Specific gravity and yeast.

[theyellowtruck]

So i just started my first batch of apple jack today. I used Simply Apple 100% juice from the store. Added 4 cups of sugar to 2.5gals of apples and 1 gal of water. I added 2 packets of redstar of chapagne yeast. It seems to be fermenting slowly but it is fermenting.

My question however is there a specific gravity that is simply too high to get yeast go get started.
Or is there an ideal specific gravity to be at for yeast to go crazy.

I tried finding the info through seariching the forum and google but coudln't find anything. Any help would be appreciated.

[rad14701]

Most non-turbo yeasts are happiest in the 12.3% ABV SG = 1.080 range or lower... Lower than 12.3% SG 1.080 yields cleaner and faster ferments... Higher, up to about 14%, ferment slower and can impart off smells and flavors with some yeasts...

Some folks, including me, try to balance fermentation speed with relatively clean washes... I have had good success with Fleischmann's bakers yeast up to 14% and ferment times a low as ~4 days... Others like to ferment much slower, as long as 2 - 3 weeks, and shoot for lower %ABV washes, closer to 10% ABV SG 1.065...

In the end it's up to you to find what works best for your needs... Greed, the practice of shooting for the highest %ABV from the smallest wash, brings nothing but problems and, therefore, should be avoided...

Good luck...