What the parrot does on run day
Every run is an experiment, and the Copper Proofing Parrot is where you read the results as they happen. This handmade piece of solid copper holds your hydrometer or alcohol meter right where the distillate comes out. The stream flows past the meter, so you get a steady, real-time proof reading instead of guessing between jars.
Walkthrough: setting it up
- Set the parrot level under your condenser outlet so the stream runs into its cup.
- Float your hydrometer or alcohol meter in it, and let it settle before you trust the first number.
- Put a collection jar under the parrot's outlet and number your jars in order.
Walkthrough: using it to make cuts
Cuts are where the scientist in you takes over. As the run goes on, watch the meter and write down three things: the reading, the jar number, and what you notice in the jar. Heads, hearts, and tails each show up as a change you can track. The parrot lets you see that change while it's happening, not after the fact. After a few runs, your notes turn into your own playbook for making heads, hearts, and tails cuts.
Practice on a water run first
Before you count on it for real readings, do a water run with the parrot in place. Check that it sits level, that the meter floats freely, and that the outlet drains cleanly into your jar.
Cleaning the copper
After each run, rinse the parrot with clean water and let it dry completely before you put it away. Copper darkens with use, and that's normal. Keep the cup clean so nothing gets in the way of your meter.
Owning a still is legal in the US, but distilling alcohol requires federal TTB permits. Always follow federal, state, and local law.
