Alcotec Products

[Admiral Toad]

What are anybodys experiences with alcotec products.
As always have been using SS triple on sugar washes but finding them quite slow.What about alcotecs 48 or triple distilled versions (would like to get neare 20 % wash if pos)Do you need to use their liquid carbon (which seems quite dear)?.This is for a T 500 making a variety of clear and darker stuff

[Jimmy]

Alcotec 48 is OK but no more than that, I've used it a few times because it tends to be stocked in most places, even those that don't 'do' spirits as such.

As usual, the claims on the packet are irrelevant, I tried doing both methods - from memory, one says 20% in 5 days with 8kg sugar and one says 16% in 48 hrs with 6 bags of sugar. The first came out at 17.3% I think, after about two weeks. The second came at 16.8% after a week an a half, I'd have to double check these figures when I get home but something like that - in other words, not worth using the extra sugar.

Didn't use any carbon in the wash, just cleared and distilled with a T500. Wash smelled vaguely chemically, not particularly tasty but not terrible. When you start it off fermenting, it goes like a rocket and about day 3 it starts to smell eggy but that passes. Distilled fine, a slight chemical aftertaste I think but that's being quite picky and could have been down to the cuts rather than the wash itself.

On the other hand, when I had an airstill I tried Alcotec 48 a couple of times and that's what started me on the tomato paste washes, it definitely tasted rough through that to me.

[Admiral Toad]

Anyone tried the triple distilled ? As I said somewhere else Im about to try SS classic on 8kg tate and lyle and see how that goes.Unless there is a dramatic improvement in yield or quality unlikely to change fromm SS products which my local HBC sells for about £6.60 inc carbom and finings (triple or classic yeast)

[billmcc]

Hi Admiral Toad from what i have read with 8kg of sugar you will see a increase in yield but you will also increase off flavours. the vodka star is very good and better if you start at an sg of 1.080 if you can get hold of any essencia super six yeast try that, again start at 1.080 both of these yeasts will have less yield with this start sg but will also have less off flavours because the yeast hasn't been too stressed.

[Admiral Toad]

Trying vodka star as per instructions and its going fine

As I said elsewhere the SS classic seems to be performing best

[MrCat]

My favourite turbo is the alcotec 48. I don't push it hard only aiming for about 12/13% (5.5kg of sugar in a 25 litre fermenter). Just let it take its time and ferment it slowly (about a week), leave a couple of days, then clear it for a nice wash.

I've stacked the 48 in a 60 litre fermenter a couple of times and it produces awesome results

[lyonacre]

Hey,

Used various Alcotec stuff since I started and always been very happy with it.

My favourite is the Vodka Star which is quick, clean, and strong.

I used to always use their TurboKlar as well but found that Wilkinsons wine finings (I think they are Youngs) work just as well, are cheaper, and as I can get to a store they is no postage!

On the postage point, Wilkinsons do a reasonable range of the "standard" brewing stuff at reasonable prices. You can order on the tinterweb and have the stuff delivered to a local store at no charge. They send yo an email/text as soon as all is ready for collection

[Capt-Cudellez]

I like the results with the alcotec 48 when using slightly less sugar, and run through the column. Vodka star does work well too, I've just never had the best results in the final product when using it.

[billmcc]

My favorite turbo is essencia super 6 as Mrcat i use 5.5kg sugar and have allways been happy with the results the essencia is from Riches so if your HBS uses them they should be able to get it but at £4.20 its a bit pricey

[Admiral Toad]

Just ran the the vodka star very clean
Trying classic on 7 kilos now >:D