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3/12/2013 -- I am using Super Start Yeast in five gallon washes. I am also using Fermaid nutrient, but the instructions say to add the Fermaid in after several days of fermenting. I have tried this and it doesn't seem to help or aid the process. 1) Is Fermaid a good nutrient to use with SS? 2) Should I add it in shortly after pitching?
Response From Homebrew Heaven: Yes, Fermaid is a good nutrient to use with this yeast. Personally, I would add it just prior to fermentation. If you are adding more sugar during fermentation, a little additional nutrient wouldn't hurt at that time.
1/20/2013 -- 1 gal. Honey ,5gal. Water and 3 tbsp of super start distillers yeast. Does this recipe sound alright and can I just triple for 15 gal. Without doing anything different. Also, do I have to maintain 90 degrees while fermenting and if so how do you achieve that.
Response From Homebrew Heaven: Meads really need some nutrients in order to ferment. I would add a package of our Mead Blend to ensure a faster, more complete fermentation. See link provided.
Maintaining a "warm" enviroment for mead fermentation is also important, although it can be done anywhere from 70-90 degrees F. There are lots of ways to warm up your fermenation . . .
12/12/2012 -- Many distilling yeast products have "glucoamylase", or "AG" enzymes, amylo-glucosidase or alpha-galactosidase, to aid in maximizing starch conversion and reduction of fusel alcohols in fermentation. Does this product have that enzyme? If not, is it necessary in corn whiskey mashes? Do you carry these enzymes?
Response From Homebrew Heaven: No, the SuperStart product does not contain AG, nor do we carry it separately.
We would recommend the Still Spirits Whiskey Yeast (with AG) product (see link below) for your purpose.
11/29/2012 -- I i want to buy a pound of your super start yeast and a pound of yeast nutrient. I would like to know how much yeast and nutrient i would need to put into a 1 gallon jug to make a sugar/corn mash with the highest abv i could get. would i need to use some kind of clearing agent in it after it was done?
Response From Homebrew Heaven: Here is a recipe for 5 gallons. You can scale it down as needed:
To obtain 20% alcohol, you would need approx 14.5 lbs of sugar. For maximum alcohol production, it is probably best to add the sugar incrementally...that is, perhaps 5 lbs of it, then wait a while (maybe a week?) add another 5 lbs, another week and add the rest. This routine . . .
5/17/2010 -- what is your phone number?
Response From Homebrew Heaven: We can be reached at (425) 355-8865
Our toll free order is (800) 850-2739
4/25/2010 -- I am looking for information on proper user of the super start distillers yeast. Is there a book you recommend?
Response From Homebrew Heaven: We have several good books on distilling. Links to three of them are provided below.
There is also an online resource on Home Distillation of Alcohol. Here is a link to that website: http://homedistiller.org/
4/23/2010 -- What is the right 5 gallon mixture for Alltech super start distillers yeast. How much sugar & how much yeast to get 20% or more.
Response From Homebrew Heaven: To obtain 20% alcohol, you would need approx 14.5 lbs of sugar. For maximum alcohol production, it is probably best to add the sugar incrementally...that is, perhaps 5 lbs of it, then wait a while (maybe a week?) add another 5 lbs, another week and add the rest. This routine avoids "sugar shocking" the yeast.
Use about an ounce of yeast . . .
9/8/2009 -- how can i flavor moonshine after it has been distilled?
Response From Homebrew Heaven: We sell an entire line of essences for flavoring alcohol. These essences turn plain alcohol into whiskeys, rums, gin, brandy's etc etc. It works for commercial alcohol (legal) as well as moonshine (illegal in the U.S.). How you choose to use these essences is not our concern.
Here is a link to that category:
http://store.homebrewheaven.com . . .
4/28/2009 -- Alcotec 48 Hour Turbo Yeast + 8kg of grain white sugar (store bought) + 21L of tap water, fermented for 5 days (or until fermentation is done). If I were to, for sake of argument, a mental exercise mind you, add your Prestige Rum Spice Essence to this mix would it taste any good? Would this exercise, hypothetically, be worth doing in such . . .
Response From Homebrew Heaven: Why deal with the hypothetical? Nothing you have told me is illegal, since distilling was not mentioned. Fermenting is legal by itself. Only the concentration of alcohol by distilling would be illegal if you are using it as a beverage. At least in the U.S.
Now, the part about "would it taste good". You can expect somewhere between 14% and . . .
11/21/2008 -- IS THERE A RULE OF THUMBOF HOW MUCH YEAST TO USE PER GAL FOR SUGAR WASH THANKS
Response From Homebrew Heaven: I assume you mean for distilling.
This is a really broad question, and we have no knowledge of your goals here. Some go for maximum alcohol content, some for flavor, some are distilling for fuel. We also don't know what yeast you intend to use, or more importantly whether/not you are using nutrients.
Having said all that, if you are . . .
8/13/2008 -- 1) If a person from say Sweden wanted to ferment and distill a good drinkable alcohol, would your super start distiller's yeast be a good way to go?
2) Why is so much cheaper than others?
3) If it is not good for a beverage, what would you suggest to get a high alcohol content of the mash?
Response From Homebrew Heaven: 1) Yes, it would be a good choice for many drinks.
2) It is bulk distilling yeast only, and does not contain nutrients. It is not a fast working TURBO yeast.
3) Much depends on the mash. If it already is rich in nutrients, like grain mashes, this would be a good choice. If you are trying to ferment a sugar/water mash, then you will NEED . . .
7/30/2008 -- I just bought a pound of your super start yeast and a pound of yeast nutrient. I have been reading the old post and to make a sugar water mash for ethanol in my fermenter bucket i would add 4oz of super start distillers yeast and 4oz of yeast nutrient to 6.5 gallons of water and 20 lbs of sugar, is that about right or did i miss something? . . .
Response From Homebrew Heaven: That sounds about right, but there are always people who do it a little differently.
For maximum alcohol production, it is probably best to add the sugar incrementally...that is, perhaps 10 lbs of it, then wait a while (maybe a week?) add another 5 lbs, another week and add 5 more. This routine avoids "sugar shocking" the yeast.
5/10/2008 -- I am starting down the path of distilling fuel, and I need a good yeast and some information to use it. I am attempting to use byproduct glycerin from biodisiesel production. I will be making approximately 50 gal batches, water and glycerin. I will use a 60 gallon plastic barrel to ferment. So am I correct to assume I can use 1 packet of Alcotec . . .
Response From Homebrew Heaven: We have absolutely ZERO experiece in the fermentation of glycerin, sorry. Didn't know it was possible, actually...
How well turbo yeast will work in glycerin, and how much head space is required would be entirely guesswork.
I will say, however, that usually the production of ethanol (for fuel) is a matter of economics. Turbo yeasts . . .
5/8/2008 -- what would be the best yeast for producing ethonol alcohol fuel using sugar and a beer keg pot still?
Response From Homebrew Heaven: I would go with the Super Start Distiller's Yeast. Very inexpensive, and taste isn't a factor. Don't forget to use some nutrients also, however.
1/30/2008 -- What is the best temp. to use to start Super Start Distillers Yeast/
Response From Homebrew Heaven: It very much depends on what your goal is, what you are making etc etc, BUT...if you use 70-75 deg F, you should be just fine. Higher temps tend to produce more "solvent like" flavors, but higher alcohol (within limits). Lower temperatures typically produces a "cleaner" spirit, but lower alcohol.
1/26/2008 -- I live about an hour (if traffic is good) from the address on your website. Do you have an actual store or is everything here based solely online?
Response From Homebrew Heaven: Yes, we have an actual brick-and-mortar store in Everett, WA. People actually walk in and buy stuff!
Our address is:
Homebrew Heaven
9109 Evergreen Way
Everett, WA 98204
Here is a video of our shop:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N1a5fKvv8XI
Heck, you can actually call us on the phone, too! It's 425-355-8865. A person will . . .
5/30/2007 -- How do you check the proof of the distilled finished product so that you know it is safe to drink?
Response From Homebrew Heaven: The alcohol content (proof) of distilled spirits can be checked with an Alcoholometer.
Please note, however, that this is not the same as "safe to drink". Many things have ZERO alcohol and are perfectly safe, like water. Many things contain alcohol, but that doesn't mean they are safe.
3/5/2007 -- I pay just over $20 US for 1.75 liters of 40 proof liquor at the local store. If I set up and own my own equipment (fermenter, still, etc) how much would my own good booze costs me? I'm asking only because, surely, someone - somewhere - has worked out the cost savings on distilling your own. If after the sugar, yeast, nutrients, fuel, etc... . . .
Response From Homebrew Heaven: Certainly there are more factors than cost, and it very much depends on what KIND of spirits are being made, but I did find one recipe on the 'net that broke it down on a cost basis. This is just one mans opinion, but even if the cost were double or triple that shown below, it would be competititive:
Dr. Legendre's One Dollar wash (TM)
(Product . . .
8/27/2006 -- I'm interested in making ethanol for fuel. Any suggestions on a good yeast for this application?
Response From Homebrew Heaven: Distiller's yeast is most common. Inexpensive, and high alcohol tolerance. See below for a link to that product.
7/28/2006 -- Does your activated stone carbon need to be washed with water before using it to filter alcohol? If so, what is the procedure?
Response From Homebrew Heaven: It is more effective if you do. A good way is to put it into a tube with something like a coffee filter on the end to hold the carbon. A rubber band will do to hold it in place. Start pouring a little water into the tube. It will bubble at first, and then be absorbed by the carbon. Keep doing this until water trickles out the end of the tube. . . .
2/12/2006 -- Can homebrewed wines be distilled?
Response From Homebrew Heaven: Yes; most certainly. That is how brandy is made.
The legality of doing so depends on where you are located and lots of other factors, however.
3/30/2005 -- What exactly do I need to mix with this yeast. to make 5 gal. of fermentable material (wort?).
What about 25 gal. with this yeast?
Response From Homebrew Heaven: Sorry, but it depends what you are making...certainly you will need some source of sugar, some water, as well as some yeast nutrient, maybe some acid too. If you are just trying to make alcohol, try 12-15 lbs of sugar, 5 tsp yeast nutrient, 2-3 tsp acid blend. Scale it up for 25 gallons.
If you are trying to make a particular TYPE of alcohol . . .
1/4/2005 -- what nutrients do I need to obtain the highest alcohol level prior to distillation?
Response From Homebrew Heaven: That really depends on WHAT you are distilling. An all-sugar wash needs more nutrients than say a wash made from grain or from fruits. Diammonium phosphate is especially important. For an all-sugar wash, use about 2 oz of a good all-purpose yeast nutrient per 5 gallons.
Acid levels are important too, in order to get the highest alcohol . . .
12/16/2004 -- How do you store distillers's yeast? and for how long?
Response From Homebrew Heaven: Store it sealed, away from moisture. Refrigerated it will keep for at least a year. At room temp, maybe 6 months or so.
9/26/2004 -- can you make brandys or schnapps and are they legal?
Response From Homebrew Heaven: It depends how you do it, where you live and how willing you are to do the paperwork...
Mixing flavoring essences into purchased (commercial) vodka is legal.
Making your own (for home use) by distillation is not legal in the U.S. In other countries, it is often legal.
Of course, brandys and schnapps can be made commerically in the . . .
8/13/2004 -- When u are fermenting something in a container with a heat source underneath can the container be sealed or do u run the problem or to much pressure building up and eventually cracking or shattering your container if so what can be done about this?
Response From Homebrew Heaven: It's a bad idea to seal up ANY vessel when it has actively fermenting liquid in it. Fermentation gives off CO2 gas, and pressure will build up. You need to use a pressure release, like an airlock and stopper sized to your opening.. Here is a link to one:
http://www.nexternal.com/hombre/?Target=products.asp&ProductID=110
6/8/2004 -- what brand is your Super Start Bulk Distiller's yeast? Who is the manufacturer? You used to offer Red Star brand distiller's yeast, is this still the same product?
Response From Homebrew Heaven: Yes, it is the same product. The packaging has been updated, is all.
5/5/2004 -- The Price Of Gasoline Just Keeps Going Up !
If I Became Good At Distilling And Ran A "Moderately" Efficient Distillation System:
How Many Hundred Pounds Of Corn Would I Have To Distill Each Week To Make 20 Gallons Of Fuel Quality Alcohol For My Automobile?
How Long Would It Take To Distill 20 Gallons Of 'Fuel Quality' Alcohol Using . . .
Response From Homebrew Heaven: Yes, it does (the price, anyway)!
The use of alcohol as a fuel, and economics of doing so is best described in this website:
http://journeytoforever.org/biofuel_library/ethanol_manual/manual_ToC.html
5/1/2004 -- How many gallons of mash will one pound of yeast make?
Response From Homebrew Heaven: This yeast is used at the rate of 1-2 lbs per 1000 gallons. This is equivalent to about 3500 liters.
4/27/2004 -- Is your L20 product considered a "turbo" product? What percentage level of alcohol will most likely be produced? What nutrients would be necessary and how much do you need and do you have those also? How many liters would this one pound produce?
Response From Homebrew Heaven: No, it is not considered a turbo yeast, and it contains only yeast (no nutrients). This yeast is used at the rate of 1-2 lbs per 1000 gallons. This is equivalent to about 3500 liters.
The addition of nutrients needed depends very much on what you are fermenting. If it contains fruit or grain much less nutrient is necessary. It also depends . . .
3/6/2004 -- I have "Compleat Distiller" on my shopping list for general purposes. Do you know if this book covers the use of potatoes (versus grains) as the base for the fermentation stage, or do I need to search for additional "informational" materials?
Thanks.
Response From Homebrew Heaven: This book is an excellent resource for the distillation part of the process, but it is a little "lean" on the fermentation portion.
The Alaska Bootleggers Bible actually has better information on using potatoes, and even has a recipe for potato "wine".
2/28/2004 -- Is it illegal to produce ethanol for a use other than human consumption?
Response From Homebrew Heaven: It depends on where you live, but in general, it is not illegal to produce ethanol for use as a fuel, for instance. A permit, however, may be required. The Feds even offer tax credits for producing alcohol as alternative fuel.
Here is a link to that permit:
http://www.homebrewheaven.com/permit.pdf
We are not lawyers of course, and you . . .
2/23/2004 -- Do you know of any websites or books that have instructions on making a still from scratch?
Response From Homebrew Heaven: Most of the books we sell shown how to build a simple still.
Here is a like to the Distillation category:
http://www.nexternal.com/hombre/?Target=products.asp&CategoryID=41
You can also try:
http://www.moonshine-still.com/
and
http://homedistiller.org/
1/5/2004 -- I would like a book or information on how to ferment rice,potatoes,cracked corn.wheat,etc without the use of commercial sugar.
Response From Homebrew Heaven: I would recommend these three books:
"From Harvest to Moonshine"
"The Lore Of Still Building"
"The Alaskan Bootlegger's Bible"
All are available in our "Distillation" categoy.
1/1/2004 -- How long does it take to make a liquor with a still?
Response From Homebrew Heaven: It involves two separate operations:
1) Fermentation
2) Distillation
Step 1) depends very much on what is being fermented, temperature, nutrients, yeast and many other factors. A general timeframe may be say... 7-10 days. This is entirely legal in most countries/states.
Step 2) takes perhaps 4-8 hours
Please bear in mind, that . . .
11/16/2003 -- Is it possible to turn an old beer keg into a good still? What type of still would be better(pot or reflux)? And also how would I control the temperature of the mixture? For research purposes only, of course.........
Response From Homebrew Heaven: Yes, it is possible, along with a number of components.
Stills are not complex. Temperature is controlled in many ways, depending on how YOU design it. There are electric immersion types, external hotplates, propane fired, solar etc etc etc.
Reflux stills and pot stills are just different design types. Reflux designs are inherently . . .
11/9/2003 -- So after someone builds a still what would be a good book to really get in to learning about distillation, recipes, tips, etc.?
Response From Homebrew Heaven: The best book I know of is the "Compleat Distiller".
Here is a link:
http://www.nexternal.com/hombre/?Target=products.asp&ProductID=34
10/6/2003 -- What could I do to maximize the alcohol content of my product? ie. Ph levels, ideal temp, etc.?
Response From Homebrew Heaven: This yeast is quite temperature tolerant (15 deg C to 35 deg C), but starting at 35oC will help. Maintaining 25-35 deg C. will help to increase alcohol content. pH should be in the range of 3.0 to 3.5
15 deg C =59 deg F
25 deg C =77 deg F
35 deg C =95 deg F
Keep in mind that more volatiles are produced at higher temperatures. Volatiles . . .
9/20/2003 -- i have done some research i have found that in 1984 was a bill signed that made it legal to make 100gal per year for legal age person that resides at that address for personal use and not for sale. please tell me if something has changed.
Response From Homebrew Heaven: I assume the law you are referring to (actually in 1978 by the Feds, altho some states took longer) legalized beer and wine making only, not distillation. Beer and winemaking involves production of alcohol through the normal, natural processes of yeast fermentation; and that is typically the legal distinction.
The deliberate CONCENTRATION . . .
9/15/2003 -- Is it illegal to make moonshine for personal use in the U.S?
Response From Homebrew Heaven: If by moonshine, you mean distilled alcohol that is produced at home for consumption as a beverage without paying taxes, YES!
We do not encourage, and will not be responsible, for the illegal use of equipment purchased from Homebrew Heaven. If you intend to do that, we don't want to know.
In many other countries, it is legal (New Zealand . . .
9/12/2003 -- I need to know everything there is to on how to build my own still I need at least a 5 gallon dimension please!!!
Response From Homebrew Heaven: I would recommend the books "Lore of Still Building" and "The Compleat Distiller" and "Moonshine Made Simple and Still Makers Manual" for full information on this.
9/10/2003 -- new zealand has become propaganderised as a non-drinkers heaven. tax is raised by the communist govt. on real beer(4.5%+)and on spirits! The 'average class' new zealander prime minister asked live on tv why beer drinkers do not drink lite beer. The country shook to its' core when about 400,000 real men and 200,000 sheilas started stomping . . .
Response From Homebrew Heaven: I sympathize with you. Please understand that we don't have it so good either. At leastin NZ it's not illegal to distill at home. I'm of the opinion that anything I choose to do at home is MY damn business. Land of the free? I think not. By the way, in this state, blood alcohol limit was .10; now it is 0.08 and I'll bet in a year or two, we'll . . .
8/13/2003 -- I understand that distiller's yeast is generally not used to produce beer, but is it safe to use in the production or beer or wine, and if so, should I use the same amount as I would brewer's yeast?
Response From Homebrew Heaven: Yes, it would be safe, but probably not very tasty. For distilling and beer, it's almost impossible to use too much yeast, so as a guideline I would use at least at least that much. Not sure about wine, sorry.
7/18/2003 -- If I buy the bulk distillers yeast, how many ounces of nutrients and yeast would I use? I will also be using 20lbs of cane suger in 6.5 U.S. gallons of water.
Response From Homebrew Heaven: For maximum alcohol production, try using some citric acid to arrive at a pH of about 4.2. After that, try using about 120 grams (4-5 ounces of dry yeast)and 4-6 ounces of nutrient. Please understand that this is just a starting point, and you should determine what works best with your setup.
6/20/2003 -- Can you give me specific information about this yeast? Such as brand name, strain number, manufacturer's link or instructions?
Response From Homebrew Heaven: It is Red Star brand distiller's yeast.
Link to spec sheet: http://www.lesaffreyeastcorp.com/images/pdfs/2003DADY.pdf
Manufacturer info:
http://www.lesaffreyeastcorp.com/wineyeast/distillersyeast.html
Red Star® Distillers Active Dry Yeast (DADY) is a specially selected strain of Saccharomyces cerevisiae designed for distillers’ use . . .
6/14/2003 -- Is it legal for an individual in the US to distill spirits for individual consumption?
Response From Homebrew Heaven: No. It is not.
In some other countries, like New Zealand, Sweden and others, it is.
There are at least two reasons advanced for this:
1) Taxation. No incentive for the government to make it legal.
2) Liqour industry. A highly profitable industry would take a hit. The feds support their industry, and the industry supports the feds. . . .
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