How Do I Use My VEVOR Alcohol Still?

Summary

The video offers a comprehensive guide for beginners on using a Viva alcohol still for home vodka production. It addresses common issues like poor instruction manuals and equipment setup. The host shares a detailed cleaning process for the still, explains the distillation steps, and discusses the importance of controlling heat and making alcohol cuts. Despite facing challenges like equipment size and low ABV yield, the video remains informative and upbeat, encouraging viewers to enjoy the distillation journey.

Takeaways

• 📦 Unboxing a new Viva alcohol still can be overwhelming, especially with a poorly written instruction manual.
• 🔧 Difficulty in understanding how to seal the thumper keg lid with gaskets can be a common frustration for beginners.
• 💧 Using pipe threading tape is essential to prevent leaks in the still, especially around the thumper keg and boiler connections.
• 🚫 A thumper keg that is too small can lead to inefficiencies; it should be about half the size of the boiler for optimal results.
• 🧼 Cleaning the still before the first use is crucial to remove manufacturing residues that can spoil the distillate.
• 💧 A multi-step cleaning process including washing with detergent, steam cleaning, and a vinegar run is recommended for new stills.
• 🔥 The first distillation, known as a sacrificial run, should be done with a sugar wash or a cheap vodka and water solution to clean the still.
• 🛠️ Leaks in the still can be fixed by wrapping the connections with pipe threading tape.
• 📊 Understanding the distillation process, including the different boiling points of ethanol and water, is key to successful alcohol distillation.
• ⏱️ Distillation is a time-consuming process; be prepared for a full day's commitment when distilling.
• 📉 The yield from distillation can vary but is generally around 10-20%, meaning five gallons of wash could produce half a gallon to one gallon of vodka.

Q & A

What was the main issue with the Viva alcohol still that the user received?

The main issue was that the instruction manual was poorly written, full of gibberish and nonsense, which overwhelmed the user.

What is a thumper keg and why is its size important in the distillation process?

A thumper keg is a vessel that sits between the still pot and condenser to help avoid repeat distillations. Its size is important because it should be about half the size of the boiler for effective double distillation.

What are the steps to clean a new alcohol still according to the video?

The steps include washing the still with dishwashing liquid, steam cleaning, a vinegar run, a second steam clean, and a sacrificial run with a sugar wash or a cheap vodka and water solution.

Why is it recommended to use pipe threading tape when setting up a still?

Pipe threading tape is used to prevent leaks at the connections, specifically on the thumper keg, condenser, and the top of the boiler.

How does the distillation process work in terms of separating alcohol from the wash?

Distillation works by heating the wash to a temperature above the boiling point of ethanol but below that of water, causing ethanol to vaporize and then condense back into a liquid separately from the water.

What are the different phases of distillation and what is discarded?

The phases include the four shots (containing methanol), heads (containing volatile alcohols like acetone), hearts (the desirable part with high ethanol content), and tails. The four shots and heads are typically discarded.

What is the purpose of a thumper keg in the distillation process?

A thumper keg is used to capture alcohol vapors and condense them a second time, resulting in a higher proof spirit and potentially avoiding the need for repeat distillations.

How can one infuse flavor into the alcohol using a thumper keg?

Flavor can be infused by adding Spirit Tails, water, fruits, herbs, spices, or oils directly to the thumper keg to impart different flavor combinations to the spirits.

What was the user's experience with using a thumper keg and what was the outcome?

The user found using a thumper keg to be a mistake as it took a long time to produce alcohol and resulted in a full keg of unusable liquid, indicating the thumper was too small.

What was the user's final outcome after going through the entire distillation process?

Despite all the effort, the user ended up with no usable product due to various mistakes made during the process, including improper cleaning of the still, using a too-small thumper keg, and a low starting ABV in the wash.

What are some benefits of vodka mentioned in the video?

Vodka is considered yeast-free after distillation, making it suitable for those with yeast sensitivities. It also contains zero carbs, making it a good choice for ketogenic or low-carb diets.