StillSmart

So I got a 2nd hand airstill last week. As soon is I bought it I rushed to the homebrew shop and bought a pack of the dreaded turbo yeast with the carbon and finings... I've spent hours reading since and possibly won't buy another.....

My post is regarding the final gravity. This was 20 litres of water and 6kg sugar. I'm stuck at 1012 for the last 2 days where I was expecting something like 990?

I added an aquarium heater 3 days ago and it's not moved much since.

Today is day 9.

Any ideas?

Should possibly say I added the heater because it was sat on the cold kitchen floor for the first 5 days

Hi, which turbo yeast did you use? And what was your starting gravity?

In cold environments washes can take 9, 10, 12 or more days to finish.

Just give it a good stir and wait.

Regards, Marc.

Hi, the yeast was: http://www.lovebrewing.co.uk/pure-turbo ... iple-pack/

SG was 1110

I'm more concerned the fermentation has stopped than the time it's taking.

Ah. Don't be so quick to never use that one again, it's actually great for the Air Still.

My personal favorite actually. A lot of people on here like Vodka Star but I find Pure makes a nicer neutral with a lovely creamy vanilla note when properly double distilled and filtered.

Use Either Vodka Star or Pure, VS is cheaper but it's up to you.

You'll see a lot on here about lentil or kale washes to make a nice neutral, but my advice to you is to master the 2 I mentioned above first before you venture into the bewildering world of home made washes. I'm speaking from experience here.

Other more experienced folk will be along shortly to advise you on your suspected stalled wash.

I'm not sure it's stalled though I think it's finished. It's at nearly 13%, The best you could have hoped for is 14%. Go ahead and clear it I say, It's done.

Marc.

You're nearly at 13%abv there. Worst case is you can clear it and start stilling.

I did get a full ferment (0.980) with this yeast at about 20 degrees although it took 9 days.

It's not like brewing beer where you're risking exploding bottles. Any remaining sugar will be left in the still.

(Sorry Marc just realised you've already said this, cross posts!)

I would agree with others and say that for such a high S.G. I would not wait, but cool it, rack it fine it, and run it.
I don't run Turbo's these days, but don't dismiss those that do.
Have fun finding out what works for you.

Robert.

Thanks guys, I've given it a good stir to degas it a bit. Will leave it till tomorrow and if not moving will fine it ready for Friday

I've just completed a Turbo run (I hadn't found this forum when I started - full report coming soon) and I'm pleased enough with the results (I'm not a vodka connoisseur and I'm using essences but I can't tell the difference in taste/smell between mine and some (admit cheap) shop bought vodka). So it will work for you don't worry - although I'll be switching to Vodka Star for next time!

Your inner Yorkshireman will want to do Kale very soon.....

Was thinking of Vodka Star because it'll need less heating in my cold attic than Kale with baker's yeast, but I haven't research this in any detail yet - will be a few weeks before the next run, with Christmas beer taking up all resources!

My outer Yorkshireman makes me want to strangle the next M.F. that mentions Kale.
But that is just me
Is it too early to wish seasonal jolity's to all?
Consider it done.

cu reprobates and criminals in 2018.
Expect a lot of new Scottish members in the new year.
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Robert.

I love your outer Yorkshire man, his sense of humour always gives me a good chuckle in the morning.

I think it's a bit early for seasonal jolities. Unless you are are going to the Caribbean for a 2 month sabbatical of course.

Bon voyage keep in touch!

I take it you’re not a kale fan then Robert? :-)

I thinking of trying some sultanas and currants boiled for a while then strained as a nutrient ....just for the hell of it

I always throw Sultanas in a neutral brew as yeast food.
Soaked and hit with a stick blender.
They ferment out without it, but are days quicker with.

Robert.