StillSmart

I've noticed a trend on here that goes like this. Man (or woman) buys the Air Still kit from Homebrewing or somewhere. Then they happen on this tremendous oasis of a forum for intrepid trail blazers. They quickly realise that everything that came with the still,
(the carbon, the turbo clear, the filter, the yeast) should be thrown out and never mentioned again.

Fair play I say, but the yeast? No. In my opinion the SS Pure should not be thrown out with bath water in favour of the 'on trend' Vodka Star.

I remember my first ever run with the AS using Almanac's guide with SS pure. It turned out excellent. Smooth and creamy, you could drink it straight over ice.

Then I disappeared down the rabbit hole with VS, lentils, tomato paste, kale, bicarb, PH tests, gypsum, blankets, and crystals.
I could never achieve the same smooth tipple as my first batch, all drinkable yes but nowhere near as nice.

Fast forward a few months and I have a new still with a new fervor for this hobby of ours.
I tried SS Pure again and what do you know? There's that lovely smooth creamy vodka again! It's not just me, everyone who tastes it says it's like a clear Baileys.....at 50%

I know we're going for a flavourless neutral here but it's subtle and very pleasant non the less.

Each to their own, I get it. But I think Pure is a better yeast than VS and newbies shouldn't be so quick to dismiss it.

Happy holidays everyone! Lets drink!

Marc.

If it suits you stay with it, I've been doing this hobby of ours for a number of years now.

As Robert says "There is no ONE way" and the sooner we all take that on board the better. I love the Golden Syrup with kale wash, for me when I get to the "Sweet spot" and collect that magic bit....over ice with a dash of caramel...

I must agree with the first two paragraphs of yours, the advice that comes with the equipment is rubbish, over the years we've had untold numbers of guys come on here and ask if the directions are correct...only to be told "throw it all away" and start again.

I myself did that when I bought my "coffee pot" back all those years....for the first 6 months Mrs Ice & I was drinking "nail varnish" it soon changed when I found this site....so for me, I would say find what works for you, and stick with it.

Hi Duffer

I’m a fan of creamy Vodka, Chase is my favourite by far, I just looked at the still spirits turbo pure, I’ve never personally tried any still Spirits yeasts, but on your recommendation I’ll give it a go in the new year, it’s almost a £1 a pack more expensive than VS but I’ll give it a go :-)

Not sure it was my guide you used at first though as I don’t ever remember making one, not with pictures anyway, it’s possible I once wrote a post with my own version though as I remember I took a bigger heads cut, but that’s just my way.

Ah, sorry, it was Almanac. Duly edited.

I'm all for a bit of re-education Duffman, so just to be clear, do your latest exploits with Turbo Pure involve carbon in any way or are you able to avoid completely?

No, I don't use carbon in my wash, (not that I ever had any problems with it) nor do I use any finings.

With my still (Alan Manning) there's not a lot to be achieved with filtering, but
as I have an Essencia I do it anyway.

Regs, Marc.

I also have an Essencia, "and do it anyway"
It only adds to the party.
Carbon in the wash I only ever found to be a messy PITA.
Tried finings, on occasion, these days I use time.

Robert.

My vague recollection is that the airstil used to come with "alcotec turbo 48" and it was nasty and is what most of us are thinking of.

If it now comes with a different yeast, then that's a big improvement.

Duffer26 wrote:No, I don't use carbon in my wash, (not that I ever had any problems with it) nor do I use any finings.

With my still (Alan Manning) there's not a lot to be achieved with filtering, but
as I have an Essencia I do it anyway.

Regs, Marc.

Okay, so guessing you've tried it pre-filter. Yes/No

If so what's the verdict

I can produce decent booze without filter - don't even possess one and not about to start even if Essencia's are still available here.
Would bypass my no turbo as a trial tho'...

It's good pre filtered. I just filter because I can.....For now.

@Duffer26. I dont use carbon or filter and part of the process. If you make it properly in the first place its not necessary. But then, I have never used kale, TP or any number of other possible additives.

RumJohn wrote:@Duffer26. I dont use carbon or filter and part of the process. If you make it properly in the first place its not necessary.
....

Nicely put RJ

Curmudgeon wrote:My vague recollection is that the airstil used to come with "alcotec turbo 48" and it was nasty and is what most of us are thinking of.

If it now comes with a different yeast, then that's a big improvement.

The airstill now comes with Turbo Pure which is a rebadged version of the previous Triple Distilled yeast. Both of which are still spirits own brand. It takes about a week to ferment out at 20 degrees. Ive never used the alcotec so I've no idea if it's an improvement.

I have extensive experience with both Vodka star and SS Pure. Myself and everyone else that tries it prefers SS Pure hands down.

It's just largely ignored as for the reasons in my original post.

Regards, Marc.

I've almost stopped using Vodka Star now as I find Pathfinder pure yeast is at least as good and it's done in around four days.