Before we get started, a reminder: Distilling alcohol is illegal without a federal fuel alcohol or distilled spirit plant permit as well as relevant state permits. Our distillation equipment is designed for legal uses only and the information in this article is for educational purposes only. Please read our complete legal summary for more information on the legalities of distillation.
Clean The Proofing Parrot After Each Use
It is very important to clean and dry all distillation equipment, including the boiler, column, copper packing material, and proofing parrot from time to time. Since the proofing parrot is in direct contact with the distillate from the still, it is very important to clean the parrot at the end of the distilling process. If the copper parrot is not cleaned properly, it can build up copper salts and other undesirables, which can contaminate distillate with potentially hazardous compounds.
How to Easily Clean a Proofing Parrot
- Fill the parrot with PBW.
- Leave the parrot to soak for one to twenty-four hours.
- Scrub the parrot with a bottle and tube brush. Buy a set with a few different size brushes for easy cleaning.
- Rinse the parrot with clean water.
- Give the parrot another scrub with a bottle and tube brush.
- Rinse the parrot again.
- Dump the water out of the parrot.
- Dry off as much of the water as possible with a towel or rag.
- Leave the parrot to air-dry.
- Safely store the clean and dry proofing parrot until the next run.
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