Turbo Ginger Beer?

[ronnietucke]

I was thinking of making up another 20LTR batch of Coopers (Alcoholic) Ginger Beer, but got thinking: what would happen if I used Alcotec yeast in there?

So really I'd be mixing Coopers Ginger Beer with Alcotec yeast and a ton of sugar. Maybe even some orange/lemon (to be all posh like). Before bottling I'd probably use a two-part fining to make it somewhat/how palatable.

Would it work?

In theory.

I'm not saying I'll do it or anything. :whistle: :lol:

 

[Chippy_Tea]

I think i would try a demijohn first and see if it ends up as drain cleaner. :thumb:

 

[ronnietucke]

Well, bugger it. There's only one way to find out.

Supplies purchased.

In the name of Science! \o/ :lol:

 

[Razor]

Well, bugger it. There's only one way to find out.

Supplies purchased.

In the name of Science! \o/ :lol:

Let us know how it turns out. :thumb:


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[ronnietucke]

Let us know how it turns out. :thumb:

Absolutely. Will do.

My only concern is if the Alcotec will still be active enough when bottling to get me some fizz. I hope so. :whistle:

 

[Personal91]

Well, bugger it. There's only one way to find out.

Supplies purchased.

In the name of Science! \o/ :lol:

I haven't used coopers ginger beer kit or alcotec yeast but I can really recommend you try making ginger beer yourself

Its called ginger beer but it is more to that of a wine strength - so closer to a turbo cider ( TC ) than beer in all honesty

Take notes and keep us posted :)

 

[ronnietucke]

Will do. Got the supplies today.

I'm also thinking of adding some actual ginger root, but should I add it while it's fermenting, or add it when bottling?

I'm thinking adding some to each (750ml) bottle. That way I can give it a sip before bottling to see if it has enough oomph. I doubt it will. Thus, the teaspoon/two of grated ginger root should give it some necessary oomph. :)

 

[Tau]

If determined to use Alcotec yeast the I suggest you use activated carbon when clearing, there's a reason for using it as the yeast produces some odd flavours and byproducts.

Example of what to use: http://www.the-home-brew-shop.co.uk/acatalog/Still_Spirits_Turbo_Carbon.html

 

[ronnietucke]

If determined to use Alcotec yeast the I suggest you use activated carbon when clearing, there's a reason for using it as the yeast produces some odd flavours and byproducts.

Example of what to use: http://www.the-home-brew-shop.co.uk/acatalog/Still_Spirits_Turbo_Carbon.html

Definitely. I used an old t-shirt and carbon when making some base spirit a while back and it turned out crystal clear. To my surprise! :lol:

Thought: will some of the yeast make it through the charcoal to let me get some fizz in the bottles?

 

[ronnietucke]

Probably safe to say that this has started fermenting then.

6 kg of brewers sugar
1 tin of Coopers Ginger Beer
Alcotec 24 yeast
Filled to around the 18 Ltr mark.

In approximately 20hrs the hydrometer readings have gone from 1110+ (it was off the scale!) down to ~1105. Temperature is at about 22'C so I kinda expect it to take longer than the 24hrs that the Alcotec packet promises.

Went for 18 Ltr as the Coopers Ginger Beer is for 17 Ltr, but the Alcotec yeast is for 20 Ltr. If, before bottling, the taste isn't gingery enough then I'll slap some grated ginger in each bottle for extra oomph.

The saga continues... :)

 

[ronnietucke]

Holy Jesus!

I've created a monster!

About 30 hrs later and it's bubbling up so much that it's lifted the lid up slightly. Just as well I didn't fill it to 20/21L as it would be all over the place. :lol:

 

[Razor]

Holy Jesus!

I've created a monster!

About 30 hrs later and it's bubbling up so much that it's lifted the lid up slightly. Just as well I didn't fill it to 20/21L as it would be all over the place. :lol:

Does that FV have space for an airlock or blow off tube? If it does you might be as well fitting one.


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[ronnietucke]

Does that FV have space for an airlock or blow off tube? If it does you might be as well fitting one.

Yes, the lid is the airlock. When the gas builds up the lid lifts slightly to let the gas escape.

Just as well. Otherwise today I'd have ginger beer painted walls. :lol:

BONUS FACT: I left the hydrometer tube (with hydrometer still in it) in the same room. Forgot to empty, and clean, it. The blasted stuff is still fermenting in the hydrometer tube! Alcotec yeast is unstoppable!

 

[ronnietucke]

After about 40hrs of bubbling (and it's still bubbling) I reckon it's gone from being about 1110 to around 1055 (about 8% ABV).

Tastes (from the hydrometer tube) like a very sugary ginger beer.

 

[ronnietucke]

It's settling down now. After about 4 days it's sitting at about 1001, so it's about 14-15% ABV. Nice!

Taste test from the tube is... actually OK. I think the fiery alcohol taste mixes quite well with the ginger from the Ginger Beer flavour. I don't think I'll need to add any fresh ginger to it. Still... I'm tempted to add a little bit.

Of course, how it'll taste in about three weeks when chilled I've no idea, but I have high hopes for it! :lol:

 

[ronnietucke]

Well, the ol' Turbo Ginger Beer has been sitting bottled for a week now and it's time to crack one open and give it a go.

Yes, it probably should (and will) sit longer, but it's OK. I'm guinea pigging it on myself. :lol:

After one week it does have a bit of fizz, which is nice, as I was a bit worried that maybe the yeast would calm down, or die off, and not fizz up. So that's a relief. Taste wise: it's... drinkable. The spirit base to it blends well with the natural ginger taste. So rather than it tasting like raw spirit it does taste like a strong ginger beer.

Result!

I think if it was anything but ginger beer then it'd probably taste a bit 'weird' (for want of a better word).

But, hey, I consider this experiment a success. I'll probably crack open another bottle in a week/two to see if the flavour and fizz has improved any.

CHEERS!