I have been using the alembic dome with the Grainfather for YEARS. Was one of the first in the US to get one. So, I make whiskey and I am an all grain guy. I use the Grainfather to mash, ferment in stainless. I strip and spirit run using the dome with the Graindfather at 1600W. Yes, I learned long ago to only run the strip with about 18L. When I mash, I split the wort into 2 stainless fermenters. The difference between using the T500 boiler (1800W) and the Grandfather is huge. With that said, I have one huge issue with any still running off a well and not having a spring or stream access, the amount of water needed to run. I have tried recirculating with huge amounts of ice and it just doesn't work. My well water is 53-54F year round. I never, ever have an issue using the alembic dome with the Grainfather as the boiler. I would love to upgrade to a larger still and make larger batches but the amount of water is just not practical. You really need a spring or stream. So, with over 10 years experience using the Still Spirit equipment, I can say it produces excellent all grain whiskey. Remember, once you have the spirit blend, the art of aging come to hand.
Love this comment! The reason I'm watching this video is because I've just bought a grainfather and am looking for a head/condenser. Do you know if the pure distilling alembic dome also works with the grainfather and if so is there really a difference between the pure distilling and still spirits domes?
@@trousers2 As I said, I use the Alembic dome on the Grain Father. I also built a SCR for my spirit runs, works great. Not sure what you mean by "pure distilling ". That's a odd term.
The Grainfather G30 has complete power control and a pump. I use this with the T500 column and Alembic pot. Plus, it comes with a grain basket for mashing grains.
I use the t500 stainless version.. ..i have put copper saddles into it.. and from a 25 litre wash i generally get 3.5 to 4 litres of 95% product.... Running it at the out put temp of 50 to 53 deg c.. works perfectly well..
I use the T500 Boiler with a power controller (SCR Type, $20.00 or so from Trade Me) when running in the pot still configuration, You can control the ABV of the collected spirit as easily as turning a dial. I use the dome and a short length of copper pipe as a mini column with a horses tail hanging down the inside. By horses tail, I mean a short length of welders earth wire teased out crimped on one end and hanging under about where you see the thermometer. This adds a tremendous amount of copper that dose interact with the vapor and by the color it gets it binds a lot of impurities that cause off flavor to itself. It cleans back to pure copper with Georges 551 cleaner. The little condenser is exactly that so I have upgraded for a bigger condenser and purchased a BOKA Still with a pot still and a packed Reflux column. The Boka Pot still condenser is a lot bigger with bigger hoses and fittings. Reflux mode. The Boka packed column fits to the stainless steel T500 lid and comes with stainless steel scrubbers as packing, while good, Spiral prismatic packing is WELL worth the investment. Scrubbers will allow .5 Liters of spirit per hour, SPP will double that and some. I still use some copper scrubbers for the top of the column and a big thick pad of copper hair made to just fit the bottom of the column so the packing can be poured in without it falling out. The column almost runs itself with the element running at max. The spirit is dead pure at 96 ABV ideal for lemonchello. 25 Liter sugar washes are processed without problems and my cooling water is recycled with the aid of a Chinese shower hot water booster pump and a second hand radiator. The water flow is stopped down so the top of the column by the Johns coil is just warm and the flow rate of what you draw off is set by counting the drops of product, I run at about a lire or slightly more per hour. The T500 approach to brewing and its variants has provided me a lot of fun and I have not tried everything that I want to yet or have I got tired of brewing this way. I marvel at people with bigger gear, Bubble plates and the like and want to be there one day but I am having a lot of fun with a small investment and it never gets old when people want to drink my product. I was ever grateful for people who run these channels and share information as I am only a new brewer but I would not trade away my BOKA Packed column and its pot still attachments and the modifications that I have made for anything. Thanks Jessie. Cheers !!!!!
@@andrewclark3291 When I run in re flux mode the spirit from my Boka still is over 100 percent on my proof and trail Hydrometer. That is because the spirit is warm when drawn off. It is the way a Boka works but I am getting 96 when cool. I made a parrot but I only use it in Pot still mode. The out put is almost double from the scrubbers with ssp and it is easier to pack the column as you just pour it in. I made the column puke with scrubbers once as I had a section packed too tight as I got cocky and complacent when setting up. It is more money but when you want pure and you have a life that is pumping it is an investment that I would recommend without reservation. I purchased a Liter and a half and the chap on Trade Me was more that helpful.
There is all kinds of great info and ideas for the T-500 in these comments. I don’t know if they perfected their design in these over the years but I’m able to get 94% and that’s straight out of the box, no mods or add-ons.
Yeah I agree, I have a newer T500 was getting 93-94% with the Turbo products and even 92% with the standard sugar and tomato paste washes. Its a great product hey
I bought the Anvil Foundry brewing system. Same lid so the T500 attaches. The digital controls are nice for adjusting power. Plus it has a brewing basket so no worries about grains and stuff scorching.
This is an excellent product however I prefer the Brewers Edge version 2 with a sparging pump. This unit allows temperature adjustments. Adding the still spirits copper Dome and reflux makes it a perfect match
For the water inconsistency problems I use an submersible pump (not a big one) and submerge it in a half full sink with tap water constantly going in at the same rate the pump is pulling it out. That way if the shower, or the dish washer, is running, the sink of water acts as a buffer for temperature change. It still happens but a much slower rate.
I have the T500 reflux, my only still. Purchased it when you were build your first still. I purchased the still spirits water pump 18 months after I got the still. It is brilliant, It stops all the house hold water issue, if the toilet is flushed, at tap turned on, washing machine on. Now every tap in the house can be on and there is no impact to the still. Don’t buy a T500 without buying a water pump. Change out the water hose it comes with, it has a very thin wall thickness .
I have been using this for a little over a year. I fill a large tub with water and use a small water pump, this provides a consistent water pressure and flow through the T500.
I just started with destilling myself and bought for that a Alembic Rotating Column Still made completly out of copper. Im still not 100% sure how to use it properly. For now i just made sugar washes, redistilled this up to three times before flavoring it by putting cutted fruits or peels on the screenplate in the column. My frineds and i are pretty amazed by the final products but originally i wanted to make single malts. I dont know how big the step is from sugar washes to real fermenting but i hope i feel soon confident enough to try that too :D. Thanks alot Jesse for all your tips, without you i wouldnt have started that hobby even :D. Big thumbs up!
Sorry but didn’t see the link to the column extension vid for the t500 or indeed for the water diverter/ controller. As for the variable water pressure , they do sell a water regulator which nis just a water vessel which has a float valve for the input water and a pump for the output so you get a constant flow till your oldest son unplugs it to make a brew… As for the power controller i made a box with a paid and a separate manual regulator so i can both regulate the current and use the ramp with the alembic… Finally , I was told that the stainless version of the reflux column has copper internals where it touches the spirit path so the product is identical just the copper version is purely for bling. Thank you for all the time and effort you put in to developing the hobby for us all to share… Bravo
Bought the reflux still version and did some modifications since it was very hard to control the water flow. Separate the reflux from the condenser and buy a voltage regulator. Look at the other videos from Jesse, he nailed it. I’m running this as a pot still 90% of the time without any packing and it gives me about 60-65% ABV (h&t removed) for any batch of whiskey and brandy. Jesse, you’re the man, thanks for all your videos.
You can stick a probe in the inlet of the reflux, this will give you an idea, not precise, of the temperature of the head. I monitor my drip at the same time. So it gives you 3 indications, water flow, temperature and spirit drip.
American version has 2 elements now (1100 and 500). Even without modifying water tubing (yet, except for adding a pump) I found that recirculating water at around 130F produces very good product. Not perfect but much better than the cheap still I started with. And even with the cheap still I learned a lot.
Hey Jesse I really appreciate your videos. I just started following you a week or two ago. You give great advice and or a great source of information. I also want to thank you for introducing me to George and his TH-cam channel. I hate to hear that he is not broadcasting at this time. And I wish him the best and hope he can eventually come back. None of my business what’s going on with him. But I do respect the man for what he has shown many people.I just wanted to thank you for sharing so much pertinent information. I have a 6 gallon steel and I have been to steal an off and on for a couple years. But I have recently been thinking about getting a little bit more involved in the distillery process. Thank you for all your information you inspire a whole lot of us to enjoy the craft. Thank you
I recently purchased a T500 after watching your review video, I just wanted to let you know that they have upgraded it by adding another switch so now you can have some control over the heat, one is 500w and the other is marked 1100w
Another great video, Cheers Jessie. I live rural Waikato, NZ so am on pressure pump or water supply. I have managed to set my pump to kick in & out to stay within the "recommended" temperature range. I have used the T500 for about 3 years, mine is the stainless column with copper packing. I regularly produce 93% abv of around 4.5 - 5.5 litres. Totally agree with your mods the more I get into the hobby. I have found that the better your water quality you use making your wash/mash makes a huge difference on the final product, I am on rain water as apposed to chlorinated town supply. Recently purchased the Alembic potstill dome & condenser which so far I am happy with.
Mate thank you for the advice. I started with the Alembic still which I quickly found was ok for fruit wash, cherry brandy, grape brandy etc. However, taking your advice, it needed a power regulator - my first upgrade. I found that I could get a conversion kit to make it into a 2" tri-clamp system. Which I did. Adding a 600mm column filled with spiral packing allowed me to get spirit up to 60-70% ABV which was in the ball-park for what I wanted. I used the same tri-clamp fittings for my T-500 to use on my boiler and, by splitting the water supply, as you recommended in an earlier video, and moving my 600mm extension, with spiral packing, allowed me to increase by ABV by 1-2%. After 2 years I retired my T-500 and moved my Alembic still with the column extended to 1m fully packed with spiral packing and added a 2" condenser and can achieve everything I need for vodka or grain-based spirits. I've added a 4 plate reflux extension which I can swap with the Alembic dome, for using it as a pot-still, and added a pre-Condensor (dephlegmator ) which allows me to get to 94% ABVfor neutral spirits. Using the tri-clamp fillings has given me a lot of options. I also have the Still Spirits 5ltr boiler which keeps me legal in Australia and is great for small test runs. As a hobby distiller, I'm now wondering if I should move to a 4" system with plates, which seems overkill as a hobbyist or if I'm now taking it too far.
The T500 is an excellent product, I continually take off 195 on the hydrometer with my sugar washes just have to be accurate on the needle valve just stroke it keep it below 65 on the temp gauge that's it. I have not yet used it as a pot still, but I intend to.
Sorry Jesse just looking at the thermometer set at room temperature in you setup without anything going though it and it's like 29 degrees Celsius crazy to think that when it's like 13 degrees Celsius in the UK . Jealous much 🤣 . Lol back to the point I love the stuff your doing with the still spirit equipment it's what I have.and most DIY people in the UK we can relate to it.. would love to see more videos on anything t500 or Air still related 👍
It's still early autumn here in NZ, and I expect Jesse has a few lights going in his shed. A couple more months and it'll be cooling off, and he'll be talking about insulating everything again.
I just received my T500 boiler with the copper reflux condenser today. I ran my first batch tonight of sugar wash and averaged 93% ABV, best vodka I have ever made. I upgraded from an air still. I am very happy with my purchase! I have UJSSM fermenting now. I can't wait to run it as a pot still and make some good whiskey! Thank you Jesse for educating me in the art of making spirits! Seriously, you are making a difference. Keep up the good work.
@@valoriehunter6634 on my UJSSM, I did a stripping run for five generations. After the fifth generation, I did a single spirit run. It produced a fantastic product. Generally for vodka, I only do a single run since I am running my still in reflux mode. Reflux mode pretty much acts as multiple distillations so in my opinion it’s not worth the loss in volume running it multiple times.
@@jgibson5041 thanks! I just got my T500 this week and am anxiously waiting for my sugar wash to be done to I can take it on it's first run. I've read conflicting info about whether a strip run is needed for a straight moonshine so I'm trying to glean as much information from those who have come before me so I appreciate you replying so quickly. I've been using the Air Still for a year now so excited about the upgrade. I'm even going to get brave enough to try the UJSSM and Teddysad's FFV...lol
@@valoriehunter6634 it is a great still and pretty easy to use too. Mine has the copper condenser too. I’ve made all kinds of products with it, vodka, rum, UJSSM, bourbon and I just distilled some Islay style all grain “scotch” yesterday and even as white dog, it is the best product I have made so far.
Mate, I have been watching you for so long now & this video has to be one of your besty's, I have the same boiler & my town temp water is about 23 degrees going in, I did some time back add a cheep ass voltage controller from China & I can now bring it down so I get about 6 lts at 70% with no tails, I have also added a 5 column bubble plate & a copper parit, I now make about every 12 days 30lts at 36% natural, that all my friend like. My next move will be to a 3inch still. Cheers from OZ
I’m running a 2 inch column still from Mile high distilling. I have one pot and 2 columns. One is just the reflux column and the other has a gin basket on it. They’re very nice, but pretty pricey. I’m running a combination of ceramic rings and copper mesh in the column.
Always hate when I comment on something only to later see you addressed it later in the video. (I have no patience) but this does show how good the videos are....
I got the T500 and have used it for 2 years making at least 15 to 20 batches because I don't do it continuously and for me from starting the sugar wash, fermenting for a week or 2 depending on my feelings then boiling and then filtering over and over for a week on a sugar wash trying to get it as neutral as possible it can take 3 weeks and now I have got the hang of it... just. Now I have my alembic dome but my biggest concern is actually cooking the corn and getting the right combination of grains and getting a decent ABV out of it to get a decent bourbon. I am guessing, once I do it once and figure it out I may never go back to a sugar wash. But we will see.
Holy fuck! When I'm giving advise on my beer brewing hobby I talk to a lot of people saying that they want a short-cut to cheap high ABV beer, and Jesse makes a very good point... I know what they're saying and what they're after, but it's super hard for me to relate; That's not how I approach the hobby. Quality and understanding the process should always be priority, also knowing the system takes time... making a repeatable batch and making minor tweaks works wonders as dataset for predicting future outcomes! Love this stuff!!!!
Digiboil 35L is almost the same, but have a temperature control unit as well. And can be used with the T500 equipment. I use mine for wort and as a gigantic sous vide cooker.
Hi Jesse, I've made all of those changes that you mentioned ages ago, sight glass, higher column, SPP, SCR, and dual water controllers via 2 still spirits float level needle valve units and I can now dial it in and knock out a far superior product mind you it will cost a bucket of money but it's worth it plus it's heaps more modular but first you have to get the adapter that screws into the column to make it tri clamp all over. Loved your vid mate. Stay safe.
@@andrewclark3291 G'day Andrew, I bought 2 Lts of 3.5 x 3.5 but that was to also fill the 200mm spool that I added to make the column 900mm tall, then I add 150mm for the sight glass, so now the column is just over a Metre tall, it,s dear alright but you'll probaly only need a Litre of SSP.
@@andrewclark3291 It depends how you run your column, if you can get to equilibrium. and slowly bleed off the fore shots and heads you can get to azeotrope it just takes a long time and a good knowledge of rectification/reflux ratio...trial and era is the best way to learn. All the best mate.
@@TheJavaGuru78 Yes there is mate it's the same adapter that you attach to the t 500 lid, this time just delete the hex nut, thread tape the thread and screw it into the arse of the column, mine doesn't screw all the way in (about 2 turns to long) but it's never leaked, now all you have to do is hold the column upside down ... put all your packing in and hold it in place with a copper scrubber and now you'er good to go you can add all kinds of things between the lid and the column, sight glass, 200mm spool, bubble column the sky is the limit mate. just remember the higher you go you'll have it insulate the column with ... I use that black air conditioning spongy stuff held in place with zip ties, if you don't you'll find it hard to keep the column in equilibrium due the heat loss. Hope this helps mate. 🦘. If you go to Aliexpress, Shop 'Horn Automation Store', Products and look for (DN40 K64mm-K64mm) that's the one you want $20 bucks AUD.
I bought the dome and alembic arm when I bought my Brewzilla. It came in a package deal on Amazon and if I bought the package, I'd save 100 bux on the whole thing. So I did, with the realization that I may or may not use it, but it's there if I do.. Queue COVID and I remembered that I had the still parts and I could make sanitizer. After multiple runs of neutral grain, different style rums and a killer Apple whisky, I am more than happy with the results. I MAY buy the reflux column this year and see what I can make with that. Over all, couldn't be happier with the purchase.
A small power control I once used cost $100 and controls the height of the AC waves .No heat or power is wasted this way.I got it from RS Electronics in Perth WA.
Digiboil boiler is better. Pot still is for traditional alcohols. I do stripping runs filled to the brim with anti foaming agent. Then I do a spirit run 40% starting abv. Collecting in-between 84 to 92 degrees as hearts. Just saying I won't drink alcohol from a reflux still. I do not like artificial flavours and colours and it's for lazy people. I like the real deal. Pot stil is the choice still for me. I will put out some videos on recipes for Pot stills in the next few weeks. Some recipes that are secret that I have had accidentally sent to me. As well as a old school brewer. Love you videos keep up the good work.
Im a distilling virgin....I have been waiting for my first still to arrive. It should have arrived a week ago but got lost in transit. Now I'm waiting for the replacement still. Biting at the bit to get started...
Make some washes while you wait and they should be ready to go straight in, you should gather food grade buckets to brew in and knock up a wash every day until you get your still, the washes will last for a weeks in buckets and it gives it time for the yeast to floc out.
I totally agree with need for temp control...I contacted company. They said it couldnt be don and wasn’t necessarily. I did purchase a rheostatic device. Will use it soon
Thank for the video 👍 I like my t500 and have considered replacing it with bigger shiny kit but I distil in my bedroom and its compact size, smallish power requirements works for me at the moment. It does draw 2kw, my plug in power monitor confirmed that. You can replace the tap for one with a hose barb. It reaches out a bit further so it'll reach over a sink too. Just look for 1/2 inch bib tap. Love my t500 and deffo plan to extend the column and exchange packing for spp. So far unconvinced that messing with the reflux condenser water flow will be useful to me as I only do sugar washes, should give it a go really. Finally the still spirits water regulator is great, or make one with a pond pump, float valve and bucket of some sort a clothes peg on the needle valve is good to help with fine adjustments. For users of older hardware like mine, check for vapour leaks! Mine had a leaky pot to lid seal, lid to column o-ring, top of column plastic part (wrap with pvc tape). The seals were relatively cheap, but the postage in UK was a rip off. I bought second hand and am glad I did over an air still. Although I wish the outside wasn't coated with that gold lacquere. Mines all chipped and scratched.
I love mine, gets the job done. If you get a variac, it needs to be 3x the load, so a 6kw or 8kw as it is an inductive load. I put a layer of marbles at the bottom, about 300, helps heating and keeps the yeast from burning at the bottom. I also use marbles to fill the column as i loose some packing. The stainless column as copper sadles that go at the top of the column Get the water pump from them, it works very well...i recycle my water I do most of my runs at 48degs and get 93% ABV I cut a brew bottler wand and push it into tap, then attached a tube to go to the drain, makes it easier to drain and move it to the sink to wash.
Jesse, I heard from a friend, if you take two copper chore boy pads, and pull them apart where they are "welded" together, they pull into a long tubular structure. Pulling them down through the inside of the alembic condensor increases contact area with the vapor knocking down a stripping run at full power. It seems the copper touching the cooler walls, conducts the cold temp throughout the entire vapor path and there is no blow by. That is on the Anvil Foundry boiler, with aftermarket dome to fit the larger kettle, and still spirits condensor.
Just thought I’d ad my average numbers I get with the reflux column on my T-500 for interest… In Pot mode I get an average of 80-85% for the main part of the run. (Noting there will be some passive reflux going on due to the packing). In reflux mode I get consistent 93% with the washes (including molasses base rums (I know… it should be in pot mode for rum, but I gave it a hit) In reflux mode with low-wines I have topped 96% with careful finessing of the water supply. Considering removing the packing and running an empty column for a Pot run and see what I get. Other notes. Newer model T-500 now have 2 heating elements (switched separately) Current price in Oz for the dome alone is $500 average, which is just way too expensive. Cheers 🥃 Cheers🥃
Great video...as always. My T-500 is stainless but has two thermometers. One on the output but it also has one at the top between the loop from the product condenser to the reflux column. Just and FYI. It's very old but works....okay. I would love to upgrade someday and watch your channel religiously. Thanks for what you do.
Thanks foe this video. I have a airstill at current and looking to upgrade to something that can handle the volume of wash that I'm making (nite still just doing turbo sugar type wash). This confirms for me this type of still is a very good next step until I start to experiment with mash wash. Going to keep watching your videos to help guide where I'm going to go.
I have 2 themo ports in my T-500, the top one usually runs at 72-74 Celsius,but when using the dome I would highly recommend to use some type of heat controller! Even that I use freezing cold water it’s runs way to hot! And will scorch what ever you are distilling!
What still would be better for around the same price ,I've been having play with my friends still not shore of the model or brand Same size boiler 25lt with a funny very short black plasticy looking column ,as jess said put good suff in get good stuff out. So yea have had a bit of for a year now and thanks to the chase craft team have turned out some great stuff ,now time to get my own still
Just got one, huge upgrade from the Air Still, at this stage after doing al 50L of my first Turbo Yeast kit sugar wash run today (yeah I know got to start somewhere), it worked well, 100% needs the Water Flow Regulator because no one was allowed to use the water today until it was done. Wife likes the taste, even she picked up the difference from the Air Still to this in terms of flavor. I don't have the setup for gas burner pot stills, so this was just easier, I do like to tinker once I get the feel of everything, so the water hose mod mentioned in on of your other video's is on the tables.
My reflux column is stainless steel, which I prefer. I bought an additional pack copper saddles to pack the column with. I was able to fit the additional pack of copper saddles in the column w/out having to remove any of the stainless steel scrubbers that came with it.
Great video brother, you covered a lot of stuff. Just try to remember that a lot of your viewers are "new" to this, they might need a little more explaining or maybe a link to an earlier video to when you were learning too? Loving the beard btw, looking sharp chief.
Hi Jesse I have all that gear, started with boiler and copper reflux, got the pot still condenser, but that didn't work so well then and alembic dome works great and following your advice add a simple controller go a couple on Amazon real cheap works like a dream thanks Jesse I make a bit of ouzo and just made first gin
Column is all Stainless Steel (copper saddles in top of column). When running an FFV style wash with the reflux condenser, I’m getting on ave 93% ABV. Great for neutral spirits but not for whiskey.
Could try a piece of silicone as a wedge to rectify any vapour loss from the thermometer if silicone doesn't bother you. As for cooling, a recirculating system using a cheap tub, submersible aquarium pump and an aquarium water chiller as part of the circuit. Adding a bag of ice to the tub would help cool down the water to start off and the chiller would only kick in once the temp starts to rise above the set temp so it's not always running. Chiller can be pricey depending on where you are based but it's worth the price if you are spending time, effort and money on the hobby anyway.
Thanks Jesse! I enjoy using mine, but i also agree with you on it's limitations. The tips and tricks that you've given have been very beneficial to my distilling.
On the dome, I think the push fit thermometer hole is a designed safety feature if a rookie obstructs the flow through the condenser, the thermometer pops out and relieves the building pressure.
Hi Jessie. Thanks for the great info. I also have the T500 boiler and still. Will be waiting for your updated video's regarding the future upgrades! I already did the water mod that works great. I enjoy your videos.
I find with the T500 I pull 94% ABV quite easily (without any mods), just run it at 55 degrees, it will bounce around about 1 degree, Still spirits make a pump to combat fluctuating pressure, I use that as I'm running tank water through the condenser, and because the flow rate is so slow the pump on the water tank is constantly switching on and off and so pressure is all over the place. I have thought of upgrading to a better still, bubble plates, reflux chamber ect. But I don't do enough naturals to justify the expense. I have found that doing striping runs (through a pot still) and then using the T500, it is a bit of a time saver, but I have to back the power to the boiler off, as it is quite easy to flood the column. As for the Alembic Dome, the first thing I did was piss that condenser off, I've also added a column to the top of the dome with a sight glass, as puking was a real PIA. I also had issues with the outlet hose popping off the condenser, as i was having to run the water through quite fast, Why isn't that fitting barbed like the inlet? sure a clamp doesn't cost much, but given the cost, why should anyone then have to spend more money to just make it work, So I'd give that condenser a very poor rating. Speaking of which, if anyone wants one, I got one that is hardly used and just sitting there, find a way to contact me, pay for postage, and it's yours (just the condenser and thermometer).
I have a induction potstill for no flame situations. I then upped it to a Still Spirits Air Still & a T500 (modified heads column & alembic tops) (110v). I use a 65L Brewzilla temperature control (220v) w/ modified T500 heads for column & condenser control especially for multiple bubble plates/taller column. Water cooling pressure is stabilized with an independent pressure tank unit that can raise or lower the pressure flow to the column/condenser independent of garden/sink hose inflow. The Piece de resistance is the Genio50. I do wonder if the UPS driver has figured out why all the 5gal buckets of molasses. hmmmmmm
I have the stainless steel T500 condenser. It has a copper tube that goes from the reflux column into the product condenser. I just finished running my first sugar wash through it 2 days ago. The T500 produced 190-192 proof start to finish. I did not expect that. I had heard it was possible though. I originally wanted the all copper one, but the bundled price with the boiler was too good. I'm a bit torn between buying the alembic dome to do fruit brandy or just remove the packing in my column and run no water through the reflux column and only cool the product condenser.
As far as I know it is stainless on the inside and copper on the outsideside and is purly cosmetic. Copper saddles are on the top of the reflex. I dont know about the new ones though.
I run my t500 with a small aquarium pump running out of a drum with a ballcock valve on it, the tank stays full and the pressure through the still remains consistent
Great review, but I think you're underselling what it's capable of. With the reflux column I almost always pull about 94% on my stripping runs. I'm still working on getting the alembic dome, it seems too pricey. When using the gin basket you get very used to removing your packing from the column(there's a bit of incidental reflux that makes it a fairly large pressure vessel with the basket forming a bit of an airlock over the wash/spirit). For something to experiment with it's amazing, easily pull 5L of 94% each run.
@@xergi123 I'm only ever running about 25 liters max, usually closer to 20 if I'm more careful to preserve my yeast and not overdraw from my fermentation vessel
@@ProbablyCrazier i use wine yeast from wilko's, one whole tub, 50g gets the whole batch done in 7 days, then cold crash for a week gives a lovely clear wash , dont bother with the carbon granules, did 'nt find they did much
Kegland digi boil....1/2 the price, can set the temp in 1 degree increments and select between the 2 elements 500w and 1500w (in australia) and I run a CCVM (learnt from Jessy on this chnl) made it myself.
Just discovered your channel and am really enjoying your content. I have one of the stainless t500's. Bought it back in 2014. I found the lack of control frustrating so I modified mine, separating the reflux condenser and product condenser coolant flow and replacing the crappy ineffecient cold finger style product condenser with a leibig style condenser. The new condenser was much better but still to inefficient for stripping at a reasonable rate. If I did it again I would make a shotgun condenser for it. I ended up getting a babydragon and a power controller for the t500 boiler. Haven't been in the hobby for a few years now as I started drinking to much lol. Still love the art though and will get back into when I have more room. Next upgrade will be a 50l boiler. The t500 boiler is a little small for the babydragon and doing larger batches would be more convenient time wise. Happy New year!
Query: I am considering purchasing the Alembic T500 but you stated that it is what it is. You plug it in and let it go. Is there some way to attach a variable power supply to control heat during distillation the way we do with fire beneath our pot stills? I'm not looking for assistance in how to do this, I am just interested in knowing if it is possible. Shine on, Jessie. Love you vids. I've learned a lot. I'm learning the metric system, thanks to you.
You mentioned that you would prefer a vapour temp rather than water temp on the T500 reflux, the first T500 reflux stills had both, I find it handy for doing cuts.
Was hoping for a distillate comparison between an empty/saddle free copper reflux and the alembic... I own the reflux and have used it as a pseudo pot still, but curious if the product would be the same if I swapped in the alembic lid
Just so you know - the reflux comes in just SS or copper. The SS does have some copper saddles/packing within it but there is not a singular SS/copper reflux column
A friend had a bottle of moonshine. I immediately smelt the vapors of Methanol. I told him it was the first run of an amateur, and he would go blind drinking it. Can you give us all some tips about this part of the process, and what dangers it poses.
I have been using the alembic dome with the Grainfather for YEARS. Was one of the first in the US to get one. So, I make whiskey and I am an all grain guy. I use the Grainfather to mash, ferment in stainless. I strip and spirit run using the dome with the Graindfather at 1600W. Yes, I learned long ago to only run the strip with about 18L. When I mash, I split the wort into 2 stainless fermenters. The difference between using the T500 boiler (1800W) and the Grandfather is huge. With that said, I have one huge issue with any still running off a well and not having a spring or stream access, the amount of water needed to run. I have tried recirculating with huge amounts of ice and it just doesn't work. My well water is 53-54F year round. I never, ever have an issue using the alembic dome with the Grainfather as the boiler. I would love to upgrade to a larger still and make larger batches but the amount of water is just not practical. You really need a spring or stream. So, with over 10 years experience using the Still Spirit equipment, I can say it produces excellent all grain whiskey. Remember, once you have the spirit blend, the art of aging come to hand.
Love this comment! The reason I'm watching this video is because I've just bought a grainfather and am looking for a head/condenser. Do you know if the pure distilling alembic dome also works with the grainfather and if so is there really a difference between the pure distilling and still spirits domes?
@@trousers2 As I said, I use the Alembic dome on the Grain Father. I also built a SCR for my spirit runs, works great. Not sure what you mean by "pure distilling ". That's a odd term.
@@cjcout99 pure distilling is a brand 😊
The Grainfather G30 has complete power control and a pump. I use this with the T500 column and Alembic pot. Plus, it comes with a grain basket for mashing grains.
I use the t500 stainless version.. ..i have put copper saddles into it.. and from a 25 litre wash i generally get 3.5 to 4 litres of 95% product....
Running it at the out put temp of 50 to 53 deg c.. works perfectly well..
Same, for a home hobby, it's fantastic.
Thats sound amusing .
What's the run time .
From flipping the switch on to off
So assuming zero loss (which is impossible) your mash is around 15%?
Hi Brian,
I have the copper version and normally get around 3.5L at 93%. I try and keep it around 50°C as much as possible.
I use the T500 Boiler with a power controller (SCR Type, $20.00 or so from Trade Me) when running in the pot still configuration, You can control the ABV of the collected spirit as easily as turning a dial. I use the dome and a short length of copper pipe as a mini column with a horses tail hanging down the inside. By horses tail, I mean a short length of welders earth wire teased out crimped on one end and hanging under about where you see the thermometer. This adds a tremendous amount of copper that dose interact with the vapor and by the color it gets it binds a lot of impurities that cause off flavor to itself. It cleans back to pure copper with Georges 551 cleaner. The little condenser is exactly that so I have upgraded for a bigger condenser and purchased a BOKA Still with a pot still and a packed Reflux column. The Boka Pot still condenser is a lot bigger with bigger hoses and fittings.
Reflux mode. The Boka packed column fits to the stainless steel T500 lid and comes with stainless steel scrubbers as packing, while good, Spiral prismatic packing is WELL worth the investment. Scrubbers will allow .5 Liters of spirit per hour, SPP will double that and some. I still use some copper scrubbers for the top of the column and a big thick pad of copper hair made to just fit the bottom of the column so the packing can be poured in without it falling out. The column almost runs itself with the element running at max. The spirit is dead pure at 96 ABV ideal for lemonchello. 25 Liter sugar washes are processed without problems and my cooling water is recycled with the aid of a Chinese shower hot water booster pump and a second hand radiator. The water flow is stopped down so the top of the column by the Johns coil is just warm and the flow rate of what you draw off is set by counting the drops of product, I run at about a lire or slightly more per hour.
The T500 approach to brewing and its variants has provided me a lot of fun and I have not tried everything that I want to yet or have I got tired of brewing this way. I marvel at people with bigger gear, Bubble plates and the like and want to be there one day but I am having a lot of fun with a small investment and it never gets old when people want to drink my product.
I was ever grateful for people who run these channels and share information as I am only a new brewer but I would not trade away my BOKA Packed column and its pot still attachments and the modifications that I have made for anything. Thanks Jessie. Cheers !!!!!
@@andrewclark3291 When I run in re flux mode the spirit from my Boka still is over 100 percent on my proof and trail Hydrometer. That is because the spirit is warm when drawn off. It is the way a Boka works but I am getting 96 when cool. I made a parrot but I only use it in Pot still mode. The out put is almost double from the scrubbers with ssp and it is easier to pack the column as you just pour it in. I made the column puke with scrubbers once as I had a section packed too tight as I got cocky and complacent when setting up. It is more money but when you want pure and you have a life that is pumping it is an investment that I would recommend without reservation. I purchased a Liter and a half and the chap on Trade Me was more that helpful.
Just found you.. and have already spent countless hours watching your videos.. amazing. Prob the best on youtube in my opinion.
There is all kinds of great info and ideas for the T-500 in these comments. I don’t know if they perfected their design in these over the years but I’m able to get 94% and that’s straight out of the box, no mods or add-ons.
Yeah I agree, I have a newer T500 was getting 93-94% with the Turbo products and even 92% with the standard sugar and tomato paste washes. Its a great product hey
As a newbie and a whiskey drinker. I've just done my first run of turbo sugar etc. And got 92% then diluted to 40. I've been pleased
I bought the Anvil Foundry brewing system. Same lid so the T500 attaches. The digital controls are nice for adjusting power. Plus it has a brewing basket so no worries about grains and stuff scorching.
This is an excellent product however I prefer the Brewers Edge version 2 with a sparging pump. This unit allows temperature adjustments. Adding the still spirits copper Dome and reflux makes it a perfect match
For the water inconsistency problems I use an submersible pump (not a big one) and submerge it in a half full sink with tap water constantly going in at the same rate the pump is pulling it out. That way if the shower, or the dish washer, is running, the sink of water acts as a buffer for temperature change. It still happens but a much slower rate.
You can get a shop bought one from Still Spirits or George at Barley and Hops shows how to make one. Bloody clever bloke I miss his posts.
I have the T500 reflux, my only still. Purchased it when you were build your first still. I purchased the still spirits water pump 18 months after I got the still. It is brilliant, It stops all the house hold water issue, if the toilet is flushed, at tap turned on, washing machine on. Now every tap in the house can be on and there is no impact to the still. Don’t buy a T500 without buying a water pump. Change out the water hose it comes with, it has a very thin wall thickness .
Grandpa always used a little bit of sugar wash or honey to keep the gasket in place before trying to put the top on.
I have been using this for a little over a year. I fill a large tub with water and use a small water pump, this provides a consistent water pressure and flow through the T500.
I'm in the process of ordering one this was my plan instead of buying that expensive pump
I run the small condenser with a pond pump in a big cooler box and 5 liter ice bottles. Works for me and saves some water.
I just started with destilling myself and bought for that a Alembic Rotating Column Still made completly out of copper. Im still not 100% sure how to use it properly. For now i just made sugar washes, redistilled this up to three times before flavoring it by putting cutted fruits or peels on the screenplate in the column. My frineds and i are pretty amazed by the final products but originally i wanted to make single malts. I dont know how big the step is from sugar washes to real fermenting but i hope i feel soon confident enough to try that too :D. Thanks alot Jesse for all your tips, without you i wouldnt have started that hobby even :D. Big thumbs up!
Sorry but didn’t see the link to the column extension vid for the t500 or indeed for the water diverter/ controller. As for the variable water pressure , they do sell a water regulator which nis just a water vessel which has a float valve for the input water and a pump for the output so you get a constant flow till your oldest son unplugs it to make a brew…
As for the power controller i made a box with a paid and a separate manual regulator so i can both regulate the current and use the ramp with the alembic…
Finally , I was told that the stainless version of the reflux column has copper internals where it touches the spirit path so the product is identical just the copper version is purely for bling.
Thank you for all the time and effort you put in to developing the hobby for us all to share… Bravo
Bought the reflux still version and did some modifications since it was very hard to control the water flow. Separate the reflux from the condenser and buy a voltage regulator. Look at the other videos from Jesse, he nailed it. I’m running this as a pot still 90% of the time without any packing and it gives me about 60-65% ABV (h&t removed) for any batch of whiskey and brandy. Jesse, you’re the man, thanks for all your videos.
Can you use the thermometer when you run the reflux colum as a pot still?
You can stick a probe in the inlet of the reflux, this will give you an idea, not precise, of the temperature of the head. I monitor my drip at the same time. So it gives you 3 indications, water flow, temperature and spirit drip.
If you use a probe at the top, then you can’t use the reflux.
Good to hear the reflux column works well in pot mode, must do it one day, maybe ujssm
You could probably also get some pipe wrap and insulate the column for pot still mode.
I always get 92-93% alcohol but run it at the slow end of the temperature range, once i did it very slow and got 95%. Cheers for the great vids!
It’s a recycled coffee pot , I love it 👍
All you need to do is juice up the heating element
American version has 2 elements now (1100 and 500). Even without modifying water tubing (yet, except for adding a pump) I found that recirculating water at around 130F produces very good product. Not perfect but much better than the cheap still I started with. And even with the cheap still I learned a lot.
Hey Jesse I really appreciate your videos. I just started following you a week or two ago. You give great advice and or a great source of information. I also want to thank you for introducing me to George and his TH-cam channel. I hate to hear that he is not broadcasting at this time. And I wish him the best and hope he can eventually come back. None of my business what’s going on with him. But I do respect the man for what he has shown many people.I just wanted to thank you for sharing so much pertinent information. I have a 6 gallon steel and I have been to steal an off and on for a couple years. But I have recently been thinking about getting a little bit more involved in the distillery process. Thank you for all your information you inspire a whole lot of us to enjoy the craft. Thank you
I recently purchased a T500 after watching your review video, I just wanted to let you know that they have upgraded it by adding another switch so now you can have some control over the heat, one is 500w and the other is marked 1100w
Another great video, Cheers Jessie. I live rural Waikato, NZ so am on pressure pump or water supply. I have managed to set my pump to kick in & out to stay within the "recommended" temperature range. I have used the T500 for about 3 years, mine is the stainless column with copper packing. I regularly produce 93% abv of around 4.5 - 5.5 litres. Totally agree with your mods the more I get into the hobby. I have found that the better your water quality you use making your wash/mash makes a huge difference on the final product, I am on rain water as apposed to chlorinated town supply. Recently purchased the Alembic potstill dome & condenser which so far I am happy with.
I found your channel a couple weeks ago, looking for info for the t500 and here it is. Thanks for taking the time.
Mate thank you for the advice. I started with the Alembic still which I quickly found was ok for fruit wash, cherry brandy, grape brandy etc. However, taking your advice, it needed a power regulator - my first upgrade. I found that I could get a conversion kit to make it into a 2" tri-clamp system. Which I did. Adding a 600mm column filled with spiral packing allowed me to get spirit up to 60-70% ABV which was in the ball-park for what I wanted.
I used the same tri-clamp fittings for my T-500 to use on my boiler and, by splitting the water supply, as you recommended in an earlier video, and moving my 600mm extension, with spiral packing, allowed me to increase by ABV by 1-2%.
After 2 years I retired my T-500 and moved my Alembic still with the column extended to 1m fully packed with spiral packing and added a 2" condenser and can achieve everything I need for vodka or grain-based spirits.
I've added a 4 plate reflux extension which I can swap with the Alembic dome, for using it as a pot-still, and added a pre-Condensor (dephlegmator ) which allows me to get to 94% ABVfor neutral spirits.
Using the tri-clamp fillings has given me a lot of options.
I also have the Still Spirits 5ltr boiler which keeps me legal in Australia and is great for small test runs.
As a hobby distiller, I'm now wondering if I should move to a 4" system with plates, which seems overkill as a hobbyist or if I'm now taking it too far.
Where did you get the 4 plate extension to suite the system. I have one and would like to get it?
The T500 is an excellent product, I continually take off 195 on the hydrometer with my sugar washes just have to be accurate on the needle valve just stroke it keep it below 65 on the temp gauge that's it. I have not yet used it as a pot still, but I intend to.
Sorry Jesse just looking at the thermometer set at room temperature in you setup without anything going though it and it's like 29 degrees Celsius crazy to think that when it's like 13 degrees Celsius in the UK . Jealous much 🤣 . Lol back to the point I love the stuff your doing with the still spirit equipment it's what I have.and most DIY people in the UK we can relate to it.. would love to see more videos on anything t500 or Air still related 👍
It's still early autumn here in NZ, and I expect Jesse has a few lights going in his shed. A couple more months and it'll be cooling off, and he'll be talking about insulating everything again.
@@Hubris2 fair enough .
I just received my T500 boiler with the copper reflux condenser today. I ran my first batch tonight of sugar wash and averaged 93% ABV, best vodka I have ever made. I upgraded from an air still. I am very happy with my purchase! I have UJSSM fermenting now. I can't wait to run it as a pot still and make some good whiskey! Thank you Jesse for educating me in the art of making spirits! Seriously, you are making a difference. Keep up the good work.
Did you do a single run or a stripping run followed by a spirit one? Thanks!
@@valoriehunter6634 on my UJSSM, I did a stripping run for five generations. After the fifth generation, I did a single spirit run. It produced a fantastic product.
Generally for vodka, I only do a single run since I am running my still in reflux mode. Reflux mode pretty much acts as multiple distillations so in my opinion it’s not worth the loss in volume running it multiple times.
@@jgibson5041 thanks! I just got my T500 this week and am anxiously waiting for my sugar wash to be done to I can take it on it's first run. I've read conflicting info about whether a strip run is needed for a straight moonshine so I'm trying to glean as much information from those who have come before me so I appreciate you replying so quickly. I've been using the Air Still for a year now so excited about the upgrade. I'm even going to get brave enough to try the UJSSM and Teddysad's FFV...lol
@@jgibson5041 oh, I should have added that I have the copper reflux condenser.
@@valoriehunter6634 it is a great still and pretty easy to use too. Mine has the copper condenser too. I’ve made all kinds of products with it, vodka, rum, UJSSM, bourbon and I just distilled some Islay style all grain “scotch” yesterday and even as white dog, it is the best product I have made so far.
Mate, I have been watching you for so long now & this video has to be one of your besty's, I have the same boiler & my town temp water is about 23 degrees going in, I did some time back add a cheep ass voltage controller from China & I can now bring it down so I get about 6 lts at 70% with no tails, I have also added a 5 column bubble plate & a copper parit, I now make about every 12 days 30lts at 36% natural, that all my friend like. My next move will be to a 3inch still. Cheers from OZ
I’m running a 2 inch column still from Mile high distilling. I have one pot and 2 columns. One is just the reflux column and the other has a gin basket on it. They’re very nice, but pretty pricey. I’m running a combination of ceramic rings and copper mesh in the column.
Always hate when I comment on something only to later see you addressed it later in the video. (I have no patience) but this does show how good the videos are....
I got the T500 and have used it for 2 years making at least 15 to 20 batches because I don't do it continuously and for me from starting the sugar wash, fermenting for a week or 2 depending on my feelings then boiling and then filtering over and over for a week on a sugar wash trying to get it as neutral as possible it can take 3 weeks and now I have got the hang of it... just. Now I have my alembic dome but my biggest concern is actually cooking the corn and getting the right combination of grains and getting a decent ABV out of it to get a decent bourbon. I am guessing, once I do it once and figure it out I may never go back to a sugar wash. But we will see.
Holy fuck! When I'm giving advise on my beer brewing hobby I talk to a lot of people saying that they want a short-cut to cheap high ABV beer, and Jesse makes a very good point... I know what they're saying and what they're after, but it's super hard for me to relate; That's not how I approach the hobby. Quality and understanding the process should always be priority, also knowing the system takes time... making a repeatable batch and making minor tweaks works wonders as dataset for predicting future outcomes! Love this stuff!!!!
Digiboil 35L is almost the same, but have a temperature control unit as well. And can be used with the T500 equipment. I use mine for wort and as a gigantic sous vide cooker.
For Sous vide 😅, great idea
Hi Jesse, I've made all of those changes that you mentioned ages ago, sight glass, higher column, SPP, SCR, and dual water controllers via 2 still spirits float level needle valve units and I can now dial it in and knock out a far superior product mind you it will cost a bucket of money but it's worth it plus it's heaps more modular but first you have to get the adapter that screws into the column to make it tri clamp all over. Loved your vid mate. Stay safe.
@@andrewclark3291 G'day Andrew, I bought 2 Lts of 3.5 x 3.5 but that was to also fill the 200mm spool that I added to make the column 900mm tall, then I add 150mm for the sight glass, so now the column is just over a Metre tall, it,s dear alright but you'll probaly only need a Litre of SSP.
@@andrewclark3291 It depends how you run your column, if you can get to equilibrium. and slowly bleed off the fore shots and heads you can get to azeotrope it just takes a long time and a good knowledge of rectification/reflux ratio...trial and era is the best way to learn. All the best mate.
@@TheJavaGuru78 Yes there is mate it's the same adapter that you attach to the t 500 lid, this time just delete the hex nut, thread tape the thread and screw it into the arse of the column, mine doesn't screw all the way in (about 2 turns to long) but it's never leaked, now all you have to do is hold the column upside down ... put all your packing in and hold it in place with a copper scrubber and now you'er good to go you can add all kinds of things between the lid and the column, sight glass, 200mm spool, bubble column the sky is the limit mate. just remember the higher you go you'll have it insulate the column with ... I use that black air conditioning spongy stuff held in place with zip ties, if you don't you'll find it hard to keep the column in equilibrium due the heat loss. Hope this helps mate. 🦘.
If you go to Aliexpress, Shop 'Horn Automation Store', Products and look for (DN40 K64mm-K64mm) that's the one you want $20 bucks AUD.
@@TheJavaGuru78 Now 'Go gett'em tiger'..👍
I bought the dome and alembic arm when I bought my Brewzilla. It came in a package deal on Amazon and if I bought the package, I'd save 100 bux on the whole thing. So I did, with the realization that I may or may not use it, but it's there if I do..
Queue COVID and I remembered that I had the still parts and I could make sanitizer. After multiple runs of neutral grain, different style rums and a killer Apple whisky, I am more than happy with the results. I MAY buy the reflux column this year and see what I can make with that. Over all, couldn't be happier with the purchase.
A small power control I once used cost $100 and controls the height of the AC waves .No heat or power is wasted this way.I got it from RS Electronics in Perth WA.
I run my copper reflux head with no packing. Out put 170 proof. I don't like flavours being stripped. 😅
Digiboil boiler is better. Pot still is for traditional alcohols. I do stripping runs filled to the brim with anti foaming agent. Then I do a spirit run 40% starting abv. Collecting in-between 84 to 92 degrees as hearts. Just saying I won't drink alcohol from a reflux still. I do not like artificial flavours and colours and it's for lazy people. I like the real deal. Pot stil is the choice still for me. I will put out some videos on recipes for Pot stills in the next few weeks. Some recipes that are secret that I have had accidentally sent to me. As well as a old school brewer. Love you videos keep up the good work.
Digiboil, site glasses, alembic done , bubble plates, pot still column... wooooo works great 👍 .
I have both of these, as a small hobby distiller, they both suit my needs
Im a distilling virgin....I have been waiting for my first still to arrive. It should have arrived a week ago but got lost in transit. Now I'm waiting for the replacement still. Biting at the bit to get started...
Make some washes while you wait and they should be ready to go straight in, you should gather food grade buckets to brew in and knock up a wash every day until you get your still, the washes will last for a weeks in buckets and it gives it time for the yeast to floc out.
I totally agree with need for temp control...I contacted company. They said it couldnt be don and wasn’t necessarily. I did purchase a rheostatic device. Will use it soon
Thank for the video 👍 I like my t500 and have considered replacing it with bigger shiny kit but I distil in my bedroom and its compact size, smallish power requirements works for me at the moment. It does draw 2kw, my plug in power monitor confirmed that.
You can replace the tap for one with a hose barb. It reaches out a bit further so it'll reach over a sink too. Just look for 1/2 inch bib tap.
Love my t500 and deffo plan to extend the column and exchange packing for spp. So far unconvinced that messing with the reflux condenser water flow will be useful to me as I only do sugar washes, should give it a go really. Finally the still spirits water regulator is great, or make one with a pond pump, float valve and bucket of some sort a clothes peg on the needle valve is good to help with fine adjustments. For users of older hardware like mine, check for vapour leaks! Mine had a leaky pot to lid seal, lid to column o-ring, top of column plastic part (wrap with pvc tape). The seals were relatively cheap, but the postage in UK was a rip off.
I bought second hand and am glad I did over an air still. Although I wish the outside wasn't coated with that gold lacquere. Mines all chipped and scratched.
I don't use my t500 for spirits much these days, but it gets a workout every month for all grain beer. I love mine, so versatile.
The manual that came with my 10.5 gallon all in one grain brewing boiler said it's compatible with the T500 out of the box so I just rolled with it 😄
I love mine, gets the job done.
If you get a variac, it needs to be 3x the load, so a 6kw or 8kw as it is an inductive load.
I put a layer of marbles at the bottom, about 300, helps heating and keeps the yeast from burning at the bottom. I also use marbles to fill the column as i loose some packing.
The stainless column as copper sadles that go at the top of the column
Get the water pump from them, it works very well...i recycle my water
I do most of my runs at 48degs and get 93% ABV
I cut a brew bottler wand and push it into tap, then attached a tube to go to the drain, makes it easier to drain and move it to the sink to wash.
If you can put your hands on a brewing equipment: Grainfather
You can control the heat power, and the dome and t500 fit perfectly 😉
I wish i gone that way. T500 seemed easy in one piece.
Is that a Grainfather S40?
Jesse, I heard from a friend, if you take two copper chore boy pads, and pull them apart where they are "welded" together, they pull into a long tubular structure. Pulling them down through the inside of the alembic condensor increases contact area with the vapor knocking down a stripping run at full power. It seems the copper touching the cooler walls, conducts the cold temp throughout the entire vapor path and there is no blow by.
That is on the Anvil Foundry boiler, with aftermarket dome to fit the larger kettle, and still spirits condensor.
I think the knobby thing you were talking about is called a Variac transformer
The steel T-500 has a copper pipe running from the column side through the condenser side.
Just thought I’d ad my average numbers I get with the reflux column on my T-500 for interest…
In Pot mode I get an average of 80-85% for the main part of the run. (Noting there will be some passive reflux going on due to the packing).
In reflux mode I get consistent 93% with the washes (including molasses base rums (I know… it should be in pot mode for rum, but I gave it a hit)
In reflux mode with low-wines I have topped 96% with careful finessing of the water supply.
Considering removing the packing and running an empty column for a Pot run and see what I get.
Other notes.
Newer model T-500 now have 2 heating elements (switched separately)
Current price in Oz for the dome alone is $500 average, which is just way too expensive.
Cheers 🥃
Cheers🥃
Great video...as always. My T-500 is stainless but has two thermometers. One on the output but it also has one at the top between the loop from the product condenser to the reflux column. Just and FYI. It's very old but works....okay. I would love to upgrade someday and watch your channel religiously. Thanks for what you do.
Thanks foe this video. I have a airstill at current and looking to upgrade to something that can handle the volume of wash that I'm making (nite still just doing turbo sugar type wash). This confirms for me this type of still is a very good next step until I start to experiment with mash wash. Going to keep watching your videos to help guide where I'm going to go.
I have 2 themo ports in my T-500, the top one usually runs at 72-74 Celsius,but when using the dome I would highly recommend to use some type of heat controller! Even that I use freezing cold water it’s runs way to hot! And will scorch what ever you are distilling!
What still would be better for around the same price ,I've been having play with my friends still not shore of the model or brand Same size boiler 25lt with a funny very short black plasticy looking column ,as jess said put good suff in get good stuff out. So yea have had a bit of for a year now and thanks to the chase craft team have turned out some great stuff ,now time to get my own still
Just got one, huge upgrade from the Air Still, at this stage after doing al 50L of my first Turbo Yeast kit sugar wash run today (yeah I know got to start somewhere), it worked well, 100% needs the Water Flow Regulator because no one was allowed to use the water today until it was done.
Wife likes the taste, even she picked up the difference from the Air Still to this in terms of flavor.
I don't have the setup for gas burner pot stills, so this was just easier, I do like to tinker once I get the feel of everything, so the water hose mod mentioned in on of your other video's is on the tables.
My reflux column is stainless steel, which I prefer. I bought an additional pack copper saddles to pack the column with. I was able to fit the additional pack of copper saddles in the column w/out having to remove any of the stainless steel scrubbers that came with it.
Super cool video not just a review but really good info for new guys
Great video brother, you covered a lot of stuff. Just try to remember that a lot of your viewers are "new" to this, they might need a little more explaining or maybe a link to an earlier video to when you were learning too? Loving the beard btw, looking sharp chief.
Hi Jesse I have all that gear, started with boiler and copper reflux, got the pot still condenser, but that didn't work so well then and alembic dome works great and following your advice add a simple controller go a couple on Amazon real cheap works like a dream thanks Jesse I make a bit of ouzo and just made first gin
Column is all Stainless Steel (copper saddles in top of column).
When running an FFV style wash with the reflux condenser, I’m getting on ave 93% ABV. Great for neutral spirits but not for whiskey.
Excellent exposé on the subject.
I love my T500. Paired with a PWM, it’s even more flexible with what you can do with it.
Luv operating that dome being up onto my Grainfather 👍
Could try a piece of silicone as a wedge to rectify any vapour loss from the thermometer if silicone doesn't bother you. As for cooling, a recirculating system using a cheap tub, submersible aquarium pump and an aquarium water chiller as part of the circuit. Adding a bag of ice to the tub would help cool down the water to start off and the chiller would only kick in once the temp starts to rise above the set temp so it's not always running. Chiller can be pricey depending on where you are based but it's worth the price if you are spending time, effort and money on the hobby anyway.
Thank YOU for this video! I needed this before I buy mine. I will be using mine for banana brandy, exclusively. Back to the video...
Thanks Jesse! I enjoy using mine, but i also agree with you on it's limitations. The tips and tricks that you've given have been very beneficial to my distilling.
Simple way to cool your water, get 25ft coil for homebrew, put in 5 gallon bucket with ice and use inline with water hose.
I use digiboil...2 elements..500wat...1000 wat... Work great...2inch column and shot gun condenser
On the dome, I think the push fit thermometer hole is a designed safety feature if a rookie obstructs the flow through the condenser, the thermometer pops out and relieves the building pressure.
Hi Jessie. Thanks for the great info. I also have the T500 boiler and still. Will be waiting for your updated video's regarding the future upgrades! I already did the water mod that works great. I enjoy your videos.
Dan Carbonara exclusively distills on a T-500 and thats all I need to know ❤️
I find with the T500 I pull 94% ABV quite easily (without any mods), just run it at 55 degrees, it will bounce around about 1 degree, Still spirits make a pump to combat fluctuating pressure, I use that as I'm running tank water through the condenser, and because the flow rate is so slow the pump on the water tank is constantly switching on and off and so pressure is all over the place.
I have thought of upgrading to a better still, bubble plates, reflux chamber ect. But I don't do enough naturals to justify the expense.
I have found that doing striping runs (through a pot still) and then using the T500, it is a bit of a time saver, but I have to back the power to the boiler off, as it is quite easy to flood the column.
As for the Alembic Dome, the first thing I did was piss that condenser off, I've also added a column to the top of the dome with a sight glass, as puking was a real PIA. I also had issues with the outlet hose popping off the condenser, as i was having to run the water through quite fast, Why isn't that fitting barbed like the inlet? sure a clamp doesn't cost much, but given the cost, why should anyone then have to spend more money to just make it work, So I'd give that condenser a very poor rating.
Speaking of which, if anyone wants one, I got one that is hardly used and just sitting there, find a way to contact me, pay for postage, and it's yours (just the condenser and thermometer).
Hi are you in the UK ?
Great video jesse! Just bought the T500 with the alembic dome! Can’t wait to get stuck in to some UJSSM as soon as my work schedule will give me time!
I have a induction potstill for no flame situations. I then upped it to a Still Spirits Air Still & a T500 (modified heads column & alembic tops) (110v). I use a 65L Brewzilla temperature control (220v) w/ modified T500 heads for column & condenser control especially for multiple bubble plates/taller column. Water cooling pressure is stabilized with an independent pressure tank unit that can raise or lower the pressure flow to the column/condenser independent of garden/sink hose inflow. The Piece de resistance is the Genio50.
I do wonder if the UPS driver has figured out why all the 5gal buckets of molasses. hmmmmmm
With the Dome tops mirror a little bit of rubber grease or some honey and put the Seal on it will help it stick
I have the stainless steel T500 condenser. It has a copper tube that goes from the reflux column into the product condenser. I just finished running my first sugar wash through it 2 days ago. The T500 produced 190-192 proof start to finish. I did not expect that. I had heard it was possible though. I originally wanted the all copper one, but the bundled price with the boiler was too good. I'm a bit torn between buying the alembic dome to do fruit brandy or just remove the packing in my column and run no water through the reflux column and only cool the product condenser.
If you already have the T500 just try it out and see what happens
As far as I know it is stainless on the inside and copper on the outsideside and is purly cosmetic. Copper saddles are on the top of the reflex. I dont know about the new ones though.
I run my t500 with a small aquarium pump running out of a drum with a ballcock valve on it, the tank stays full and the pressure through the still remains consistent
BEKO used to make them but were just for boiling water to make pots of tea or coffee unless you have the addons for the unit.
Great review, but I think you're underselling what it's capable of. With the reflux column I almost always pull about 94% on my stripping runs. I'm still working on getting the alembic dome, it seems too pricey. When using the gin basket you get very used to removing your packing from the column(there's a bit of incidental reflux that makes it a fairly large pressure vessel with the basket forming a bit of an airlock over the wash/spirit). For something to experiment with it's amazing, easily pull 5L of 94% each run.
Hi What is your wash abv to pull off that amount? cheers
@@xergi123 just under 18 usually, 5L might be a little aggressive as a number, but between 4.3 and 4.7 is usually fair.
@@ProbablyCrazier cheers matt, i usually do 12 gal @ around 12% gives me normally 6 ltrs @ 92 on the t500. Do the spirit run using the Alembic pot
@@xergi123 I'm only ever running about 25 liters max, usually closer to 20 if I'm more careful to preserve my yeast and not overdraw from my fermentation vessel
@@ProbablyCrazier i use wine yeast from wilko's, one whole tub, 50g gets the whole batch done in 7 days, then cold crash for a week gives a lovely clear wash , dont bother with the carbon granules, did 'nt find they did much
As someone who knows next to nothing about distilling would this be a good starting point?
If you extend the reflux to 48" and add spp its possible to get 96% abv... Made many mods to mine and love it..
I want to extend the reflux on mine any chance off some info,photos etc
Like Warren here I would love to know how you actually extended your column? Is there an easy way to do it?
Great review, Jessie you hit the mark yet again 👍
Kegland digi boil....1/2 the price, can set the temp in 1 degree increments and select between the 2 elements 500w and 1500w (in australia)
and I run a CCVM (learnt from Jessy on this chnl) made it myself.
I bought both also couple of other things... But if it is about aroma the cheapest one is the best.
I build my own still for the same money :D I think it was a better investment. This way I soldered for the first time
Just discovered your channel and am really enjoying your content.
I have one of the stainless t500's. Bought it back in 2014.
I found the lack of control frustrating so I modified mine, separating the reflux condenser and product condenser coolant flow and replacing the crappy ineffecient cold finger style product condenser with a leibig style condenser. The new condenser was much better but still to inefficient for stripping at a reasonable rate. If I did it again I would make a shotgun condenser for it.
I ended up getting a babydragon and a power controller for the t500 boiler.
Haven't been in the hobby for a few years now as I started drinking to much lol. Still love the art though and will get back into when I have more room. Next upgrade will be a 50l boiler. The t500 boiler is a little small for the babydragon and doing larger batches would be more convenient time wise.
Happy New year!
That beard just gets better and better everytime i see it !
Query: I am considering purchasing the Alembic T500 but you stated that it is what it is. You plug it in and let it go. Is there some way to attach a variable power supply to control heat during distillation the way we do with fire beneath our pot stills? I'm not looking for assistance in how to do this, I am just interested in knowing if it is possible. Shine on, Jessie. Love you vids. I've learned a lot. I'm learning the metric system, thanks to you.
Thanks for the info. I have an air still and a 3 in. Mile Hi still. Looking for something inbetween, not sure this is it.👍
You mentioned that you would prefer a vapour temp rather than water temp on the T500 reflux, the first T500 reflux stills had both, I find it handy for doing cuts.
Hey jesse, ❤️ you're videos just wondering if you could maybe look into doing a couple videos on the (pure distilling) set-up pls & thank you
Was hoping for a distillate comparison between an empty/saddle free copper reflux and the alembic... I own the reflux and have used it as a pseudo pot still, but curious if the product would be the same if I swapped in the alembic lid
I have the old stainless model of the reflux column, it has thermal probes top and bottom of the column. I can't even get it out of the bottom one lol
Just so you know - the reflux comes in just SS or copper. The SS does have some copper saddles/packing within it but there is not a singular SS/copper reflux column
I love how the temperature keeps going up lol
Have you ever combined the dome with the t500?
A friend had a bottle of moonshine. I immediately smelt the vapors of Methanol. I told him it was the first run of an amateur, and he would go blind drinking it. Can you give us all some tips about this part of the process, and what dangers it poses.