While most home distillers filter their fermented mash before distillation, others simply distill the entire mash, spent grain and all, often using a double-boiler or a steam distillation process to avoid the possibility of the thick mash burning on the bottom.

Besides, how do you filter moonshine mash?

Carbon Filtering Moonshine

Take the hearts and proof them down with water to the desired percentage of alcohol. Then filter the alcohol water mixture through the activated carbon. When filtering the slower the alcohol goes through the carbon the better it filters.

Beside above, how clear should my wash be before distilling? Within 24 hours Turbo Clear removes over 95% of the yeast cells, solids and other unwanted compounds from the wash – at this point it is acceptable for distilling. For ultimate quality - leave for 48 hours to remove up to 99% of the solids.

Also question is, how much moonshine will 5 gallons of mash make?

A 5 gallon run will yield 1-2 gallons of alcohol. A 8 gallon run will yield 1.5-3 gallons of alcohol. A 10 gallon run will yield 2-4 gallons of alcohol.

Can I add more yeast to my moonshine mash?

If specific gravity is high (very little fermentation has taken place) you can try adding more yeast, but there's a chance you'll have to give up on it and start over. It's important to keep an eye on the temperature throughout fermenting.

Related Question Answers

How do I get the most out of my mash?

The best practice is to add half your strike water to the mash tun, then add half the grain and stir well. Repeat with the remaining strike water and grain and stir well. It's vital to take the time to stir thoroughly during dough-in (this initial mixing of malt and water).

What is the best temperature to ferment moonshine mash?

The higher the temperature, the faster the rate of fermentation, but the lower the alcoholic yield. The optimum temperature is 78º F. Never exceed 90º F.

How do I make moonshine clear?

Lucky for us, the first solution is a simple one! If you notice your moonshine coming out cloudy, just turn down the heat. Temperature control is very important in order for you still to function properly. The best way to determine the necessary heat is simply to monitor the shine output.

What is a mash filter?

Mash Filter, a wort separation device that can be used as an alternative to a lauter tun or a mash/lauter vessel. The mash filter is essentially a plate and frame filter press fitted with series of fine filters for separating spent grist from sweet wort. The company that bears Meura's name is still making mash filters.

How long will moonshine mash keep?

Let the mash sit for 14 days.

If you still see bubbles in the airlock after 14 days let it sit for another few days, or at least until you see no bubbling for at least a minute or two.

How do I strain my mash?

Either use an immersion chiller to rapidly cool the mash, or simply leave it sit for several hours. Once cool, you'll need to pour the mash through a cheesecloth or a very fine strainer to separate solids from the liquids.

What is a false bottom in a mash tun?

A false bottom is kind of a screen that aids in separating the sweet wort from the mash / grains. When you sparge, the grain forms a filter bed on top of the false bottom, allowing only the wort to filter through. Thus, your spigot doesn't get clogged with grain when you run off the sweet wort.

Why does my mash taste sour?

Some of the bacteria is good some is bad. With sanitation not being what it is today the high ph would kill off all of the bacteria that would spoil the mash. If you have ever stuck your finger in a sour mash tank and tasted it then you will easily recognize the sourness. so bacteria can thrive and spread very fast.

What to do with mash after distilling?

1. 4 Responsible Ways Distillers Use Spent Grains. Waste is not the first thing that comes to mind when daydreaming about being a distiller, but it's a reality you do need to consider before launching a distillery.
2. Livestock Feed. One of the most popular uses for spent grains is livestock feed.
3. Composting.
4. Baking.
5. Fuel.

Should whiskey mash be boiled?

One way they do that is by boiling their wort before they ferment it to kill any lingering wild yeasts or bacteria that might have hitched a ride on their grain or equipment. Distillers, on the other hand, are much more laissez-faire about protecting their mashes from contamination.

How do you make a mash tun?

Summing It All Up

1. Strike the grain between 165-170°f to mash at 150-155°f. Do this for an hour. Empty the mash tun and rinse the grains with the mash water once.
2. Strike with sparge water at 180°f. Add enough sparge water so that the total volume of first runnings and sparge will be between 6-6.5 gallons.

Can you use a Brita filter for spirits?

If your goal is to spend the least amount of money possible for the most amount of somewhat drinkable vodka, you should absolutely go for the bottom-shelf vodka and run it through a Brita filter three or four times. It will definitely help neutralize the gritty flavor and make it easier to mix or shoot.

How can I speed up my mash fermentation?

Re: Speeding up fermentation

So, say you brew 5 gallons of beer day one, aerate and pitch an adequate yeast pitch for that size beer, then put 5 more gallons on top of that 12-24 hours later you will drastically speed up fermentation time. Just be sure to aerate each batch well.

Can I use Turbo clear twice?

It's fine to use more than one pack of Turbo Clear as this won't hurt the wash.

How do you know when sugar wash is done fermenting?

The only true way to know if fermentation is finished is to take a gravity reading. A good rule of thumb is if the gravity of the wash has not changed over the course of 3 days then the mash is done fermenting.

How long can a wash sit before distilling?

It depends on what type of wash you have but as a general rule of thumb, it is best to distil within 2-3 days after fermentation is complete. The wash will keep for up to a month so long as the fermenter is airtight. The period can be extended if the wash is racked off into a clean airtight container.

What can I use instead of Turbo clear?

Re: Alternative to Turbo Clear Finnings

Kieselsol (negative charge): Also known as silicon dioxide. Kieselsol works well with gelatine as a clearing agent, since it acts as a tannin substitute and works well to remove bitterness from white wines Kieselsol also works with chitosan

Why is my sugar wash cloudy?

If you add too much heat, liquid will boil up into the column and puke into the collection vessel, causing distillate to turn cloudy. If too little heat is added, runs will take much longer than they should.

Do you need turbo carbon?

Turbo Carbon is specifically designed for use during fermentation. The unique activate internal pore structure removes impurities not taken out by post distillation filtration. It is essential for use with Triple Distilled Turbo yeast and will significantly improve all Turbo Yeasts.

What is racking your wash?

Racking is nothing more than syphoning off the clear part of wash after it has settled.