Thank-you for a very informative video. I appreciate your using metric and imperial measures, as so many US-based distillers tend to forget what the rest of the world uses! :-)
Ran across one of your videos today, watched it, subscribed and now I'm going to watch every video you've made on this channel until I get through them all. I really want to learn how to brew as a hobby.
@@soundsnags2001 i did get one I think it was worth it but you definitely need the pot still head to get any flavor out of the mash it strips everything but you'll get 90 92% alcohol fairly easy. They have the flavoring I haven't tried but I've got a pot still aswell for my second run. They do sell the potstill head but its almost as expensive as the whole unit I couldn't bring myself to buy it but I'd imagine it works well. All in all if you want to make some dirt cheap alcohol with basically no flavor other than alcohol its plug and play anyone could do it worry free more less.
@@Sean-John nice - thanks for sharing your experience. I think I'm gonna get one tonight. Might get the alembic dome instead of the t500 but not entirely sure.
At around 5:20 you said that you collected the "first 250mls, uh the first 200mls" then right afterwards you say "that's the first two ounces". I'm assuming that that was just a brain fart.
Wow you have great videos and they are very informative. I have the Turbo 500 copper condenser on a copper alembic dome on my anvil foundry. You run your condenser and state that your cooling water should be around 55 degrees c. I can't get my distillate to condense at that low of a temp. I get a good steady stream at around 70-72 degrees c. I get 180 proof distillate. Why does mine need to run so much hotter? Is it because of the dome?
Hi George My T500 has atemp sensor at the5 top of the column as well as the outlet hose......any point in this Ran my still yesterday had a terible result...so back to the drawing board Thanks
At 5;30 minute you say discard the first 200 or 250 ml or 2 ounces. There is about 30 ml in an ounce so, I assume you meant 2 ounces? Is this needed for pure sugar washes ?
Hi George i try to run my 500 at 55 c but was dripping none than i increased to 65 c was just really little drops than i increased to 70 - 72 c (reflex copper was filled, i didnt change anything) and looks running normal 188 proof , i am confused because it recommends 55-65 C but spirit wont coming on that -C thank you for helping..
Just watched your video on the T500 and from your video it sounds like you don't have to worry about the tail using the T500 I've never distilled anything I am a home brewing have been for years and I'm wanting to expand my experience
Thank you for all the work that you put in, your videos are extremely helpful! I have a question about the T500, is it possible to connect the condenser to a recirculating chiller? I am asking as I already have one and was thinking that condensation would be more efficient with significantly less waste by using a chiller. Thanks!
Hello George, great video!! I've been a subscriber for a while now. I just recently purchased a t500 still and I'm currently running a wash. I'm having trouble keeping the temps at a constant rate. Keeps fluctuating up and down when I adjust it. I adjust up a small amount and it keeps rising. I adjust it down and it keeps going down. It wont stay at one constant temperature. Any advice? I am on a well but no one is using the water right now. Thanks.
I'm also on a well and worry about the difference in water pressure going to the still. I have a pressure tank in my basement for my well, I can hear it kick on every couple minutes when running water. When it kicks on there is a noticeable change in water pressure. I think I am going to run a recirculating water system on mine and bypass my in home water system all together.
@@kyleweiss I got a small submersible pump after, I just stuck it in a 5 gallon bucket and I let my garden hose trickle into the bucket to keep the water at a constant level. I hardly have to adjust the flow rate now, much better way to do it.
been looking at the different types of stills, prices, the ease of use and less dangerous to make own spirits for myself. the turbo 500 seams to be the best for what i am looking for and pretty safe to use indoors? i would look to use outside on my back enclosed porch however coming to wi winter, will it work in 20 something degrees? i would also look to use the pump to recirculate condenser water.
Not sure I would operate this in 20 degree temps. You may be better off moving the operation indoors if possible. It will work but it will be fighting the drop in ambient temperature and working overtime to keep itself running.
Have you ever used a water distiller? Once the distillate gets below 60% it starts having a funky smell? Have you ever experienced this? What is the reason for it? Is it safe to consume? And what can you do to remove it?
+SuperRamy21 Water distiller and spirit distillers are virtually the same. The distillate will start to have an odor and and pungent taste nearer the end of the run. This is due tot the introduction of what we call tails (not suitable for drinking because of the taste), Distillers split their runs into three (sometimes four)categories; fore-shots, heads, hearts and tails. Some will skip the heads portion and not cut them out at all. The first 2 ounces (fore-shots) are tossed since it is usually methanol and poisonous in large quantities plus it smells and tastes horrible. This happens at 145 degrees F, so it happens all by itself. Heads are the first part of the run that is high proof and somewhat hot (burning the throat), hearts is the body of the run and accounts for the largest portion (this is the desired cut made by many). The tails are full of fusil oils and by products caused by the separation and high heat. They have a bad order and taste. These are normally saved to spike follow on batches where the alcohol content is higher and the oils separate easier. If you allow tails to mix with your hearts they will contaminate it with a funky taste and can also add a funky smell. Another thing that causes this to happen is running the still too fast and at a temperature that is too high. Hope this answers your question George
+Barley and Hops thanks for the response! Yea the only difference between the two would be that you cannot control the temperature of the water distiller as it is fixed at 100 C. Are the fusel oils toxic to consume?
+SuperRamy21 Put a controller on your water distiller and control the temp with that. It should work just fine. May be a little difficult to learn how to adjust it but at least you can use it.
@@BarleyandHopsBrewing Just to add that the power controller should only be attached to the boiler part of the distiller and the "head" attached directly to the mains - I ran one of these for a couple of years and got quite adequate results.
I like your videos and find them very helpful. The Turbo 500 looks like a great still and will most likely be my next purchase. But for now I'm stuck with the turbo air still and was curious if you are going to make video about it? More specifically running your own wash/mash through (not their sugar wash) and when to make your heads, hearts, and tails cuts.
I went from the Air still to the T500 and there no comparison. The T500 gives better, stronger and cleaner results. By the time you used it a few times to get comfortable with it, you can set and forget. 94% ABV when output temp maintained at 50degC. 25 litres of mash gives 4.5 - 4.8 litres of distilate. ( find it depends on the yeast rather than sugar. I use 2kg turbo sugar, 6kg standard white sugar and no.6 turbo yeast. I run 4 mash buckets and still about one a week. Mash as bee left for as long as 60 days and gives a little extra product but generally I find it's all done and dusted by week 3.
George, Great videos. My first run with a T500 with copper dome and reflux. I couldnt control the heat, It maxed out at 94 C. I had my tap turned on full. Any ideas would be greatly appreciated.
Do you sell a thermal blanket for the T500 and do you sell it? I figured they had to make one. When running the T500 for long periods of time, the btu saved would be considerable!
+ethomp3899 It's amazing isn't it? I even removed some of the rashing sing and copper saddles to decrease proof and increase flavor and it worked great. I reduced the proof to 160 and increased the flavor two-fold. George
I get approximately 15 to 25ml from a 6gal. Sugar wash Run, which i discard. Then i collect the next 250ml as heads which i keep and will redistill when I have enough.
I don't believe that the still can produce no "Tails" please elaborate as all runs have foreshots, heads, hearts and tails.. I would be worried about drinking that. could you please explain how they or you claim that is possible?
George, thank you for responding but please elaborate as I want to know how the still will produce no tails if it’s run properly.. that to me is like saying if I run my pot still properly I will produce no tails.. and we all know that’s not true sir. I’m just trying to wrap my head around how the T500 runs so as not to produce tails
It wouldn't be filterd (normally) but would be allowed to "clear", that is the yeast would be allowed to settle out either by time, or clearing agents.
5 Kg Sugar + 15 Litres Water Distilling by ( 50 Litres Iron Drum ) Condenser 18 Feat Copper Pipe 1/2 Half . First Drops Alcohol After Time🕒2 Hour's . Very Long Time . Please Guide Me .
+cmoran80 The wash I used for the video is very simple. I used 5 gallons of water, 12 Lbs of corn sugar, 2OZ of yeast nutrient and 2 table spoons of distillers yeast. Table sugar will work as well (same amount). I used this quick wash recipe because my intent was to filter, age and flavor the neutral spirit afterwards. It was very satisfying and I have done this a few more times since then. If you use table sugar you will need to heat the water so the sugar dissolves. Corn sugar doesn't require this. If you don't have yeast nutrient toss in a 6OZ can of tomato paste. Hope this helps George
I bought the turbo 500 and am very disappointed uts not as simple as they6 say it is and i went back to grain and glass in Winnipeg and asked what i was doing wrong that if i run it like they say on you tube between 50 and 65 thats a big lie it would take and did take 14 hours to make 3.5 liters why dont people just speak the truth instead of leading them on like all these vidios that are a buch of lies on you tube its a piece of shit compared to my old still with a coil in a 5 gallon pail to cool of and have a constant flow instead of a drip drip drip and then nothing for 10 minutes VERY DISAPOINTED
I purchased my T500 a month ago.
Love it!!! It is super easy to use!!!
Thank-you for a very informative video. I appreciate your using metric and imperial measures, as so many US-based distillers tend to forget what the rest of the world uses! :-)
Ran across one of your videos today, watched it, subscribed and now I'm going to watch every video you've made on this channel until I get through them all. I really want to learn how to brew as a hobby.
Running my first...drip drip drip pour. Going smooth thanks George
I am running my first and completely unable to keep the temp down with the water jacket cooling system. Any suggestions?
Andrew, we can definitely do a video on the air still. Thanks
I see this is an older video but I just ordered my t500 I feel very confident after watching George's videos..
Was it worth buying im planning on buying one tomorrow morning
@@Sean-Johndid you get one Sean? Was it worth it?
@@soundsnags2001 i did get one I think it was worth it but you definitely need the pot still head to get any flavor out of the mash it strips everything but you'll get 90 92% alcohol fairly easy. They have the flavoring I haven't tried but I've got a pot still aswell for my second run. They do sell the potstill head but its almost as expensive as the whole unit I couldn't bring myself to buy it but I'd imagine it works well. All in all if you want to make some dirt cheap alcohol with basically no flavor other than alcohol its plug and play anyone could do it worry free more less.
@@Sean-John nice - thanks for sharing your experience. I think I'm gonna get one tonight. Might get the alembic dome instead of the t500 but not entirely sure.
Love your videos
Im sure they are good but Pricey here in Australia nearly $400 just for the condensor, i think i will make one and it will be a fun project aswell.
I hope you do a video on the flavouring and sampling of your product!
So quick question, you dont need to do cuts? Heads harts tails.
At around 5:20 you said that you collected the "first 250mls, uh the first 200mls" then right afterwards you say "that's the first two ounces".
I'm assuming that that was just a brain fart.
Hi. Do you end up with a lot of liquid in the still at the end of your run? I too have the T500z
Wow you have great videos and they are very informative. I have the Turbo 500 copper condenser on a copper alembic dome on my anvil foundry. You run your condenser and state that your cooling water should be around 55 degrees c. I can't get my distillate to condense at that low of a temp. I get a good steady stream at around 70-72 degrees c. I get 180 proof distillate. Why does mine need to run so much hotter? Is it because of the dome?
Thanks for the video George. Can you explain how there are no tails??
Hi George
My T500 has atemp sensor at the5 top of the column as well as the outlet hose......any point in this
Ran my still yesterday had a terible result...so back to the drawing board
Thanks
Hi George. I just bought a Turbo 500. Was wondering if you could use a PDI with it? So I could resurculate the water.
Thank you from OzTralia George
I love your cupboards. very nice. (Also great videos but you knew that :P)
this is the place to be, you have my attention sir.
At 5;30 minute you say discard the first 200 or 250 ml or 2 ounces. There is about 30 ml in an ounce so, I assume you meant 2 ounces? Is this needed for pure sugar washes ?
Yes
Love the demo and the math! Seriously took the fear out of the process.
Is it always the first 250 ml for 5 gallons. I'm nervous to think about ever trying this!
Thanks George
no. the Parrott does nothing to affect quantity or quality
Hi George i try to run my 500 at 55 c but was dripping none than i increased to 65 c was just really little drops
than i increased to 70 - 72 c (reflex copper was filled, i didnt change anything) and looks running normal 188 proof , i am confused because it recommends 55-65 C but spirit wont coming on that -C thank you for helping..
Same as mine. Running at the recommended temp it's so slow.
So you guys were running at much higher temps? I think mine fizzled out and just nothing happening at even 65 Celsius.
Can't wait to try this out
Just watched your video on the T500 and from your video it sounds like you don't have to worry about the tail using the T500 I've never distilled anything I am a home brewing have been for years and I'm wanting to expand my experience
Do you sell the parrot and a proof hydrometer for it?
Thank you for all the work that you put in, your videos are extremely helpful! I have a question about the T500, is it possible to connect the condenser to a recirculating chiller? I am asking as I already have one and was thinking that condensation would be more efficient with significantly less waste by using a chiller. Thanks!
Hello George, great video!! I've been a subscriber for a while now. I just recently purchased a t500 still and I'm currently running a wash. I'm having trouble keeping the temps at a constant rate. Keeps fluctuating up and down when I adjust it. I adjust up a small amount and it keeps rising. I adjust it down and it keeps going down. It wont stay at one constant temperature. Any advice? I am on a well but no one is using the water right now. Thanks.
I'm also on a well and worry about the difference in water pressure going to the still. I have a pressure tank in my basement for my well, I can hear it kick on every couple minutes when running water. When it kicks on there is a noticeable change in water pressure. I think I am going to run a recirculating water system on mine and bypass my in home water system all together.
@@kyleweiss I got a small submersible pump after, I just stuck it in a 5 gallon bucket and I let my garden hose trickle into the bucket to keep the water at a constant level. I hardly have to adjust the flow rate now, much better way to do it.
On a well what do I need to maintain water flow
Would you still recommend the turbo 500 for a first time distiller>. What to make sugar wash, maybe some moonshine , gin, rum ,voodka.
Just got one done first wash yesterday .
Coming from a small air still the t500 is amazing .
Easy to use just follow the instructions.
been looking at the different types of stills, prices, the ease of use and less dangerous to make own spirits for myself. the turbo 500 seams to be the best for what i am looking for and pretty safe to use indoors? i would look to use outside on my back enclosed porch however coming to wi winter, will it work in 20 something degrees? i would also look to use the pump to recirculate condenser water.
Not sure I would operate this in 20 degree temps. You may be better off moving the operation indoors if possible. It will work but it will be fighting the drop in ambient temperature and working overtime to keep itself running.
Have you ever used a water distiller? Once the distillate gets below 60% it starts having a funky smell? Have you ever experienced this? What is the reason for it? Is it safe to consume? And what can you do to remove it?
+SuperRamy21 Water distiller and spirit distillers are virtually the same. The distillate will start to have an odor and and pungent taste nearer the end of the run. This is due tot the introduction of what we call tails (not suitable for drinking because of the taste), Distillers split their runs into three (sometimes four)categories; fore-shots, heads, hearts and tails. Some will skip the heads portion and not cut them out at all. The first 2 ounces (fore-shots) are tossed since it is usually methanol and poisonous in large quantities plus it smells and tastes horrible. This happens at 145 degrees F, so it happens all by itself. Heads are the first part of the run that is high proof and somewhat hot (burning the throat), hearts is the body of the run and accounts for the largest portion (this is the desired cut made by many). The tails are full of fusil oils and by products caused by the separation and high heat. They have a bad order and taste. These are normally saved to spike follow on batches where the alcohol content is higher and the oils separate easier.
If you allow tails to mix with your hearts they will contaminate it with a funky taste and can also add a funky smell. Another thing that causes this to happen is running the still too fast and at a temperature that is too high.
Hope this answers your question
George
+Barley and Hops thanks for the response! Yea the only difference between the two would be that you cannot control the temperature of the water distiller as it is fixed at 100 C. Are the fusel oils toxic to consume?
+SuperRamy21 Yes they could be toxic. They taste horrible,
George
+SuperRamy21 Put a controller on your water distiller and control the temp with that. It should work just fine. May be a little difficult to learn how to adjust it but at least you can use it.
@@BarleyandHopsBrewing Just to add that the power controller should only be attached to the boiler part of the distiller and the "head" attached directly to the mains - I ran one of these for a couple of years and got quite adequate results.
I like your videos and find them very helpful. The Turbo 500 looks like a great still and will most likely be my next purchase. But for now I'm stuck with the turbo air still and was curious if you are going to make video about it? More specifically running your own wash/mash through (not their sugar wash) and when to make your heads, hearts, and tails cuts.
I went from the Air still to the T500 and there no comparison. The T500 gives better, stronger and cleaner results. By the time you used it a few times to get comfortable with it, you can set and forget. 94% ABV when output temp maintained at 50degC. 25 litres of mash gives 4.5 - 4.8 litres of distilate. ( find it depends on the yeast rather than sugar. I use 2kg turbo sugar, 6kg standard white sugar and no.6 turbo yeast. I run 4 mash buckets and still about one a week. Mash as bee left for as long as 60 days and gives a little extra product but generally I find it's all done and dusted by week 3.
One question--- What was the proof reading in the parrot when the T 500 stopped producing Ethanol?????
Sorry can't remember that far back. If it quits producing ethanol then there would be no proof reading.
George, Great videos. My first run with a T500 with copper dome and reflux. I couldnt control the heat, It maxed out at 94 C. I had my tap turned on full. Any ideas would be greatly appreciated.
You probably haven't enough water pressure, the manufacturer of the T500 have a good pump with control on their website.
@@herand82 Thank You, the water coming from the outlet was very cold.
@@herand82 The pump is "JUNK"
What would be your recommended set up to make rum
A pot still
Do you sell a thermal blanket for the T500 and do you sell it? I figured they had to make one. When running the T500 for long periods of time, the btu saved would be considerable!
I am not aware of any thermal blanket for the T500.
62C 188-190p🤗🤗
+ethomp3899 It's amazing isn't it? I even removed some of the rashing sing and copper saddles to decrease proof and increase flavor and it worked great. I reduced the proof to 160 and increased the flavor two-fold.
George
Going the other way, 50C, 95ABV, flavorless. Adds an hour or so.
What's your pricing on the copper turbo t500 still
Curious if I will have to worry about methanol if I only use a sugar wash with no grain or fruit.
Little to none.
Barley and Hops Brewing I read that over 68 celsius you get methanol
I get approximately 15 to 25ml from a 6gal. Sugar wash Run, which i discard. Then i collect the next 250ml as heads which i keep and will redistill when I have enough.
Would it run pretty much the same if I replaced the copper and ceramic in the column with copper packing?
+cmoran80 Not sure. I haven't tried that but it should work. If you try this please let us know how it works out.
George
What quantity of alcohol can a 500l still produce
94% ABV is the highest quality I've ever produced 👌
can i buy one of them parrots in the uk or do you have an ebay link please
sorry but how long did you say it took for the run... the video kinda cut that off... thanks
+mike farside Tooka about 3 hours. If I remember correctly it was about a 50 minute wait to heat up. Total is around 4-4 1/2 hours
George
I have an old school copper rig, Very interested in this. Wondering if it could come with a copper column? and where is your shop, or can I order?
Yes they do. (I have one)
It comes with copper and ceramic packing for the column.
can you use a recycle cooler full of water and ice??
Sure
Heya mate where can I find that gadget with the hydrometer in? what's it called? many thanks
+Dan Braybrook It's called a parrot. You can find it here www.brewhaus.com/Stainless-Steel-Parrot.aspx
George
I don't believe that the still can produce no "Tails" please elaborate as all runs have foreshots, heads, hearts and tails.. I would be worried about drinking that. could you please explain how they or you claim that is possible?
All runs do have what you describe.
If you run the still the correct way you will not collect any tails.
George
George, thank you for responding but please elaborate as I want to know how the still will produce no tails if it’s run properly.. that to me is like saying if I run my pot still properly I will produce no tails.. and we all know that’s not true sir. I’m just trying to wrap my head around how the T500 runs so as not to produce tails
Barley and Hops Brewing : correct way meaning setting the temp between 55 and 65 Celsius?
I did everything as described and did have tails. Others also advice to run it twice to have the best result.
Do you filter the wash first?
It wouldn't be filterd (normally) but would be allowed to "clear", that is the yeast would be allowed to settle out either by time, or clearing agents.
Not that it matters but my turbo 500 bought new just had clear hoses
5 Kg Sugar + 15 Litres Water Distilling by ( 50 Litres Iron Drum ) Condenser 18 Feat Copper Pipe 1/2 Half . First Drops Alcohol After Time🕒2 Hour's . Very Long Time . Please Guide Me .
Not sure where to start. This is a long time to wait for it to start
Would love to know your wash recipe.
+cmoran80 The wash I used for the video is very simple. I used 5 gallons of water, 12 Lbs of corn sugar, 2OZ of yeast nutrient and 2 table spoons of distillers yeast. Table sugar will work as well (same amount). I used this quick wash recipe because my intent was to filter, age and flavor the neutral spirit afterwards. It was very satisfying and I have done this a few more times since then.
If you use table sugar you will need to heat the water so the sugar dissolves. Corn sugar doesn't require this.
If you don't have yeast nutrient toss in a 6OZ can of tomato paste.
Hope this helps
George
+Barley and Hops thanks for the reply!
How strong did it get?
180
The sweet spot is 51C
i have it does the parrot help with the quantity of production in a run?
sorry it does not
The parrot just allows you to see what the proof is coming out, as it comes out. Used mostly for cuts
Where can I buy a parrot?????
Right here. Give us a call 254-681-1760
They are super easy to make.
Hey mate. How long does a 25ltr wash roughly take to run through the T500?. I am about to fire mine up for the first time today.
Normally about 3-5 hours depending on how quickly you get the temperature balanced.
What's the yield on 25 liters sugar wash
It Depends on the ABV of the wash. With a 14-15% ABV I can usually make about 6 liters of final, 80 proof , product.
@@BarleyandHopsBrewing Which is pretty damn good. If you bought that off the shelf here in Australia it would cost ~ $300.
I run mine a little cooler and I get 96% alcohol 192-194 proof then I redid till at 40 in the pot and I get 96%_98% 196-198 proof
Sorry but: what, how, where, when, why. Then go with the video.
Luca Cogon
#happydistilling
I bought the turbo 500 and am very disappointed uts not as simple as they6 say it is and i went back to grain and glass in Winnipeg and asked what i was doing
wrong that if i run it like they say on you tube between 50 and 65 thats a big lie it would take and did take 14 hours to make 3.5 liters why dont people just speak the
truth instead of leading them on like all these vidios that are a buch of lies on you tube its a piece of shit compared to my old still with a coil in a 5 gallon pail to cool of and
have a constant flow instead of a drip drip drip and then nothing for 10 minutes VERY DISAPOINTED