A thumper is frequently included in a still during moonshining. However, is one really necessary? Let’s look at the advantages of utilizing a thumper and some associated queries concerning distillation. What Functions Does a Thumper Have on a Still?
Between the condenser and the pot still is a container known as a thumper. It functions as a second distillation chamber when it is filled with liquid (often water). The cooler temperature and pressure inside the chamber compel the vapor from the pot that is still rising into the thumper to condense and convert back into liquid. When it reaches the condenser, where it is cooled and collected as the finished product, the liquid re-vaporizes and continues on.
The thumper has several uses. First, by offering a second distillation, it can raise the final product’s alcohol concentration. Second, by making the vapor condense and re-vaporize, it can aid in removing contaminants and undesirable flavors from the finished product. Finally, it can aid in maintaining the still’s temperature and pressure, improving the efficiency of the distillation process. How Many Heads Do You Toss Away?
The “heads” are the first part of the distillate to exit the still after distillation. This serving is unsafe to eat because it contains a lot of methanol and other contaminants. Depending on the still type and recipe, different amounts of heads will be produced. A few heads are typical and expected; there should be about 50ml per gallon of mash. However, it could be essential to eliminate more if the heads are extremely potent or odorous. Can You Drink the Moonshine’s Tails?
The “tails” are the final drop of the distillate that exits the still. This component of the distillate is lower in alcohol level and higher in contaminants than the heads or the heart of the distillate. While the tails should not be consumed on their own, they can be re-incorporated into the subsequent batch of mash to raise the alcohol level. The phrase “doubling down” refers to this action. How Do Stripping Runs Work?
The first phase in the distillation procedure is a stripping run. The fermented mash is passed through the still to create a high-proof alcohol, which is subsequently used as the foundation for the finished product. A stripping run’s objective is to generate as much alcohol as possible without focusing too much on taste or quality. The resulting distillate will have a higher impurity percentage and a lower alcohol concentration than the finished product, but it can be blended with other batches or used as the starting point for a further distillation to create a consistent flavor profile.
In conclusion, a thumper is not technically required, but it might be a valuable addition to a still. While there will be some variation in the quantity of heads produced during distillation, a little amount is typical and expected. The tails can be reintroduced back into the subsequent batch of mash to boost the alcohol content even though they are not fit for human consumption on their own. The final phase in the distillation process is a stripping run, which is used to create a high-proof alcohol that can serve as the foundation for the finished product.