Operations: Recipes & Formulas with added sugar, honey, syrup or solids (Obscured Spirits) (Read Time: 4 mins) – FIVE x 5 Support

DISTILL x 5 uses TTB Tables for computing proof and volume when transacting by weight. The calculations are suitable for spirits with dissolved solids under 6 grams / liter.

If your spirit is extremely aged (e.g. 10-12 years or more), or if you have added sugar, honey, syrup or other solids, then you are very likely to exceed the 6 grams / liter threshold. Above that threshold, DISTILL x 5 no longer provides correct WG, PG or proof results when blending or transacting by weight. However, the calculations are correct when blending or transacting obscured spirits by volume.

In order to maintain accurate records, you must gauge Obscured products that exceed the threshold using an acceptable gauging method. If you are measuring volume by weight, you must use special procedures in 27 CFR 30.41 and enter the resulting Wine Gallons and Proof using the "Recalibrate" function in the DISTILL x 5.

How do I record the Proof of obscured spirits?

If you have obscured spirits (either from sugar or from other solids in the spirits), you should use an approved gauging method to determine the true proof @ 60 F. Enter that proof into DISTILL x 5 using the "Recalibrate" function.

We suggest setting up "Custom Metrics" for recording the elements of the gauge, including the gauging method used, the obscuration factor and other items listed in 27 CFR 19.618. An article covering the "Custom Metric" process is available here: Setup: Add New Custom Metric or Reading.

We suggest reaching out to Fx5 Consulting for guidance on proper operations and recordkeeping in the context of obscured spirits.

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