13 best yeast for moonshine

Yeast plays a crucial role in moonshine production, just as it does in beer brewing and winemaking. Yeast is responsible for fermenting the sugars in the mash or wash and converting them into alcohol and carbon dioxide, which is essential for producing moonshine. Here are some key points about yeast in moonshine production:

  1. Yeast Strains: There are various yeast strains available for moonshine production, each with its unique characteristics. Common yeast strains used include champagne yeast, distillers yeast, and turbo yeast.These strains are chosen based on the desired flavor profile and alcohol content of the final product.

  2. Fermentation: Yeast is added to the mash or wash, which typically contains grains, sugar, and water. The yeast consumes the sugars, producing alcohol and CO2 as byproducts. The fermentation process can take several days to complete, depending on the recipe and environmental conditions.

  3. Alcohol Content: The type of yeast used, along with factors like temperature and sugar content, influences the final alcohol content of the moonshine. Distillers often aim for a specific alcohol content, and yeast selection plays a role in achieving this.

  4. Flavor Profile: Yeast also contributes to the flavor and aroma of the moonshine. Different yeast strains produce different flavors and esters during fermentation. Some strains may produce fruity or floral notes, while others may produce a more neutral profile.

  5. Temperature Control: Maintaining the right temperature during fermentation is crucial. Yeast has an optimal temperature range for fermentation, typically between 70-85°F (21-29°C). Temperature control helps ensure the yeast performs efficiently and produces the desired flavors.

  6. Yeast Nutrients: Yeast requires essential nutrients like nitrogen, vitamins, and minerals to thrive. Some moonshiners add yeast nutrients to ensure a healthy and vigorous fermentation. This can help prevent off-flavors and stalled fermentations.

  7. Distillation: After fermentation, the liquid is distilled to separate alcohol from other components. Yeast's role is primarily in the fermentation process, but the yeast used can still influence the final distillate's character.

  8. Yeast Reuse: In some cases, moonshiners may reuse yeast from a previous batch. This can save money and maintain consistency in flavor and performance.

Remember that moonshining may be subject to legal regulations and restrictions, so it's essential to be aware of and comply with local laws when producing moonshine at home. Additionally, safety precautions must be taken when working with alcohol and distillation equipment to avoid accidents or fire hazards.

Below you can find our editor's choice of the best yeast for moonshine on the market
  

Distillers Yeast (DADY) (1 lb. bulk pack)

Home Brew Stuff

Based on 3 reviews Check latest price

Product description

DADY (Distillers Active Dry Yeast) is a specially selected strain of Saccharomyces Cerevisae designed for distillers use in grain mash fermentations for ethanol. DADY will produce maximum alcohol yields under controlled temperatures (less than 90F/32C). It has been the choice of many producers in North America for over 20 years. DADY has been used in the manufacture of light spirit and Whiskeys. It is also used on corn mash and syrup fermentations. DADY is recommended for ABV productions lower than 15 percent.

  • Distiller's Yeast (DADY)
  • 1 Lb.
  • Ferments Up to 22% Before Slowing

User questions & answers

Question: How long would this yeast keep in storage? There no expiration date! Also how would you store it? Refrigerator
Answer: I'm not an expert, but what I've read is "keep it cool, dark and dry but don't freeze". It should last for years if conditions are good. Don't freeze it--that will kill the yeast. Always test the yeast before adding to your wash. Mix up a glass of warm water (75-100 deg F) with some sugar. Add the amount of DADY that your recipe calls for and gently stir....then let it sit for about 20 minutes. If it froths up like a good head on a mug of beer, the yeast is alive and working. Then, just pour the glass of froth into your wash. I've been keeping mine in the refrigerator and it seems to be doing fine.
Question: What colony of Saccharomyces is in this yeast
Answer: Cerevisiae. Hope this helps
Question: What working temp range dose this have? Expiration date? If its shipped from amazon how long has it been sitting? In a uncontrolled warehouse
Answer: I use ambient (room) temperature for making beer, mead and similar. We use plastic 5 gallon water carboys as fermenters with a water glass on top (bubbler after 2 days in warm months to keep the insects out). Carboys are set in a unused bath tub where the foaming can easily be cleaned up. Dose is at least 2 tablespoons added when I can touch the carboy comfortably and again in 12 hours if the process appears to be slower than expected. (My feelings are the best way to prevent "infection" is first - solid sanitation, second - overwhelm all possible contaminating microbes.The expiration date of yeast I received in January is 9/12/18. I keep it in the refrigerator until needed. Once opened, it is stored in a mason jar in the refrigerator. I also keep a super yeast handy as a back up for mead, honey wheat or anything else in case the fermentation gets stuck. This happens occasionally, but not often regardless if it is DADY or a super yeast added first. This may have to do with the sugar concentration in the carboy. I found that the higher the sugar concentration, the more apt to have a stuck fermentation.
Question: Is this suitable for wine, cider, beer? If all which is it best for
Answer: If you are looking for fancy brews, steer clear because it does have a little bit of an odd taste. While in quarantine due to Covid19, we played around with this yeast and 64oz apple and grape juice bottles and in 5 days we had a pretty strong bubbly brew. Mixing it with a little un-fermented juice of the same kind helped take the hard edge off. We also experimented with Kilju (sugar wine) which came out surprisingly well as a mixer to juices (3 to 1 mix brew to juice). Our Kilju took about 9 days with processed white sugar and about 6 days with "sugar in the raw". It was a fun cheap project for newbies with an easy learning curve. We suggest getting a good set of airlocks if you are gonna play.

Still Spirits Turbo Classic 8 Yeast (Pack of 5)

Still Spirits

Based on 526 reviews Check latest price

Product description

ABOUT THE MANUFACTURER



Still Spirits is the recognized world leader in still technology, distilling products and spirit essences.

With Still Spirits products you can easily make low cost alcohol and turn it into delicious, full flavoured,

authentic replications of far more expensive spirits & liqueurs.



ABOUT THE PRODUCT: Still Spirits Turbo Classic Yeast (Pack of 5)



Classic is the best selling Turbo Yeast world-wide, performing excellently under most conditions.

It reaches 18% ABV where 8kg of sugar is used and has

excellent temperature tolerance. Classic has been further improved with the inclusion of new mineral

absorbents, further improving distillate quality. We recommend you use Turbo Carbon and Turbo Clear as it will significantly

improve the performance of Classic Turbo.



PACKAGE CONTENTS:

- 5 x 6.17 oz Pack of Still Spirits Turbo Classic Yeast



Click the ADD TO CART button at the Top of this Page Now!

  • NEW: Brand new packaging, Same great high strength alcohol yeast.
  • MIGHTY AGENT: Classic Turbo Yeast is the original Turbo yeast. It reaches 18% ABV where 8kg of sugar is used and has excellent temperature tolerance.
  • FERMENTATION ESSENTIAL: Turbo Classic Yeast is the biggest selling turbo recipe worldwide and the flag ship of still spirits turbo yeast range. The best all around performing. It is recommended to use it with Turbo Carbon for a significant improved performance.
  • 100% SATISFACTION GUARANTEED: Urban Wine Beer And Spirits is committed to providing high quality products to ensure that all our valued Customers are satisfied. We take full responsibility to all our products. If for any reason you are not happy with your purchase, please feel free to contact us.
  • FOR BEST RESULTS: It is HIGHLY recommended to pair all Turbo Yeast selections with Turbo Carbon and Turbo Clear to significantly improve the quality of your finished product.

User questions & answers

Question: What foes into the mash becides sugar and yeast
Answer: You'll need a packet of the carbon. That goes in with the yeast at the start of fermentation. Once it stops bubbling you need to use Turbo Clear. It's a two part solution, give it at least a day to settle.
Question: can i use this with a rice mash
Answer: It’s good yeast, you can use it to ferment any sugar. However, in a rice mash you will probably need to add some amylase to convert the starches, and you might not get the “turbo” rate, but it will work.
Question: Should I place excess packages in the freezer or refrigerator? I know the package says cool dry place. Will freezing hurt product
Answer: I keep my extra in the fridge. Up to a year so far. Works great for me. Not sure about freezing.
Question: I am making a fruit mash and was wondering how to apply this product here? Just the yeast and sugar straight into the mash
Answer: Yes, easy as can be. I use 5 1/2 gallons of warm water, 18lbs of table sugar and a pack of the carbon. It takes about 10 days to completely finish bubbling. Add the clearing agent and wait another couple of days. I get 5 quarts of 190 proof after distillation. I've done this many times and the results of solidly consistent.

Red Star Dady 9804 Distillers Active Dry Yeast, 1lb

Red Star

Based on 1 reviews Check latest price

Product description

A specially selected strain of saccharomyces cerevisiae designed for distiller's use in grain mash fermentations for ethanol. Daddy will produce maximum alcohol yields under controlled temperatures (less than 90 degree F, 32 degree C). it has been the choice of many producers in North America for over 20 years. It has been used for the manufacture of light spirit and whiskeys. It is also used on Corn mash and syrup fermentations. Ferments up to 22 percent before slowing. Use Nutrients to obtain the highest potential. Usually not used for wines or beers. Sufficient yeast for approximately 500 gallons.

  • Ferments up to 22 percent before slowing
  • Daddy will produce maximum alcohol yields under controlled temperatures (less than 90 degree F, 32 degree C)
  • Usually NOT used for wines or beers
  • A Specially selected strain of saccharomyces cerevisiae designed for distiller's Use
  • Sufficient yeast for approximately 500 gallons

User questions & answers

Question: is this truely crosby and baker
Answer: Take caution if you order from Home Brew Ohio. They substitute lower quality products. Happened to me twice!! Amazon had to get involved to make it right.
Question: Does this yeast produce a lot of sulfur odor? or any other flavors/aromas that would make it a no-go for wines and beers? -penny pinching brewer
Answer: not at all.Great success Ive had with this one.
Question: what is the optimum fermentation temperature
Answer: 68 degF-72 degF for ale and a lagger is at 50 degF- 54 degF
Question: Can you bake bread with this yeast
Answer: You could bake bread, however it isn't bread yeast. You can use bread yeast to ferment wine but it isn't as effective. I would use bread yeast for baking bread.

Home Brew Ohio Liquor Quik Super Yeast X-Press (Makes 6.5 U.S. Gal./25L)

Based on 220 reviews Check latest price

Product description

This new generation of yeast can produce 6.5 U.S. Gallons (25 L) of 20% alcohol base in under 7 days. Multiple packs can be fermented at a time, as long as the sugar, water, and temperature is kept consistent. Tithe super yeast contains a special distiller? s yeast and complex blend of nutrients and vitamins allowing it to reach such high alcohol volumes is such a short amount of time. Detailed instructions on the bag.

  • Liquor Quick super yeast x-press; produces 6.5 gallons; detailed Instructions included
  • Perfect for storing, preserving
  • This is easy to use and made of high quality material

User questions & answers

Question: Is this yeast good for making brandy
Answer: I don't see why not, it worked well for me. No off flavors and a fast 18%.
Question: This says add up to 17.5lbs sugar, but to get 20% potential @ 6.5gal would require over 22lbs. What am I missing
Answer: This Yeast is Great. Here's what you do. Get a 5 Gallon water bottle Mix 4.5 Gal Distilled water, 10 to 12 lbs sugar, 2 or 3 bag's of frozen fruit. (I Like Peach) Mix it all together including the Super Yeast. Cap with a bubble airlock. Ferment for 5 day's or when activity in the mash stops completely. Distill it & WOW. Don't read the instructions.
Question: Can this be used in beer
Answer: Have not tried to make beer yet, I don't see why it would not work, good luck
Question: Why does package say "not intended to be used with dextrose"? When most mashes will contain dextrose
Answer: It’s really a dumb thing for them to say. Generally they feel like you should use corn sugar instead of table sugar. Well I’ve used both and I prefer using table sugar. It works just fine with regular table sugar.

Organic Complete Corn Whiskey Mash & Fermentation Kit Moonshine by Outlaw X

ESKS® OUTLAW X

Based on 43 reviews Check latest price

Product description

This Organic Corn Whiskey Mash kit contains all the ingredients needed, except spring water, to make a 5 gallon mash of traditional corn whiskey. Our corn is Organic, grown right here in the Arkansas delta farm country. Our competitors (we won't mention any names or locations due to Amazon policy) sell inferior corn products which may or may not contain harmful chemicals. We wouldn't want those in our shine ingredients, why should you? Our non corn, traditionally used in Bourbons and Tennessee Whiskeys, provides a rich, sweet flavor. Robust flavors of vanilla and maple syrup as well as white sugar and cotton candy can be pulled through. Sweetness can be offset through maturing in oak barrels.

  • This Corn Whiskey Mash kit contains all the ingredients needed, except spring water, to make a 5 gallon mash of traditional corn whiskey. What comes in the kit: 5 lbs. cracked corn, 5 lbs. sugar, yeast, amylase.
  • Sanitizer not included
  • Corn, traditionally used in Bourbons and Tennessee Whiskeys, provides a rich, sweet flavor. Robust flavors of vanilla and maple syrup as well as white sugar and cotton candy can be pulled through. Sweetness can be offset through maturing in oak barrels.
  • Ships same or next business day via Fed or USPS priority mail
  • Organic, non GMO

48 HOUR TURBO YEAST FERMFAST 243g PACKET

FERMFAST

Based on 256 reviews Check latest price

Product description

Use to ferment sugar up to 20% ABV in 5 - 7 days, or up to 14.5% ABV in 48 hours. Produces a premium quality alcohol wash/base (optimum conditions allowing).

  • 48 Hour Turbo Yeast
  • 243 g package
  • Use to ferment sugar up to 20% ABV in 5 - 7 days

User questions & answers

Question: why is there no directions as to how much yeast per batch
Answer: Re-read the instructions carefully.
Question: Do you need yeast nutrients with this yeast
Answer: No this yeast has yeast nutrients in it. But you do need to aerate the wort before you add the yeast. This stuff loves oxygen so I use a fish tank bubbler with a stone for about an hour.
Question: Where is this made
Answer: Kent, Ohio
Question: how many gallons will 243 gram treat, or how many grams per five gallon batch? I dont have a package so I cant reread the instructions carefully
Answer: Thanks for asking. Each package contains 243 grams or 8.6oz and will treat 6.6 US gallons. That is about 37g per gallon. You can also find a detailed picture of the front and back of the package with directions in the Amazon listing if you ever need to refer to it. Thanks!

Home Brew Ohio Red Star DADY 1 lb Distiller's Yeast (2 Pack)

Home Brew Ohio

Based on 69 reviews Check latest price

Product description

Distiller's Yeast (DADY) 1 LB by Red Star Distiller's yeast, 1 lb. foil bag, purged with nitrogen to preserve quality. Ferments up to 22% before slowing. Use nutrients to obtain the highest alcohol level prior to distillation . Usually not used for wines or beers. Sufficient yeast for approx. 500 gallons Typically not used for Beer or Wine. This is the yeast you need to make fuel. This one pound pack is sufficient to ferment 500 gallons up to 22% alcohol before it starts slowing down. Produces 14-22 percent alcohol. Requires yeast nutrients. This distiller's yeast requires additional nutrients to ferment up to 22% alcohol.

  • Red Star DADY 1 Lb. Distiller's Yeast
  • Manufactured in Belgium
  • Produces 14-22 percent alcohol
  • Requires additional nutrients
  • Ferment up to 500 gallons

User questions & answers

Question: Is this a 2x1lb, or 2x0.5lb
Answer: 1lb. Distillers Yeast (2 pack) = 2 1 lb. packs Distillers Yeast.

Red Star Distiller's Yeast (DADY), 1 lb. Bulk Pack

Red Star

Based on 269 reviews Check latest price

Product description

Distiller's Yeast (DADY) 1 LB by Red Star Distiller's yeast, 1 lb. foil bag, purged with nitrogen to preserve quality. Ferments up to 22% before slowing. Use nutrients to obtain the highest alcohol level prior to distillation. Usually not used for wines or beers. Sufficient yeast for approx. 500 gallons Typically not used for Beer or wine. This one pound pack is sufficient to ferment 500 gallons up to 22% alcohol before it starts slowing down. Produces 14-22 percent alcohol. Requires yeast nutrients. This distiller's yeast requires additional nutrients to ferment up to 22% alcohol.

User questions & answers

Question: Is this product kosher
Answer: no
Question: Can i make alcohol with this? how much yeast would i use to make a 5 gallon bucket of alchohol. is this considered turbo yeast
Answer: Yes, you can make alcohol with this yeast. I use about 1/2 to 1 teaspoon for 5 gal. No, it is not a turbo yeast which is a good thing. Find a recipe for a decent wash that is not just sugar and water (google UJSSM) and you will have no need for turbo yeast.
Question: Silly question can I use this for bread? I have a pound of it
Answer: I have used bread yeast in my fermentation of alchohol. I think the distillers yeast would give it a bad flavor in the bread if you did. Try it, the worst is, you dont like it and throw it out.
Question: How long is fermentation and how many gallons can I make with 1 pound
Answer: Fermentation is usually 4 days to 8 Days using fermax yeast nutrient and proper aeration. It depends on the temperature you keep the mash. Usually makes about 500 gallons for me, but should do more.

Red Star Active Dry Yeast, 2 Pound Pouch

Red Star

Based on 10 reviews Check latest price

Product description

High quality yeast great to use for all baking. Active Dry Yeast is cake yeast in a semi-dormant state. The drying process in its manufacture, reduces moisture content to about 7%, giving it a longer shelf life than cake yeast. When rehydrated, it provides ultimate baking activity in all yeast dough, low sugar to highly sweetened breads.

  • Comes in a hefty, 2 Pound Vacuum Packed Pouch
  • Active Dry Yeast from one of the most popular brands worldwide
  • This is active dry yeast, and is ideally used for temperatures between 110-115 degrees Fahrenheit
  • Active Dry Yeast is designed for yeast-leavened bread and dough
  • From the popular brand Red Star
  • Active Dry Yeast from one of the most popular brands worldwide
  • Comes in a hefty, 2 Pound Vacuum Packed Pouch

User questions & answers

Question: Can this yeast be used for baking bread with a bread machine? Or do you have to use bread machine yeast
Answer: I use this in a bread machine - but keep in mind that some bread machines are designed with shorter "rise" times and are designed for use with Instant Yeast which has a faster rise time. In this case, proof the yeast first (mix your warm liquid, sugar and yeast and let it get frothy - 5-15 min depending on temp of your ingredients) before using the machine. Since I dislike having holes in my bread, I use a bread machine to mix up my dough and take it OUT for the final rise (in my bread pan or braided or whatever the final product I'm looking for is). That lets you have the best of both worlds....
Question: PriceStartsAt $12.61-Yet Says-LowestPrice $24.99,Well Seller. why
Answer: Because they are price gouging. Normal price is around $10 for 2lb, $6-7 for 1 lb for this exact product.
Question: Why price gouge at $55 / $60 when the regular cost is
Answer: This is sold by Red Star and is $29 so I don’t think they’re price gouging. A 4oz jar is $5.99 at the grocery store. This is a 2lbs bag.
Question: what is the expiration date
Answer: If you put the yeast in sealed containers and freeze it, it extends the expiration date by 10 years. Just be sure that you use water as hot as it comes out of the tap to activate it.

Alcotec 48-hour Turbo Yeast, 135 grams (Pack of 2)

Alcotec

Based on 287 reviews Check latest price

Product description

Great, fast-acting yeast. Produces 14 percent alcohol in 48 hours, or 20 percent in 5 days.

  • Alcotec 48-hour Turbo Yeast
  • Consists of distillers yeast mixed with a lot of nutrients and vitamins
  • Ferment 6 gallons to 16% alcohol or higher in 48 hours

User questions & answers

Question: Is this dry yeast or wet
Answer: Alcotec is a dry yeast.
Question: I put the entire pack of yeast into 6 gallons of honey mash. is this ok? additionally, the yeast seems much less active, if at all, after a day
Answer: sounds like temp isn’t regulated properly.
Question: from what I see a pack will do 10 gal. of wash. can I get larger packs
Answer: We only have the 135 gram packages but we do have listings for 1,2, and 4 packs of it.
Question: How much of the yeast would you use for one gallon? A teaspoon? A tablespoon
Answer: Thanks for asking. You just need to follow the dose instructions on the package which is one package per 6.5 gallons. Therefore, you would use .15 packs (or .75oz) per gallon.

Superyeast

Home Brew Ohio

Based on 93 reviews Check latest price

Product description

Makes 12 percent alcohol in 24-48 hours, 20 percent alcohol in 5-7 days.

  • Multiple uses
  • Very active yeast
  • Unit count: 2.0
  • Package Dimensions: 2.032 L x 16.764 H x 11.43 W (centimeters)

User questions & answers

Question: Can this yeast be used for wine
Answer: I'm sure it could, but in would suggest not, and to use a proper wine yeast. In doubt it would give you the flavors.profile you're after, it would end up very very dry and I can only imagine the taste would be odd.
Question: Are the yeast nutrients included in this pack
Answer: No, the yeast nutrient is added after the wash has begun to ferment. Added sugars and yeast nutrient will boost ABV level.
Question: Can I use it to make beer
Answer: I would not, it has a very high alcohol tolerance and unless you want your beer to be in the 15-20% abv range I would find a different yeast
Question: How many ounces is one pack? Description states "Superyeast: 4 oz. Makes 6.5 gallons of up to 20% alcohol base in ten days
Answer: 135 grams. I haven't tried it yet. I have been using champagne yeast for herbal beers. Champagne yeast is working great because it doen't add any flavor, allows for a higher ABV (alcohol content), and allows the herbs to come through in the brew. I imagine this yeast will be similar.

Proof and Tralle Hydrometer with 12" Glass Test Jar with Distiller's Active Dry Yeast (1 Lb.)

Home Brew Ohio

Based on 77 reviews Check latest price

Product description

Proof And Tralle hydrometer with 12" glass test jar with distiller's active dry yeast (1 lb).

  • Country Of Origin: United States
  • Model Number: RH-MUSC-GSG6
  • Item Product Dimension: 12.6" L x 4.8" W x 4.4" H
  • Item Package Weight: 1.65 lb

Alcotec 48 Hour Turbo Yeast, 135g (4 Packs)

Alcotec

Based on 406 reviews Check latest price

Product description

Alcotec's 48 hour turbo yeast is a "dual recipe" yeast that will ferment up to 14% in 48 hours or up to 20% in 5 days depending on the recipe you choose. Just adjust the amount of sugar added and the yeast will do the rest.

  • Alcotec 48-hour Turbo Yeast
  • Consists of distillers yeast mixed with a lot of nutrients and vitamins
  • Ferment 6 gallons to 16% alcohol or higher in 48 hours

User questions & answers

Question: Does this ship 4 packs or 1 pack
Answer: One zipper bag containing 4 separate turbo yeast bags is what I received and following the instructions for 21%in ten days recipe I have been way happy with yield as well as quality
Question: How heat tolerant is this yeast? Can a ferment be restarted if it sticks from being too warm
Answer: Upon pitching it is heat tolerant up to about 90-95F short term (less than 12 hours) but then should be kept below 80 (preferably below 75). Keep in mind fermentation generates heat so we are talking fluid temperature here not ambient air temperature. No yeast can be restarted after being killed by heat.
Question: Does this ship 4 packs or 1 pack
Answer: Four individual packs , there each good for about five gallons with 10-15lbs of sugar to match . I was actually impressed , everyone said it would give an off flavor etc.. I used this with 15lbs sugar and cracked corn and sweet feed , set five days then removes all solids let it settle for 24 hours and ran it . Best iv tasted yet hands down . No yeast flavor at all , product once distilled smells similar to corn on the cob , amazing
Question: Have you made corn whiskey with this? 5 gallon batch? Is there residual yeast flavors
Answer: Sugar mash, not corn. You’d be better off to use a different yeast for corn. Personally, I like a sugar mash waaaay better than a corn. 2 packs of this yeast with 40 lbs of sugar for a 13 gallon still. Let it cook off 1 to 2 weeks, then run it. I get 188 off the head. Cheers.

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