I have been 'stillin for a few months and while I am very happy with my product I have noticed variations in the yield between runs, with some failing completely. While I have mostly only done rum I am sure this will relate to most sugar heads. I have done heaps of reading but can be hard to locate information as it is spread all over the place.
PH? I recently got myself a digital PH meter. I have been aiming for a PH around 4.5 - 5. Is this about right? I have been adjusting by dissolving about a couple of table spoons of bi-carb in about 250ml of water and adding that to my wash then leaving for 15-30mins and retesting. Does that sound about right? I have only been testing PH just as I put the wash down. Should I be testing/adjusting while it is fermenting or as it slows down/finishes?
Nutrients, I don't have any DAP so I have been using tomato paste @ at approx 2 table spoons per 25-30L wash. Again, I only add it at the beginning of the wash, is there any benefit to feeding my yeast mid ferment? Also I have been considering boiling my yeast after I have finished with it ie. after 5-6 gens, and using it as nutrient. Would this help? Do I add this as well as DAP?
I have seen a few people use vitamin B, is this also in conjunction with DAP or does it replace it?
Thanks in advance.