StillSmart

Re: Alcotec 48 turbo

2014-11-02T14:17:44+00:00

Toper wrote:
' If you shoot for about half that ABV 10-11% there will be a huge reduction in the off flavours'

Thanks for that informatiom. I am sure that you are correct but could you possibly explain why this would be so. (Excuse me if I'm being dim). Understanding why helps me learn,

Also, to reduce to such an % abv would seem to eliminate the major reason for the use of the yeast, or was this an implied point? A Single Strain Whisky Yeast would produce the %abv that you mention, though probably without the flavour taint.

-----------------------------------

Yeast don't like to be stressed - big swings in temp, getting too hot, pH too low and high alcohol levels will all stress and eventually kill the yeast, when they are stressed they produce compounds that don't taste very nice to us. Keep them happy and they produce cleaner alcohol, then sink to the bottom still alive when they eat all the sugar.

Turbos have nutrients and pH stabilizers so they are a simple solution - I ferment 10Kg of sugar with a single pack, but I'm doing a 50-55L wash so shooting for about 11%.

Statistics: Posted by Capt-Cudellez — Sun Nov 02, 2014 2:17 pm

Re: Alcotec 48 turbo

2014-11-02T12:09:54+00:00

I use Alcotec whisky yeast ferments my washes from around 1080 to close to 1000 approx 12% ish ABV takes about 5 days pretty good results so far

Statistics: Posted by Admiral Toad — Sun Nov 02, 2014 12:09 pm

Re: Alcotec 48 turbo

2014-11-02T10:13:56+00:00

Turbo Yeasts are easy and contain all the nutrients that the yeast need and perhaps more than they need.

You will need to provide the Single Strain Whisky Yeast that you quote with nutrients via a different route. Some of the recipes here such a all bran and cornflakes or UJSSM will contain all the nutrients required, others including sugar washes will need additional nutrients if they are to ferment out completely.

Statistics: Posted by YHB — Sun Nov 02, 2014 10:13 am

Re: Alcotec 48 turbo

2014-11-02T09:24:45+00:00

' If you shoot for about half that ABV 10-11% there will be a huge reduction in the off flavours'

Thanks for that informatiom. I am sure that you are correct but could you possibly explain why this would be so. (Excuse me if I'm being dim). Understanding why helps me learn,

Also, to reduce to such an % abv would seem to eliminate the major reason for the use of the yeast, or was this an implied point? A Single Strain Whisky Yeast would produce the %abv that you mention, though probably without the flavour taint.

Statistics: Posted by Toper — Sun Nov 02, 2014 9:24 am

Re: Alcotec 48 turbo

2014-11-01T16:17:28+00:00

Toper wrote:
I have used Alcotec 48 Hour for a number of years now and have found it trouble free. For me, it does what it says, using 8kg sugar, and kept within the recommended temperature range, it gives 20% a.b.v in roughly a week.

There is a flavour taint from the various nutrients combined with the yeast.

------------------------------------------------

If you shoot for about half that ABV 10-11% there will be a huge reduction in the off flavours - it does mean having to do a larger volume ferment, or splitting the packed to do 2 ferments.
Obviously more wash means more processing depending on the size of the still you have, this might not be ideal for your situation.

Statistics: Posted by Capt-Cudellez — Sat Nov 01, 2014 4:17 pm

Re: Alcotec 48 turbo

2014-11-01T09:32:49+00:00

I rate vodka star 16%+ from 7 kg every time

Turbo is misleading though usually takes a good fortnight but it's a good clean ferment for neutral spirits

Statistics: Posted by Admiral Toad — Sat Nov 01, 2014 9:32 am

Re: Alcotec 48 turbo

2014-10-31T22:56:15+00:00

I suspect the majority on here would promote vodka star.
I only tried it a few times,and didn't find it much of an improvement over Alcotech 48.
I really would recommend that you try a lentil,pulse or Kale wash.
They all work,they all cost less,and all seemingly produce a better neutral.
Various recipes on here,try a search.
HTH
Robert.

Statistics: Posted by Easydrinker — Fri Oct 31, 2014 10:56 pm

Re: Alcotec 48 turbo

2014-10-31T17:20:06+00:00

so whats the best.. vodkastar or 48?

Statistics: Posted by beerbeermorebeer — Fri Oct 31, 2014 5:20 pm

Re: Alcotec 48 turbo

2014-10-30T08:59:19+00:00

I have used Alcotec 48 Hour for a number of years now and have found it trouble free. For me, it does what it says, using 8kg sugar, and kept within the recommended temperature range, it gives 20% a.b.v in roughly a week.

There is a flavour taint from the various nutrients combined with the yeast.

However, I have two washes on the go now. Both mixed in the same way, on the same morning using, as near as measurable, the same ingredients. Both left to reach room temperature and then the yeasts added virtually simultaneously. Within a very short period of time, it was obvious that one was very much faster than the other. Whilst one was simply rapid, the other took off like the proverbial rocket, in a constant stream of gas.

Whether this difference is down to some unnoticed and unintended difference in my handling , or to variations in the yeast mix I cannot say.

Statistics: Posted by Toper — Thu Oct 30, 2014 8:59 am

Re: Alcotec 48 turbo

2014-08-27T22:21:01+00:00

I'm not saying this is the way to go,just my experience..
I never use an airlock for a low wines wash to distill.
I rely upon a fast fermentation,and a loose fitting lid on the bucket.
It works for me.
I find similar results from "Turbos" and other more organic washes.
Try it maybe?
Robert.

Statistics: Posted by Easydrinker — Wed Aug 27, 2014 10:21 pm

Re: Alcotec 48 turbo

2014-08-27T19:06:15+00:00

I'm thinking of doing a wash with the turbo 48...reading these replies am in doubt....if i go ahead i take it you dont use an airlock?....since its been a few months since this topic started....any more views.

cheers

Statistics: Posted by PJB — Wed Aug 27, 2014 7:06 pm

Re: Alcotec 48 turbo

2014-05-25T11:21:41+00:00

Don't know if this helps, but life got busy alately and I left an Alcotec48 for a whole 2 months on the landing and it was just fine and all nicely settled on the bottom. Unless you need the alcohol for before your hols, just leave it and it will be fine. I used a flannel over the water can spout with a rubber band to hold it into place to keep the nasties out.

Statistics: Posted by Voddy — Sun May 25, 2014 11:21 am

Re: Alcotec 48 turbo

2014-05-24T14:58:15+00:00

Popped into Leyland Home Brew on my way home today and the guy there said the turbo 48's can finish in two days if the temp is at the high end of there range (32°C), I'm keeping mine at 26°C, as I think there'll be some off tastes if any higher, before using some turbo klaar 24 on Monday if all goes well, two chances I guess lol

I'm gonna run my junkahol later today, first with no packing as a pot run followed by a full reflux run with my 6mm ceramic raschig rings in the column, be interesting to see what % the boka can pull and how long it's gonna take

Statistics: Posted by Anavrin — Sat May 24, 2014 2:58 pm

Re: Alcotec 48 turbo

2014-05-24T13:14:51+00:00

My findings were the same as your fridges, this stuff overheats very quickly.

My washes in an insulated fermenter ended up in the high 30`s and I believe that this was the cause of some unpleasant tastes that I ended up with. When I used an uninsulated fermenter the temperature was a lot more reasonable and the taste acceptable, so your fermenting fridge may be just what is called for.

Others have resorted to only using half a packet of yeast/nutrient, this will reduce the intensify / heat of the ferment , but will also extend the time.

Sorry my comments were more in reply to Fuf,s comments than the original post.

Have look at the fermenting section there are some good threads on Turbo 48, I think this is one of the better ones viewtopic.php?f=2&t=2742

Statistics: Posted by YHB — Sat May 24, 2014 1:14 pm

Re: Alcotec 48 turbo

2014-05-24T10:53:21+00:00

I tried this yeast 2 weeks ago following the instructions to the letter. It will take more than 48 hours to ferment and will not clear very well. Also I found it tasted awful after running it through the T500 at 50c. >:( So much so I had to double distill to make it drinkable....never again.
If I were you, I would leave it until you return from your holiday, that would give it time to ferment and then use the clearing agent. Good luck and have a great holiday.

Statistics: Posted by fuf — Sat May 24, 2014 10:53 am