Complete 25 Litre Turbo 500 Starter Kit Guide

Now you have the best starter kit around, here’s what you need to do:

  1. Check to make sure you have received everything that is on the enclosed kit list.
  2. Assemble the buckets with the airlocks fitted into the lid. Mark these clearly on the outside with a black marker pen at 25 litres (if the bucket is not already marked). The easiest way to do this is to measure it out with water. This you will need for later.
  3. While the bucket is full of water we would recommend that you have a trial go with the siphon. As it's only water, you can practise to your heart’s content.
  4. Give the bucket a good rinsing and then you will be ready to start the fermentation.
  5. You will need 6-kilo bags of white granulated sugar. Any make will do. You can also use 7 kilos of Glucose Powder (Brewing Sugar) instead of Sugar. This will produce a cleaner, better wash and will give you a purer alcohol once distilled.
  6. You can now start the fermentation. Simply follow the instructions on the packet of Classic or Triple Distilled Yeast. It is important to massage the smaller carbon sachet well before opening, as the carbon will have gone firmish and this needs to be mixed up before it is emptied into the bucket. You will know once this has happened as it will feel soft and there will be no hard lumps.
  7. You have two different styles of yeast included. Triple Distilled Yeast & Carbon (separate pack) is the preferred yeast for white spirit (vodka, white rum & gin). Classic Yeast & Carbon on the other hand is the preferred yeast for dark spirits (whisky, dark rum, brandy & bourbon. For Triple Distilled yeast we recommend using 6 kilos of granulated sugar, whereas for Classic we recommend 8kg.
  8. Temperature is another important area. If you get your wash too warm you will kill the yeast so be careful. It’s much better to be constant even if this is slightly cooler as this will lead to a good fermentation and not harm the yeast. It will however mean the fermentation will just take longer to finish. You can check this with your thermometer. Airing cupboards are the worst place that you can choose as the temperature is nearly always too hot and they fluctuate like mad.
  9. To get the maximum alcohol from your mix it’s important that the fermentation is left to completely finish. So don’t rush it. If it’s left an extra 2 or 3 days it won’t harm things. At the end of fermentation, you should have the same reading on your hydrometer for 2 days. If you are unsure of how to use a hydrometer, we have written a Hydrometer Usage Guide to help.
  10. Once you are sure fermentation is complete, you can add the Turbo Clear finings which will remove all the black from the liquid. It is again really important that the liquid is really clear before it is added to the Water Distillation Unit. You might need to carefully sieve off any black bits from the surface.
  11. Siphon this now clear wash into the second (clean) bucket. Having a second bucket will make it simple to add to the reflux still. If the last bit is disturbed, transfer this to a tall container and let it settle out. Then add the clear liquid to the bucket.
  12. Place the whole was in the T500 Boiler (which should be clean) and assemble as per the instructions. Switch on and run again as per the instructions.
  13. We would always suggest that you run the whole wash through as soon as you can. The alcohol at 90% will not go off, but the alcohol in the bucket will be only 14% and this is liable to get an infection if its left around. It’s also a lot more convenient as the concentrated alcohol will take up less space and you can use this as when you need it.
  14. When mixing your flavourings it is always best if you can allow the flavourings to blend in for a few days before drinking them. With the Liqueur, Schnapps, and Cream flavours it is a must to use these with the Sugar/Cream packs. These contain essential thickening agents which give them the right mouthfeel. These should always be topped up with water to the 1.125 litre mark. This will then give you the right alcohol content. You will also have exactly one and a half wine bottles. The half for trying and the bottle for saving!!! If you have any problems please call us on 01246 279382.