Long ferment time question

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Long ferment time question

Postby evo_2020 » Sat Nov 09, 2019 9:42 am

So I’m running my very first wash. It’s been bubbling for bang on 4 weeks now and still going. It’s bubbling about every minute.
I read the forums before hand but still made a few mistakes.
The wash is dextrose and I think still spirits vodka yeast
It’s been sitting between 20-24 degrees
One mistake I made was adding the yeast directly to the wash - the second I did it I remembered I should have pitched it in Luke warm water first for 30 min or so.
Would that be the reason it’s still bubbling away?
So here are my questions.
Do I need to fix it or just wait it out?
If I do need to fix it what should I do? Just add some more yeast but pitch it properly this time?
If I just leave it should it still work out?
For my next run I’m going to try a FFV then a TPW
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Re: Long ferment time question

Postby The Stig » Sat Nov 09, 2019 10:05 am

The SS Vodka Yeast is a slow yeast.
Leave it and itll be fine but 6 or 8 weeks wouldnt be out of the question
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Re: Long ferment time question

Postby evo_2020 » Sat Nov 09, 2019 10:07 am

ah! that's a relief. I thought I might have screwed it up.

Thanks for the reply.
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Re: Long ferment time question

Postby evo_2020 » Sat Mar 14, 2020 9:35 am

So this finished bubbling about 1 week ago. Total ferment time was about 20 weeks.

I originally put in the liquid carbon.

Since it stopped I put in the turbo clear part A then about 50mins later Part B

I’ve waited a week and it still won’t clear. I went and bought a hydrometer and the wash is sitting at 1050.

I’m not sure what to do next. Is this wash a fail? Do I need to start again? I can smell alcohol, and it smells really strong. Do I just keep waiting? Should I filter the wash into the kettle? I’m a bit lost with what to do.
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Re: Long ferment time question

Postby bluc » Sat Mar 14, 2020 10:06 am

Try adding some lowans bakers yeast or the one andrew sells may jump start start it and finish it off.
Or heating it up and giving it a good stir :handgestures-thumbupleft:
Last edited by bluc on Sat Mar 14, 2020 10:08 am, edited 1 time in total.
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Re: Long ferment time question

Postby RC Al » Sat Mar 14, 2020 10:22 am

Wondering if the clearing products may have affected the gravity readings?
If you used a normal amount of sugar you shouldnt be getting stong alc smell at 1050
how big was the ferment vs your boiler?
Run a small batch and see what the outcome is?
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Re: Long ferment time question

Postby evo_2020 » Sat Mar 14, 2020 1:28 pm

Thanks for the reply and tips guys.

The wash was 25 lt

I was concerned that the clearing products might affect any further fermenting.

How much of the lowans yeast should I use? Would I mix it in a bowl first and then pitch it?

Is 20 weeks way too long?
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Re: Long ferment time question

Postby evo_2020 » Sat Mar 14, 2020 1:30 pm

Another question, would I use the clearing agents again or just let it settle? It was all settled before I degassed it.
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Re: Long ferment time question

Postby bluc » Sat Mar 14, 2020 1:51 pm

I just sprinkle it on top. Couple tablespoons would be ample . Just let it settle. Could also be a ph issue if you have a ph meter or strips check it also.
Only time I have had washs go longer then 14 days is when they are stuck(normally ph issue) but my experience with fancy yeasts is limited.
Last edited by bluc on Sat Mar 14, 2020 1:52 pm, edited 1 time in total.
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Re: Long ferment time question

Postby evo_2020 » Sat Mar 14, 2020 1:55 pm

Thanks for the suggestion, I’ll give that a go and see what happens.
The wash smells a bit sweet but also I can smell / feel the alcohol vapors coming of the was when I open it.
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