater filter system for several years. George recommended it way back. The Zero has two tanks, one for fill and one for collection. It cost me like $35 and the filter element is replaceable. It is far away better than an activated carbon column. Activated charcoal is too messy to deal with and clean. The Zero is much better. Dump in your spirits and out comes a clean product. Just be sure you filter with a proof below 50% ABV (100 proof).
@@drfroglegs Thanks for input!
@@rocketsroc Thanks for your response! What does the Zero use as a filtration media? I will do some research thanks.
I don't believe you can get away without glue on your PVC reservoir. Please let us know if it doesn't.
Time to replace my "soda bottle" filters....lol
We're you a math or history teacher?