why is my distillate blue tint? Explained by a moonshine distiller!

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ByThe Brew Mechanic
How did the distillate blue tint happen? It was due either nitrogen, wrong ph levels or contamination.

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Finding your prized distillate sporting a blue/green tint isn’t exactly the dream outcome. Worry not,  for this hue hides clues to its cause. Let’s unravel the mystery of how the distillate blue tint arrived, and get your spirits clear again.

Suspect #1: Nitrogen Overload to get blue distillate

Too much nitrogen in your wash batch (turbo yeasts) can morph into ammonia during fermentation. This culprit reacts with copper in your still, leaving a blue colour trace behind.

Suspect #2: Cleanliness Counts for a still

Residual dirt or gunk from past distillations can react with your next run, giving it a bluish cast. Ensure your reflux or pot still is squeaky clean before every session.

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Suspect #3: Contamination

Trace elements of copper sulphate or other contaminants in your water or equipment can also lead to a light blue tinge. 

Ph Factor: Keeping it Acidic prevents the distillate Blue tint

Maintaining an acidic pH (4.5 to 5.1) during fermentation helps prevent undesirable ammonia formation. Use pH meters or strips to monitor throughout the process.

Temperature Trouble: Slow and Steady Wins the Race

Starting your run with excessively high temperatures (above 90°C or 194°F) can shock your still and release copper compounds, resulting in that unwelcome slight blue moonshine. Take it slow and steady for perfect clarity.

Acetone – Foreshots56.6°C or 133.8°F
Methanol – Foreshots   64°C or 147.2°F  
Ethyl Acetate – Heads77.1°C or 170.8°F
Ethanol Range – Hearts 78.3 > 81.5°C or 172.9 > 178.7°F
2 Proponal – Tails82°C or 179.6°F
1 Proponal – Tails97°C or 206.6°F
Fuesel oils – Tails 94 > 95°C or 201.2 > 203°F

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Remember…why is my distillate blue tint?

Blue distillate can be caused by excess nitrogen from overfeeding or insufficient cleaning, or by high temperatures and contamination. Blue distillate is not usually safe to consume. Discard it and investigate the cause before your next run.

Avoid these, and your spirits will flow clear! Now you understand how you got to why your distillate blue tint in the first place!

Last Updated on Jan 25, 2024 by The Brew Mechanic

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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.

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