StillSmart

Hey guys

Can anybody tell me if using alcotec 48 over 2days or 5 days....is it ok to use in the air still....am still quite new to all this and still experimenting.

cheers Paul

Hi pjbarber1968

So long as it's fully fermented it doesn't matter how long it takes or how much sugar you start with but I would recommend you get it as clear as possible before running it through your still, maybe use some finings like turbo klar and get some anti foaming agent just to be on the safe side.

Then follow the guides found on this forums airstill section about best practice

viewtopic.php?f=13&t=1216

Can I also suggest using less sugar than it recommends on the pack for that one, instead of pushing the abv to the limit that the yeast can handle, use something like 5.5Kg of sugar per 25l.

If you split the packed of yeast in 2, you should get 2 washes out of it so you will end up with more alcohol per pack.

This will mean more processing, as the beer is lower ABV so you will get less out from each distillation, but the product will be much much better.

good luck and happy stilling

Cheers Guys

Thanks for the help...i always filter my wash with my wine filter kit to get it cleaner after ive racked it.

Cheers Paul

Sounds like you are going the extra mile to me.
Simply racking and possibly clearing,I usually find sufficient for clear enough to run.
And plus one with the Capt.on less sugar and splitting the 48 yeast,gives superior results,IMHO.
Have fun and stick around.
Robert.

I have used alcotek 48 for over 4 years and it has always fermented out in the given time.I use 6kg of sugar it has never given me any problems in either my air still or t5oo.I always carbon filter if i use the air still.It is also very temperature tolerant.I ferment my washes in a pantry ,in the colder months i just put a towel on the floor and wrap the bucket in a fleece it still finishes in 48 hrs.
Hope this helps
Mark

I concur with trelliS,it behaves as he says,and for a while,I used to (seemingly single-handedly) fight from its corner here.
I have now found a brew that I think better,certainly cheaper,if a little messier.
It is a case of whatever works for you,there are more ways than one to skin a cat,or even produce good spirit.
And that is important,just keep it up and share.....
Robert.

Cheers Guys

Capt and Easy...are you saying make to batches out of one packet...so 5.5kg sugar in each and half packet of 48 in each...i understand that i'll get less on the distillation...how much would i run and dilute.

Always asking....shy bairns and all that.

That's right,two washes from one packet of yeast
Used to take about six days to ferment out for me,half a pack of Turbo Clar with the racked wash would settle clear in another two days.
Not sure what you are asking at the end,but I used to get somewhere around 6-7 litres at 40% after making cuts and diluting.
Robert.

This is handy to know, as the local HBS had run out of the SS express stuff, so I've mail ordered some.........