Plum Brandy

[Mash]

Good one Myles. Why the starter?

I now use starters with all my fruit fermentations. Basically I prepare the wash/mash in the fermenter. Strain off some liquid and dilute it. I start the yeast in a gallon demijon.

It gives the pectic enzyme 24 hours to work on the fruit before the yeast is added, and in that same time period I get a really vigorously fermenting 6 pint batch.

My fermenters are usually cool so doing it with a starter (warmer) gives a faster start to the fermentation after the starter is added so there is less chance of infection.

If you just pitch yeast into the fruit it can take a bit longer to get going.

Got it. Thats good thinking. I solved the problem with electric blankets and no sulphite.

[gaza the instructor]

Getting more enthused by each new
piece of info.

[Mash]

I found the problem with cooler ferments is that the yeast are not giving their best.

Electric blankets really make a difference. Cheap as chips and certainly controllable enough with the regular stat.

Allow 1 single per 50 liters

[gaza the instructor]

I use these Mash. Keep a 25ltr wash steady
between 22 &24 C.
http://www.home-brew-online.com/equipme ... -pad-p2435

[Mash]

They are good 'cos you can add insulation on top to control the temp.

I use electric blankets for my big fermenters.

[packapoo]

They are good 'cos you can add insulation on top to control the temp.

I use electric blankets for my big fermenters.

Gotta consider this.
What do you do Mash? Underneath or wrap around?

[Easydrinker]

nah,sorry,
Electric blankets ,charity shops, leaking old ladies.
I don't want to go there
Robert.

[Mash]

Robert what have you done!!
"Leaky old ladies"
LOL will never be the same again

[Mash]

What do you do Mash? Underneath or wrap around?

Easiest way I have found is the wrap them round. Camp mat type foam over the top and then a bungee top and bottom to secure.

Use top seeing to get going. Once warm enough gradually decrease as the yeast starts making it own heat. I don't insulate / heat the bottom the concrete gives me a bit of a buffer. Works a treat on my 500's fermentation through in 7 to 10 days at a steady 25c.

[Phantom]

According to some stuff I've read, plums and the waxy skin thing is sorted by 24 hours in a weak soda ash solution........

[Mash]

Good shout.
I is also safe to fermentation & end product even if a little remains after rinsing. Often used as barrel cleaner.

Never thought of washing my plums with it.

[Benoit]

If you boys want to wash your plums with soda ash then feel free, when the hair falls out & the skin gets itchy don't say I didn't warn you

[gaza the instructor]

Very cruel Benoit,suppose you would make 'em
use Izal for a month as well

[Easydrinker]

We are almost back to leaky old ladies....

Robert.

[packapoo]

Thanks for that Mash.....filed for further.