navenjohnson Posted May 19, 2014 Share Posted May 19, 2014 I am constructing something like the attached pictures. I've been trying to source the materials and some questions have come up. Please tell me your thoughts on these: 1. Since the alcohol SG will likely only get to 10% or so over the fermentation cycle, does the wood still need to be aged a few years to remove some of the tannins ? 2. I have seen the cypress fermenters from Confederate and they look nice, but I'd like to hear members opinion (especially if you've tried it) on using these different wood types to ferment in? Thank you in advance Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
OldSpye Posted May 19, 2014 Share Posted May 19, 2014 We're planning on doing something very similar. I'd thought about the necessity to age the wood, but honestly am not completely sold on the need. Some of the tannins will leach out into the wash, but given the low ABV I don't think it's going to be anything significant - and certainly there won't be anything residual, post-distillation. The overall aesthetic is totally cool. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Artisan Still Design Posted May 19, 2014 Share Posted May 19, 2014 tannins will not distill across. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
navenjohnson Posted May 19, 2014 Author Share Posted May 19, 2014 Excellent feedback. Thank you again! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Confederate Stills Posted May 20, 2014 Share Posted May 20, 2014 From Paul @ Confederate Stills of Alabama Cypress has a zero flavor impact on the mash....that's why Jack Daniels and so many others used it long ago. Barrels obviously can be made from oak, but these do impart some "oaky" flavoring to the mash....as to whether this carries over in the alcohol vapor is widely debated. Cedar is far softer a wood than oak or even cypress, also for my tanks, I use super select cypress....perfectly straight and worm holes free.....have you ever seen a cypress board with no knots....? me neither. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CountySeat Posted May 20, 2014 Share Posted May 20, 2014 Paul - can you do them with wood tops (to prevent dust, etc from settling in)? Added cost? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Donutboy Posted May 22, 2014 Share Posted May 22, 2014 found a used one over on probrewer.com http://discussions.probrewer.com/showthread.php?37808-Used-Confederate-Stills-150-Gallon-Cypress-Open-Fermenter-w-Copper-Drain-amp-Stand Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
navenjohnson Posted May 22, 2014 Author Share Posted May 22, 2014 Paul, Thanks for contributing. Do you have an opinion on using cedar for the fermenters? You mentioned that it is much softer. It occurs to me that a softer or porous wood might soak up more liquid, but I'm not certain. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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