To Filter or Not to Filter Your Neutral Spirits with an Activated Carbon Filter for Distilling?

|
ByThe Brew Mechanic
Carbon Filter for Distilling is need to make a smooth spirit

Disclaimer: This post might include affiliate links, through which I may earn a small commission without any extra cost to you. Additionally, I am an Amazon Associate and earn from eligible purchases. All the products and services I suggest are ones I have personally used or would use. Thank you very much for your support if you decide to buy through any of my links!

Come join the Distilling Squad!

Get the best fundamental tips & tricks here. Woohoo!

Distilling your own sugar wash can be a rewarding experience, but achieving a smooth and delicious final product isn’t just about the distillation process. One key decision lies in filtration, specifically, whether to employ an activated carbon filter for distilling.

This guide will explore the pros and cons of filtering your spirits with activated charcoal/carbon, helping you determine if it’s the right choice for your neutral spirits.

Why use a carbon filter for distilling?

A carbon filter for distilling utilises activated charcoal’s immense surface area to attract and absorb unwanted chemicals and impurities like a magnet. In the context of neutral spirits, this removes harsh off-flavours and aromas, leading to a smoother and more neutral product. However, it’s crucial to understand what it removes:

Volatile compounds: These include unwanted congeners with unpleasant characteristics, often found in heads and tails cuts. The filtration effectively binds and removes them.

Colours: Activated charcoal will strip away any colour, making it ideal for producing crystal-clear neutral spirits like vodka.

But it’s not a magic bullet:

Flavor loss: Be warned, a carbon filter for distilling is indiscriminate. It doesn’t distinguish between good and bad flavours, potentially robbing your spirits of their unique character. This is why it’s unsuitable for filtering aged spirits like whiskey or rum, where the desired taste comes from the aging process.

ABV drop: Charcoal adsorption will slightly reduce the alcohol content (3-5% ABV typically).

Not for everything: The charcoal filtration doesn’t affect inorganic compounds, so it won’t remove things like methanol, a harmful impurity if not properly distilled out.

Considerations before filtering with an activated carbon filter for distilling:

Spirit type: Use an activated carbon filter kit only for neutral spirits like vodka or white rum. It’s a no-go for anything you want to retain the specific flavours of, like whiskey or gin.

Dilution: Dilute your spirits to 45-50% ABV before filtering. It works best within this range.

Taste testing: The ultimate test is your taste buds. Compare a small sample before and after filtering to judge the impact on flavour.

Flow control: Use a slow, gravity-fed filtration process for optimal results. Coffee filters or a DIY filter system with a needle valve works well.

DIY Carbon Filter Options for Distilling:

Shop-bought: Look for filter housings compatible with activated carbon granules.

Build your own: It’s surprisingly easy! Use white PVC plumbing tubes, reducers, and fittings to create a custom carbon filtration with the desired diameter and length. Remember, the longer the residence time for alcohol in the charcoal, the better the filtration.

Carbon filter for distilling is needed by the new distiller

Filtering your sugar wash spirits with an alcohol carbon filter for distilling can be a valuable technique, but it’s not a one-size-fits-all solution. Carefully consider your desired outcome and the type of spirit you’re making before diving in.

Remember, taste should always be your guide. If you’re unsure, experiment with small batches and let your palate decide whether a carbon/charcoal filter is your path to smoother spirits.

Use food-grade activated charcoal specifically designed for carbon filter for distilling neutral spirits.

Store your charcoal in a cool, dry place to prevent moisture absorption.

Label your filtered spirits and record the amount of charcoal used and batches passed through to track filter lifespan.

Last Updated on Dec 29, 2023 by The Brew Mechanic

Disclosure: I may receive affiliate compensation for some of the links below at no cost to you if you decide to purchase a product or service. You can read our affiliate disclosure in our privacy policy. The information provided is for entertainment only.

With 35 years of knowledge of being a chemical engineer in alcohol manufacturing plants, my mission is to teach the next generation of home distilling alcohol brewers at a supernatural speed.

My reviews are based on real-life experiences with reflux stills, sugar wash, troubleshooting and mystical chemical reactions.

Instagram | Facebook

Similar Posts