Alcohol tolerance of the yeast

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Good question. The simple answer: Yeast stop fermenting when they get to their alcohol tolerance. It's basically a survival mechanism for ethanol toxicity. It depends on yeast strain as well as yeast health. And assumes you've pitched sufficient yeast into a fermentable wort that can sustain a growing yeast population.
 
And when it runs out of sugar to eat.

Yes, if the strain being used runs out of food before it starts getting 'tipsy'. That's more to do with sick yeast and/or less than optimal wort conditions. Complete attenuation for the strain is what we should aim for. This helps to avoid the risk of a stuck fermentation/overly sweet beer, allows secondary 'fermentation' (clean up) and lets us predict when primary fermentation has finished. And carbonate naturally too. Right, I reckon that's worth a bag of chips, mate. By the way, the Maris Piper spuds I grew this year turned out fantastic. Proper chips... in Norway! Got about 12kg of King Edwards stashed away for Christmas :party:
 
Complete attenuation for the strain is what we should aim for, This helps to avoid the risk of a stuck fermentation/overly sweet beer.


I dont know if that's a beer thing but with my cheapo wines i just bung it in and when its eaten all the sugar drink it. :lol:
 
I dont know if that's a beer thing but with my cheapo wines i just bung it in and when its eaten all the sugar drink it. :lol:

Ah, yes, wine... I haven't got into that yet. I've got all the required stuff (mainly Youngs, it seems) for some wurzels. eBay rules! Just waiting for an offer on fruit juice :whistle: Wine yeast strains are a lot more tolerant. I'm just hoping they're as tolerant towards me after a bottle or two :lol:
 
I have always used youngs super wine yeast compound and have never had one fail (apart for Ribena which i blame on the preservative)
 

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