Something/Nothing

[packapoo]

Posing a question out of nothing more then idle curiosity:

Cruising the Ritchies Products site today searching for info, came across their offering for spirit kits. Said to ferment out to 21%.
Guessing they're not for stilling but has anyone ever tried?

[chill]

It is just a high ABV turbo yeast. No reason that you could not distill it. I have no idea what sort of flavours you might get out of a wash that hits 21%. I'd just make two washes, myself.

[packapoo]

Thanks chuck.
Mildly curious is all as haven't heard of anything like this since in Oz in the mid 90's and these days the turbo still providers seem to have the market in their clutch. Firmly....

[Anavrin]

I've made them in the past and flavoured them with essences, they've always gone down well with family and friends, they turn out quite neutral, no smell or colour and work well.

I think it might be worth while trying one to run through a still, the kits are only for 1 gallon and think they're around £7-8 so quite expensive, there's probably enough in 2-3 paks to make a 5 gallon batch but I'd be tempted to try with just one to keep the cost down.

In fact I've just found a couple of kits online, a 1gallon and a 5gallon

http://www.the-home-brew-shop.co.uk/aca ... AbYLX-9KK0

http://www.the-home-brew-shop.co.uk/aca ... AbXvn-9KK0

[Anavrin]

I've just read the instructions for these kits as they're on the website I linked, they take just over 4 weeks, turbo abv but not in turbo time, just going off the instructions and the fact they produce a palatable liquid, I would bet they make for a better neutral than most turbo washes.

Going on my to do list I think

[chill]

£7-8 for a gallon of wash seems incredibly dear to me. I am curious, why do you think this is worth it? It is easy enough to get a 12-14% wash using champagne or distillers yeast and far cheaper.

Chuck

[packapoo]

@chill, have you factored in difference in gallon measurement in your calculation? Curious only.

@Anavrin, you made my eyes water when I took a look at that site
All that mashing gear option.

As someone who doesn't, and won't, use turbo products, thereby not even having to think filter and all the associated carry-on/equipment/expense, I'd be tempted.

Whilst the cost of production is always in mind, the need for speed is never.