Potato Mash

[swishy]

Hi all, my first post here although I've been browsing for quite a while. I am not an expert, but I am also not a beginner. Ever since I began I've only used a sugar mash and a couple of times I've used a molasses and brown sugar mash. I am trying to branch out and have been reading ALOT about making potato Vodka. I understand the need to use enzymes or malted barley to convert the starches. The problem I have is that due to my location, these things are hard to come by. The local brew shop has no idea what I am talking about. Doesany one have a brand name or even on-line place where I can buy these things? Thanks.

[BW Redneck]

This thread has a bunch of places that you can mail order a majority of the supplies you would need for this craft, including malt and enzymes.

Maybe you could tell us a little bit about your location (not too specific, like distance from the nearest town, country, etc.) Many of us are in these same situations and can give you some better advice.

By the way, welcome to the forum.

[swishy]

Thanks, I'll look at the thread. As far as location, Northern BC, Canada.

[Dnderhead]

you shore you want to do potatoes? if you have to buy there not worth it. but you can do it with malt . most vodka is made with wheat
I have to order my stuff off line no brew stores hear for 50 mil

[swishy]

I thought I wanted to do potatos. I am looking for the "authentic" Vodka taste like Wyberowa, Absolut, etc. I'm a big fan of Vodka and Rye Whiskey (Wisers, Crown Royal). Neutral spirits work great, but I'm looking to expand my hobby. For some reason I thought (even after all my reading) that these types of Vodkas are made from potatos.

[Dnderhead]

potatoes are about 15-20% starch and a lot of work unless you can git for a little on nothing. grain on the other hand is 70-80% and much easier to work with. you have "farm" stores near you?

[Dnderhead]

Wodka Wyborowa (that's "vodka vi-bro-va") is made from rye by Polmos Poznan, of, that's right, Poznan, Poland. At present, it is imported by Austin, Nichols & Co., those folks who are responsible for, among other things, Wild Turkey.
The version I sampled was 80 proof and retails for a little over $14. Wodka Wyborowa is well regarded by vodka lovers and it lives up to its name- Wyborowa, which is Polish for "exquisite." The rye comes through on the palate, as do notes of toffee and minerals.
(absolute made in Sweden made of wheat )

[swishy]

Well, it looks like I've got a fair bit of reading to do yet. I do have a farm supply store in town, a Co-op. I never thought to ask there. Thanks for all the info and I'll do some more research before I ask anymore questions. For whatever reason and even after all the reading, I still thought store-bought vodkas were made from potatos. Thanks again, I appreciate it and will be posting back here with my results.

[Dnderhead]

some vodka is made from potatoes but not much ( to hard ? not much yield?) most is made of grain but can be made of most anything starch or sugar
( depending what is available) most have a slight taste of base product. some potato vodka is made in "Main US" probably from "calls" therefor cheep.
if you can git rye cheep where you live go for it you can make rye whisky and your " goofs" re distill to make vodka

wanted to add that I have no problem with grain mash ( some do)through Iv improved efficiency since Iv bin on this site and I fiend grain not hard, and
smother and less "bite" than sugar even at the same proof

[Hawke]

I have two new distillers going in near me. One is going to be doing mostly brandy, the other says they will be making vodka from local wheat.

[swishy]

Well, I've sourced cracked wheat. Would this work the same as crushed wheat? And when adding malted barley, does the malted barley have to be crushed as well or can it be added whole and still work with the same effect? I don't have a grinder.....yet!!

[Dnderhead]

crushed /cracked most brew shops do that for you

[swishy]

We don't have one of those around here. I found the wheat at the local Co-op. They also have rolled barley, not sure if that's the same as crushed or cracked either. But I assume I need to crush the malt? I can find a way, I'm sure.

[Dnderhead]

rollingpin. a bat used like a mortar and pestle, a heavy bag. and do a dance on it if you do a lot it gits tiresome

[swishy]

All righty. I found a place that has all the things I need. They've got malted barley (light-medium) and a grain mill customers can use for free. It's a ways away (140KM) but what the hell, I'll make one trip and make it good. One last question. What type of yeast should I use? They had about a million different types. I've only ever used a sugar wash with regular Fleischmanns bakers yeast and never had a problem. With this type of mash though, should I use a different type and if so, what kind is recommended? Thanks all esp Dnderhead, you've been a great help.

[Dnderhead]

EC 1118 is good for neutral taste.(good alcohol tolerance also) others out there.

[big worm]

EC 1118 is good for neutral taste.(good alcohol tolerance also) others out there.

i bought a 22 pound block of distillers yeast it had confedrate powder works on it any idea what kind of yeast it is??? i have seen high abv from it but have no idea what it is

[Dnderhead]

something left over from the confederate army? not shore but I use distillers yeast on most everything.

[big worm]

something left over from the confederate army? not shore but I use distillers yeast on most everything.

its good stuff i just wish i knew every ones going on about red star...ec911...this and that ...i got the shit with a cannon and a confederate flag pitch it and it boils like hell

[Dnderhead]

must be good stuff. yeast does add taste to ferment and can carry over in spirits especially if you do not clear the wash. (witch is good for whisky)
doing fruit, pick something that will enhance the flavor .(brandy)

[Olde Goat]

Crushed wheat.. I was thinking about trying this for a while now. Swishy, did you go through with this?