![]() Downslope's head distiller insists that this is one of the reasons that their whiskey is so good (and they have the medals to prove it). The chambers contain trays that are loaded with copper mesh. For example, Downslope Distilling in Denver, Colorado uses a 240 gallon, 100% copper still with two large diamond shaped chambers in a column formation made by Col. If you're a commercial distiller who wants to make top shelf spirits, sulphur absolutely needs to be removed during distillation. ![]() Sulfur compounds react with copper, and are precipitated out of liquid and vapor during the distillation process. The best way to get rid of it is to add as much copper to the still as possible. This will show up as off flavors and smells in the final product. They tend to get concentrated when products are distilled. Sulfides are found in some fruits and are also a natural byproduct of the fermentation process. Copper: The Best Column Packing MaterialĪn added advantage of using copper scrubbers as column packing material is that they remove sulfides from the distillate. A true reflux still would require the addition of a dephlegmator. If the column is packed, our stills will operate like pot stills with a "thumper" and first run proof will start as high as 130-150 depending on starting ABV. If nothing is done to the column, our stills will operate just like a pot still and first run proof will start in the range of 100-110 proof and drop from there. Clawhammer stills are essentially simple pot stills with the addition of a column to make the design more versatile. Thre are a lot of different still designs out there. As a result, final proof is much higher than it would have been without the use of packing. However, alcohol vapor moves onward due to its lower boiling temperature and ends up making its way all the way to a commercial distiller's collection vessel. It creates an abundance of surface area that is just slightly below the condensing temperature of water (but ideally above the condensing temp of alcohol), providing opportunity for water vapor to turn back into a liquid while allowing the alcohol vapor to move on.Īs water comes into contact with the packing / mesh material, some of it condenses and drips back down through the column. For example copper mesh forms a thermal bridge between the cooler edges of the column and the center of the column (because it's super conductive). ![]() If copper packing material is used, it simultaneously removes sulfur compounds from the vapor.Īs vapor moves up through the column it migrates through a network of material that is a slightly lower temperature than the boiler, etc. Commercial distillers will find that this also makes a better tasting product. The packing material increases final proof by causing a slight natural reflux action in the column. Packing a distillation column with copper scrubbers, raschig rings, or glass distilling beads is the easiest way for a commercial distiller to increase the final proof of distilled alcohol. Copper Mesh, Raschig Rings, and Glass Beads Please read our complete legal summary for more information on the legalities of distillation. Our distillation equipment is designed for legal uses only and the information in this article is for educational purposes only. Before we get started, a reminder: Distilling alcohol is illegal without a federal fuel alcohol or distilled spirit plant permit as well as relevant state permits.
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