Yeast Issues
i.e. Alcotec not performing as normal
In the beginning of 2008, the use of Urea in alcohol production became prohibited
in both Australia and New Zealand, by FSANZ (Food standards Australia/New Zealand).
As a result all yeasts had to be modified to comply with these guidelines, and now
some yeasts are performing differently to the way they have done previously. Some
of the issues that have been mentioned are:-
- Fermentation is taking longer, particularly in colder weather.
- Yields are not as high as what they have been previously.
The product that seems to be the most affected is the extremely popular Alcotec 24/48, though I have only so far had a few complaints. I have been advising customers that the product will be changing, since July 2007. Please note that this change is beyond my control, as well as the Australian and New Zealand Distributors. A reasonably extensive but dated brief of why these yeasts were modified, are available from the Essencia Website. This is as a result of an agreement between Australia and New Zealand. The best analogy I can think of is that the removal of Urea from yeast, is similar to removing nicotine from cigarettes. It's taking out possible cancer causing agents.
If you are unhappy with the your current results :-
- Use 7kg of quality Sugar, rather han 8kg.
- Try another yeast, such as Essencia Super 6, or the Still spirits range.
- Don't use generic sugar! Use CSR white sugar, Bundaberg white sugar, or Aldi white sugar. Otherwise use Dextrose. Homebrand sugar can be inconsistent, however, Aldi have a much higher quality control standard (hence why they don't stock homebrew beer kits) and I have found their results quite reasonable and consistent with their sugar.
- Purchase a heater Pad, for faster brewing, in colder weather.
- Put 4-
5 grams of Yeast Nutrient Salt in with the Alcotech yeast. Results, however may be cloudy. - Use a combination of the above
- Purchase the product direct from Europe, however Customs will most likely intercept it, and destroy it.
- Take up knitting, or crochet.
Otherwise contact FSANZ
Boeing House
55 Blackall Street
BARTON ACT 2600
Ph: +61 2 6271 2222
Fax: +61 2 6271 2278
Reception: reception@foodstandards.gov.au