Advice on wash making / flavouring?

[Larplady]

Hi there, a friend has indicated a desire for peppermint flavour shots (around the 15-20 %) Mark.

Given I'm only going to be making 5l / a gallon, and alcotec yeasts all come with 25 litre instructions, is using 1/5 about right?

Buying finings, yeast and carbon separately seems to cost less than pre-prepared kits, but I haven't a clue how to do the charcoal thing... my previous shot making has been with one of those 'alcoshot' kits. When does the charcoal go in?

Is bog-standard peppermint flavour the way to go, or would I require a specialised essence for good effect? As I'm no fan of peppermint myself, being able to make several different flavours at the end by using essences or flavours appeals.

 

[Gayle]

Sorry, I'm not sure about the charcoal or the peppermint. The yeast packet however can be split over two, sometimes three, one-gallon brews. One fifth would be hard to measure correctly. If you might use the other half of the packet in the next couple of weeks cut the packet cleanly, pitch half the yeast, then fold over pack and tape up, store in the fridge. If you don't think you'll use the yeast soon you can throw in the whole pack, it doesn't affect anything.

 

[Larplady]

Popped into a nearby brew-shop and found a combi-pack of still-spirits yeast, charcoal and finings for just shy of £7 (with handy instructions), so I've got 2 gallons of that on the go at the moment.

(They also had some b-grade demi-johns cheap, so I came out with one of those too, although restrained myself from buying the 25 litre PET fermenter complete with tap. Next payday... next payday...)

It looks very strange with the charcoal making it black, but is bubbling away frantically.

 

[Jme118]

Popped into a nearby brew-shop and found a combi-pack of still-spirits yeast, charcoal and finings for just shy of £7 (with handy instructions), so I've got 2 gallons of that on the go at the moment.

(They also had some b-grade demi-johns cheap, so I came out with one of those too, although restrained myself from buying the 25 litre PET fermenter complete with tap. Next payday... next payday...)

It looks very strange with the charcoal making it black, but is bubbling away frantically.

yeah he charcoal with drop out when it has finished i did some shots useing the still pack came out around 15-16% just becare when racking it of the charcoal not to suck any up . I sucks some up in to my bottles u could see it move around in there had to wait until it had droped that bit out and rebottle but at your brew shop they should also do top self flavouring too u may find one your after i did a cherry brandy flavour u just have to mix it in but remember they are for 40% so i just added little by little hope this helps

 

[Esqulax]

To answer the original question.. Yep :)

I've been experimenting with the Alcotec 48, and it is a simple act of 1/5thing all of it. Although I was lazy and Quartered it. Digital scales are your friend there!
You could get some Potassium sorbate, If you are going for a quick fix - add a small amount (Half a teaspoon?) and stir it in. This stops the yeast getting it ooon.. I mean reproducing, so it fizzles out after a few hours.

THEN you add the activated carbon. I've only used the liquid stuff, and 1 packet goes into a demijohn fine - Consult your dealer for measurements and instructions on the dried stuff. This takes out all the tiny nasties.

Put the fermenter in the exact position you want it to be when you are bottling/transferring to another barrell - Then use the TurboKlar as it says on the packet and leave it for a day, Maybe 2 until the mix is clear.

Wihout moving it, Syphon off the clear liquid. If you are putting it ALL into another bucket, err on the side of caution - Filter as much clean stuff as possible, Then syphon into a separate bottle for the tricky part at the bottom. Any black particles that go into your drink will stay there. They wont kill anyone, but they just look a bit ****. I have has a small amount of success filtering through a paper coffee filter - takes away about 80% off accidental carbon, but never all of it.

After that, Its flavour time! For the prestige/other flavours from the brewshops, they all have recommended sugar.. umm.. amount? to make them taste right. Some of them have a LOT of sugar, others (notably the non-fun spirit flavours - Rum, Gin etc) will have none. Not tried sodastream flavours yet, but i have a box sat on the shelf waiting for the next spirit batch.