Newbie Sugar vodka help

[AlistairMitchell]

So recently I've had 13.5 litres of sugar water mixture fermenting with so-called turbo yeast. The sugar solution is 5kg in 13.5litres of water.
My yeast has basically finished but I'm unsure as to whether I have got the highest yield of alcohol I can, would it be worth syphoning what I've got and adding another pack of yeast?
I also plan to distill my final mixture to get some crude form of higher percentage alcohol, being new to all this I've done a bit of research into distillation and so forth but I'm unclear as to whether methanol will be an issue from distilling my sugar water solution?
Also, how much of the liquid should be discarded as heads from my first still run?

I know that multiple questions but any help is greatly appreciated as this is a hobby I'd love to get knowledgeable with!

[GrassHopper]

Slow down. You are asking questions which you should already know from research on this site. Ask this: Why do I want to get a higher ABV from the wash? If you knew that you can only get 15% max ethanol from any ferment, would you want to go higher?
Yes, you can go higher.....but it is not ethanol, it is the other stuff you don't want in your drink. If you understand that already, and I know you don't, because you wouldn't be trying to do what you are.
I am trying to help you understand that you have much more research to do before you hurt yourself or someone else. We here at HD want you to be proud of what you make, and in order to do that you must have some basic understanding of fermenting and how it is the key to producing something palatable.

Around 25 to 50 liters per gallon for foreshots.

[FullySilenced]

@AlistairMitchell Read the links in my signature line if you would ... well keep a few people off your ass... and help you with the basic questions...

Kiwi has a chart which shows the basics of fores, heads, hearts and tails... something you may want to take a look at as well..

happy stillin

FS

[still_stirrin]

So recently I've had 13.5 litres of sugar water mixture fermenting with so-called turbo yeast. The sugar solution is 5kg in 13.5litres of water.
My yeast has basically finished but I'm unsure as to whether I have got the highest yield of alcohol I can, would it be worth syphoning what I've got and adding another pack of yeast?..

5.0kg sugar in 13.5 liters of water should net you 16.6 liters of 1.116 OG wash (17.8%ABV potential). Even with a Turbo yeast, that is too high of a starting gravity. It won't terminate properly. And it will produce a very crappy liquor...some would call it fuel alcohol.

I also plan to distill my final mixture to get some crude form of higher percentage alcohol, being new to all this I've done a bit of research into distillation and so forth but I'm unclear as to whether methanol will be an issue from distilling my sugar water solution?..

Methanol...not so much. But the other keytones and esters...most definitely. It's gonna' taste like solvent. I wouldn't want to drink it....I guess you could GIVE it to your FRIENDS.

Also, how much of the liquid should be discarded as heads from my first still run?...

...uhhhhh...ALL of it!

I know that multiple questions but any help is greatly appreciated as this is a hobby I'd love to get knowledgeable with!

If you're so intent on fermenting this type of ferment, then you might as well be prepared for the crap you'll get out of it...especially using a Turbo (nutrient enriched) yeast.

My strongest suggestion would be to read a while before attempting another ferment. And then....go to the Tried & True recipes and choose one that is within your capability. And follow it "to the letter".

Be safe. Be responsible. And be discrete.
ss

[still_stirrin]

...Around 25 to 50 liters per gallon for foreshots.

I think you mean milliliters????

That would be a little light for this "rocket fuel" recipe. Perhaps 150 to 250 milliliters...maybe.

[GrassHopper]

...Around 25 to 50 liters per gallon for foreshots.

I think you mean milliliters????

That would be a little light for this "rocket fuel" recipe. Perhaps 150 to 250 milliliters...maybe.

Yes, of course. Never was good at metrics. But, everything I've read is between 25 (minimum) and 50 mililiters per gallon.
Thanks Still

[Bobbywolf]

Also, for a beginning go at it with good chance of success, go for Birdwatchers Sugar/Tomato wash. In the tried and true section, its there along with a link to a ingrediant calculator. It produces a great neutral if you are running a boka still, or other type of reflux still.

As the others are alluding to, use that first wash that you've made as a learning experiance, and also a cleaning run if your still is newly made.

You really do need to start out slow or it will not go well for you. It may sound like everyone is being overly harsh but you should be careful until you have a good understanding of what you are getting into.