Confused about fermenting wash

[Jaxom]

As I mentioned over in construction forum, I'm very close to being up and running. But I do have a few last moment question in reguards to fermenting my sugar wash.

The first is what to ferment in. I have two options, both of which would work, but I'm not sure which would be the best. I could order via the net from Brewhaus.com two 32 liter plastic bucket style fermenters, OR I could go to my local home brew shop and buy a 15 gallon glass carboy. Which would you use? And why?

The other question is about turbo yeasts. For the first few batches I intend to use Lavin EC-1118 champagne yeast. Just to get some experience, but I would like to eventually switch to a good turbo. Problem is, every website I go to claim to have "the best" brand around. E.G Milehigh recommends one brand of turbo and Brewhaus another. Which really is the best? Or are they all the same? Can you all help clear this up for me?

tia,

Jaxx

[Guest]

you can get a good yeast for a good price here...
http://shop.piwine.com/shopsite/prwc/product715.html

Also, like THM said, definitly the buckets over the carboys. If you have a local Car Wash close to you, you can probably get 15-50 gallon barrels from them for almost no cost. After washing them out and sterilizing them, they will work great for you. Also, I have seen 15 gallon barrels on ebay pretty cheap, if you really want brand new ones... you can get them here...
http://www.bascousa.com/containers/open ... drums.html

[Uncle Jesse]

another advantage of the buckets is that they are not clear, therefore they do not let light in.

light and fermentation are not a good combination.

[pangea]

Around here WalMart bakery sells their food grade buckets for $1. They originally held cake frosting and feel a bit greasy untill you wash them. Food grade 5 gallon buckets with lids for $1! My son has about 20 of them.

[MyDBear]

Don't forget to drill a hole in the lid so you can put in a rubber grommet for your air lock

[Jaxom]

As usual, alot of great information folks! Thanks! I'll definetly shop around for the best price on the EC-1118. Although, even though I didn't ask for it when my better half got me the hygrometer and alchoholmeter for xmas, she also gave me a $25 gift certficate for brewhaus.

'k can someone help me with this yeast nutrient issue. I kind of understand it, but then again I don't. I tried reading the home page about fermenting but it kinda lost me. I under stand it's kinda like food for the yeast, but that's about it. How does one add nutrients or paste? Do you water it down and add it to the wash?


Jaxx

[Guest]

I under stand it's kinda like food for the yeast, but that's about it. How does one add nutrients or paste? Do you water it down and add it to the wash?

Jaxx

I use tomato paste most of the time (6oz can per 5 gallon wash). I disolve it with the sugar, or with the hot water that I am adding to my fruit. I have a batch going right now that I used tomato sauce instead of paste, it is doing just as good. Also, I usually add a couple tablespoons of lemon or lime juice. These things help to keep the yeast happy and healthy while they consume the sugar and create alcohol. I have heard of people using crushed multi-vitamins, too.

[Josesillo]

Jaxom, i think nutrients are not really needed for a fruit mash, since the fruit already has many in it.

for sugar mashes it's ok to use tomato paste, sauce or even juice, but don't use ketchup this has preservatives in it that may kill some of your yeast

[Jaxom]

For the presant, I'm just concerned with sugar based washes, for making vodka, which will later be flavored. So I guess the tomato paste would be the route to go then! I love sam's club, can get case of those 6oz cans really cheap!

My other interest is in making rum, would that need a nutrient too? I seem to recall that some folks did add a nutrient and others didn't when reading the home page.

Jaxx