StillSmart

Hey guys. My first ever run didn't turn out that well as I expected, but I drank it all anyway and am ready for another try. I really want to avoid the yeast off flavour I had with my SS turbo yeast.

Vodka star is said to be good, but is it worth using a full packet to get a higher ABV, or half a pack to reduce the yeast flavours further. I will be using 5kg of sugar as apposed to six as somebody pointed out to me earlier. I don't have anything to filter other than the rubbish disks of carbon that came with the kit. Thanks

Use the full packet, half packet can be used but it will take longer and IMHO usually needs extra heat towards the end to finish properly.
If either method is done correctly the abv would be the same. If you want to avoid yeasty flavours letting your wash clear well then racking off is the best place to start.

Thanks man. What's a good technique for letting a wash clear? Do I just leave it for ages, or do I leave it outside for a night or something? Do you get many off flavours when making a neutral with it/ thanks

Stand it somewhere cool like on the floor in the garage for a few days or you could use finings if you can't wait. Be patient, always strip then rerun through still and read up on making cuts and your vodka will be fine.

What Brewhunter said....

If you haven't been there yet, have a gander at the Recipes section here. In particular pay attention to the kale recipe as it's a goody accepted as providing a clearly neutral result.
Point in favour particularly is you can just toss some dried bread yeast at it. Worth a read

Not dissing replies posted here.
If you want to stck with a Turbo, then VS is the one to choose, and I would halve the pack to halve the cost, and only use 5Kg sugar.

Yes, clear it by putting somewhere cool or adding extra expensive finings.

Alternative Kale,Lentil washes are worth a try.
They are where I am now.
Might tell you something.

Robert.

I started with a turbo. Just the one.
Found this place. Moved on.

If you believe in the saying "crap in crap out" think the cleanest fermentation provides the cleanest spirit.
Quality not quantity.

Thanks guys. After this wash, i'm going to give one of the recipes here a try, since I've heard such good things about them.I just had the VS and sugar hanging around so I thought i'd give it a try rather than go shopping :p

It does seem that of all the Turbos out there, VS is the most benign.

Its not a bad quick fix if you run out of neutral.
Just 5kg of sugar is best and fastest.

@Racker: A good “neutral“ should be odorless and tastless. That is what you should aim for in a neutral. But that will take some decent equipment, knowlege and experience. Based on your questions and comments, some reading will answer a lot or your queries.

Had to chuckle at your first run not turning out as expected but you drank it all anyway.

Keep at it. It will all come together.

Persistent buggers usually get there.
I accept my many failings.
Persistance I do possess.

Robert.

RumJohn wrote:Had to chuckle at your first run not turning out as expected but you drank it all anyway.

Waste not want not, eh :p

Indeed.

Robert.

Absolutely. Full marks