Turbo yeast makes it easy to prepare a clean, high-alcohol sugar wash for craft fermentation. The Alcobase Extreme Turbo Yeast kit includes the yeast, carbon, and clearing agents needed to make approximately 25 litres, or 6 US gallons, of wash.
Fermentation equipment, sugar, dextrose, cleaner, and distilling equipment are sold separately.
Always follow local laws. Distilling alcohol may require licences or permits and may be illegal in some areas.
What Is Included?
The Alcobase Extreme kit includes:
- Extreme turbo yeast
- Activated carbon
- Turbo Clear Part A
- Turbo Clear Part B
- Instructions
You will also need:
- 9 kg of dextrose or 8 kg of sugar
- 30 L fermenter
- Mixing spoon
- Hydrometer
- Test jar
- Airlock
- Rubber stopper
- Cleaner and sanitizer
- Water
The instructions are designed to make 25 litres of wash.
Before You Start
Clean and sanitize all equipment that will touch the wash.
This includes:
- Fermenter
- Mixing spoon
- Hydrometer
- Test jar
- Airlock
- Rubber stopper
After sanitizing, shake off extra moisture but do not rinse.
Step 1: Dissolve the Sugar
Add approximately 15 litres of water to the fermenter.
Fully dissolve:
- 9 kg of dextrose, or
- 8 kg of regular sugar
Add more water until the total volume reaches 25 litres.
The liquid must be 30°C or below before adding the yeast.
Sugar that is not fully dissolved may cause weak fermentation and lower alcohol production.
Step 2: Add Turbo Yeast
Shake the turbo yeast packet before opening.
Sprinkle the yeast into the wash and stir gently.
Step 3: Add the Carbon
Massage the carbon packet before opening to remove lumps.
Add the carbon immediately after the turbo yeast.
Stir well.
The activated carbon helps remove unwanted flavours and fermentation impurities.
Step 4: Ferment the Wash
Place the lid on the fermenter.
Half-fill the airlock with water and fit it into the rubber stopper.
Keep the fermenter between:
- Minimum: 16°C
- Maximum: 25°C
Approximate fermentation times:
- Around 10 days at 16°C
- Around 7 days at average room temperature
- Around 5 days at 25°C
Some fermentation smells are normal and should disappear.
Step 5: Check Fermentation
Use a hydrometer to test the wash.
Fermentation is complete when the specific gravity is approximately 0.990 or lower for 2 days in a row.
Do not continue until fermentation is complete.
Step 6: Degas the Wash
Once fermentation is finished, stir the wash vigorously.
This releases trapped carbon dioxide.
Continue until most of the gas has been removed.
Step 7: Add Turbo Clear
Add Turbo Clear Part A and stir well.
Wait 1 hour.
Then gently stir Turbo Clear Part B into only the top 5 cm, or 2 inches, of the wash.
Do not stir Part B vigorously.
Leave the wash for 1 to 2 days so the sediment can settle.
Turbo Clear helps remove solids and impurities before further processing.
Step 8: Transfer the Clear Wash
Once most of the sediment has settled, carefully transfer the wash without disturbing the bottom layer.
A slight haze is acceptable, but most solids should remain in the fermenter.
The wash is now ready for lawful further processing or storage.
Common Turbo Yeast Problems
Fermentation Does Not Start
Possible causes:
- Wash is too hot
- Room is too cold
- Sugar was not fully dissolved
- Yeast was damaged
Check the temperature and hydrometer reading.
Fermentation Is Slow
The temperature may be too low.
Fermentation takes longer near 16°C and may finish faster near 25°C.
Wash Stops Early
Possible causes:
- Temperature dropped
- Too much sugar
- Sugar was not dissolved
- Yeast became stressed
Warm the fermenter gradually and check the specific gravity.
Wash Smells Strong
Strong smells can occur during turbo yeast fermentation.
Keep the fermenter sealed with an airlock and use good ventilation.
Wash Does Not Clear
Possible causes:
- Fermentation is not complete
- Wash was not properly degassed
- Turbo Clear was added incorrectly
- Part B was stirred too strongly
Allow more time for the sediment to settle.
Alcohol Level Is Lower Than Expected
Possible causes:
- Sugar was not fully dissolved
- Incorrect amount of sugar was used
- Fermentation stopped early
- Temperature was outside the recommended range
Measure carefully and keep the temperature stable.
Beginner Turbo Yeast Tips
- Read all instructions first.
- Clean and sanitize everything.
- Dissolve all sugar completely.
- Keep the wash at 30°C or below before adding yeast.
- Ferment between 16°C and 25°C.
- Use a hydrometer.
- Wait for a stable reading of 0.990 or lower.
- Degas before adding Turbo Clear.
- Add clearing agents in the correct order.
- Leave the sediment behind when transferring.
- Follow all local alcohol laws.
Turbo yeast fermentation is simple when you use clean equipment, control the temperature, measure carefully, and allow enough time for fermentation and clearing.