Aussiedistiller, Home Distilling, Moonshine, Home Brew

In my short time in this hobby I have tried a number of these turbo yeast's, my thoughts below.
All this is using the SS Turbo 500 (T500) still.
Still Spirits Classic - 5 day ferment, smelly ferment, smelly distillate, needs carbon filtering.
Still Spirits Express Turbo - 2 days ferment, rest as above.
Still Spirits Triple Distilled - 5 days ferment, clean ferment (slight smell), cleanest distillate of the SS range (carbon filter recommended but could get away without)
.
Alcotec 48 hour - Doesnt do what it says, smelly ferment and distillate, needs carbon filtering.
Alcotec 24 hour - All I will say is STAY AWAY its just that bad.
Alcotec Vodka Star - This is by far the best (IMO) "turbo", 7-9 day ferment, clean smelling during ferment and clean distillate, no need for carbon filtering (best result was 6kg sugar)
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All the above were tried using 6, 7 and 8 kg sugar and 8 kg dextrose (my personal learning curve) during the summer months.
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Feel free to add to the list.

I've used SS Classic Turbo and SS Triple Distilled yeasts (both with 7kg and 8kg Dextrose) and they both simply are not good enough (IMO) although I would agree that Triple Distilled is slightly better. I have also tried using Turbo Carbon, Turbo Clear, either and neither in the wash and its still 'always too smelly' fermentation and 'too smelly' neutral running via my Airstill. I have found that a stripping run then final run combined with the things mentioned in other threads (eg constant temp fermentation, a neutral filter through activated carbon, etc) lessens the smell/taste problem considerably.... BUT I would love to try VodkaStar one day as many others on similar forums agree with you Qld.Andy (alas its not stocked at my LHBS) :x. Would also love to know what other Turbo yeast using folk think (b4 I just do TPW only ;) )

O/T
Anyone know who stocks VodkaStar yeast in Brissie ????

When I first started out I used a few different turbo's for a very short time, the "only" one I had "good" results with was Super6 by Essencia? I think.

Not a full on turbo like all these 48hr jobs, it takes about 5 days to ferment...... if any of you turbo users see it give it a go ;)

SpudGun wrote:O/T
Anyone know who stocks VodkaStar yeast in Brissie ????

I didnt see this before, sorry.
My LHBS started stocking it just for me :D now it sells like hot cakes.
http://www.tru-brew.com.au/
Ask for Craig and tell him Andy sent ya

bought some Vodka Star from tru-brew, Craig was great to deal with.
Problem i have is after 4 days still not started to ferment. followed instructions on packet,have wash (25l) in a blanket to keep warm but still no life.
all the good reports I've seen, this is a bit disappointing.any ideas from users.
thinking of giving wash some o 5Star's yeast maybe this will start things going.

Cant help Bundy sorry.
I have never had a problem with any of mine

I've not had that problem either ... What is the use by date on the pack ?

use by date is 2012 so that shouldn't be the problem.

How was yeast sent may have been in hot courier van or truck .

bought 2 pkt of yeast one worked ok other i needed to put 2tsp punkins yeast to get it moving, so now working.
they were packed in cardboard tube and came aust.post.
thanks for replies.

Have you told Craig what happened?
I will see him in a couple of days and ask what could cause this.

no mate haven't bothered you could ask if you like he may know.every things going OK now.
could be used for future reference.

Hi All,

I use the S/S Turbo Classic and have done for a few years now.

In a 25lt carbuoy, it stinks - bad!

I (well, Dave "the ratbag mate" & I) use a single packet in a 60lt w/ 15kg sugar and it's not so bad. We ferment 3 of these at a time, and it only takes about 5 days for the lot.

We let it settle in 25lt jerrys to clear, because IMO the turbo clear tastes like cr@p. sometimes it could sit and settle for weeks before cooking.....we also save all of the dregs out of the carbuoy, and drop them into a 30lt carbuoy to settle.....the dregs from 3 x 60lt drums can sometimes half fill the dregs drum...no point wasting it :)

T500 smells a bit more than the S/S super reflux job, but an even trade for the better quality distillate........

What does VodkaStar cost and can you reuse the yeast in a tomato paste wash .

Its around $7 and I dont know if you could use the slops.

wynnum1 wrote: can you reuse the yeast in a tomato paste wash .

you "can" but woudl need to consider what nutrients are missing / used and goes the same in any "turbo"

the dead cells will provide some nutrients.
in UJSMM and all bran etc the new " bran" can provide plenty of nutrients and overcomes the issue along with the old yeast cake.

for TPW personally i dump and start fresh as it's very cheap and i can "control" my ferments