Yeast taste...

[lyagooshka]

Greetings all.

Been at this for a little bit.
Really am kind of new and just messing around.
Ran a few batches and I am getting the hang of it.

BUT...

Every batch has had a VERY strong "yeast" taste.
Maybe it's not yeast, but that is the best way I can describe it (as it reminds me of the smell of what is left in the carboy after I rack beer into a secondary).
I have used sugar, agave syrup, etc.
Same thing.
I have been using DADY (distillers years) for the higher tolerance.

I was thinking of trying Turbo 48, but I keep reading that it gives a bad taste.
I already have that, and the DADY takes WEEKS to get to around 10% (thinking I have a bad batch).

Anyway, I thought I would have some fun, so I bought some boxed wine.
I figured $15 for 5 liters with a 12% ABV, what the heck.

Darn it if I didn't get the same "yeast" flavor in the finished product.

I always clean my equipment, so that would not be causing it.

Again, I am just messing around, so I don't have anything fancy, just about $200 worth of parts, that's all.
I am not expecting miracles, but I really did not expect that darned taste.

Whiskey Tango Foxtrot? Over.

I guess here are my questions:

1) Is this taste normal?
2) Will aging in an oak barrel get rid of it?
3) Is it caused by the yeast or the equipment (if it's the equipment, I'm kinda SOL as I won't be spending hundreds on something that is just a side hobby to occupy a weekend here and there).
4) Any other info you all might have to help.

Thanks in advance!

Alex