Yeast recommendation

[1965 wite]

I have been making a corn mash in five gallon batches. I have been using distillers whiskey yeast from still spirits with good success. I am looking for a cheaper substitute yeast that won't compromise my flavor. Maybe something from a grocery store? My recipe is as follows
5 gallons water
5 lbs flaked maize
1 lb malted barley
1 packet alpha amalayze enzyme

I have been thinning it down with about four pounds of white sugar and then adding my yeast around 86 degrees. I have been converting the corn starch to sugar properly but just adding the sugar for a little more kick. Can anybody recommend a good yeast substitute for this recipe and the quantity that needs to be used. Thanks

[Brendan]

You will find that there are many better yeasts than the still spirits range...

The better distillers yeasts you will also find cheaper by weight than still spirits packets, but you usually have to buy 500g packs, so it can be a large initial outlay.

Many people also successfully use beer yeasts to ferment whiskey, and some even use bakers yeasts (although, I don't like it)...there are many options, have to see what suits your needs and budget

I use the SafSpirit range, some of which I got for $40/500g, and some I paid double. I love the product they make.

[jholmz]

if you look around a lot of us just use regular bread yeast you can get 3 packets of red star or fleischmans for like 1.80 in grocery stores or some stores sell the bulk 1 and 2 lb packages

[BentJar]

I have tried most all of the different yeast packets from our brew store and light ale yeast is the best one out there in my opinion. Mainly because you cant taste it in the final product.
Bakers yeast is the last one I would use. It taste like crap.
I know it costs, but here's the way I look at it. If Im going to sink a bunch of money and time in a good bucket of mash, whats a few more dollars mean if Im thrilled with the product.

My taste buds might be a bit off than most folks but I cant stand the smell or taste of yeast in my hooch.

[badbird]

I am looking for a cheaper substitute yeast that won't compromise my flavor.

If you like the flavor maybe you should try doing multiple generations using the yeast in lees of the previous batch.
Certainly more bang for your buck