Homebrew distillation problem

**doc** · 21st July 2009, 18:22

Google has not been my friend. There has to be a kb'r out there that can help with this problem.

What causes the ammonia smell in a wash ? Had it happen about 3 times over the last 10 years and it happened again today. Any ideas ?

**slofox** · 21st July 2009, 18:28

The last I heard about this was that it was due to the nutrients in the yeast/nutrient packs. Try a different one and see if it goes away.
I believe you can alter the acidity of the wash and control the problem as well. Keep the pH down to about 5 or less....if i remember correctly. Don't have my books with me here at work. Will look when I get home.
The nutrients usually contain di-ammonium phosphate - some ammonia could evolve from this under the right (= "wrong") conditions....

**kevfromcoro** · 21st July 2009, 18:33

Originally Posted by doc

Google has not been my friend. There has to be a kb'r out there that can help with this problem.

What causes the ammonia smell in a wash ? Had it happen about 3 times over the last 10 years and it happened again today. Any ideas ?

i have been brewing for years..
you talking about ammonia wash,
not to sure,........
can you more specphic.
never had any problems.
just use the the steralize solution

**TLMAN** · 21st July 2009, 18:33

Give us some more info ie: brand of yeast, sugar etc

**gatch** · 21st July 2009, 18:40

Have never had this problem, I got a reflux still..

Maybe leftover cleaning agent in your bucket ??

**davereid** · 21st July 2009, 18:50

I have never had this problem either.

Is the brew fermenting out properly ? The smell may just be in your nose as it were !

If you are simply brewing sugar with yeast & factory nutrient, there is very little that can go wrong in the wash.

Did you re3cord start and current S.G. ? It may give a clue.

**slofox** · 21st July 2009, 18:52

This problem was quite widely noted in these parts a couple of years ago when using a yeast/nutrient pack called (I think) Code 6..or code something anyway. Lowering the pH helped. I didn't ever have the problem but then I always adjust the pH...

**CookMySock** · 21st July 2009, 19:18

It was years since I distilled, but I remember there being good nutrients and stuff that stank and was difficult to distill out.

In the end it doesn't matter if you have a quality still. We just had (built) a pot still.

Steve

**doc** · 21st July 2009, 20:33

This problem has developed the same time the wash has been started. Fermentation hasn't begun yet.

Intend to put it thru a new Essencia reflux still. which has replaced a Still spirits reflux still that had almost worn out. Friends must have borrowed it or something.

**Goblin** · 21st July 2009, 20:59

Originally Posted by TLMAN

Give us some more info ie: brand of yeast, sugar etc

StillSpirits Turbo Yeast, Classic and sugar from local homebrew shop.

Originally Posted by gatch

Have never had this problem, I got a reflux still..

Maybe leftover cleaning agent in your bucket ??

This might be the answer. Any idea if it will ferment out or will we have to toss it out and start again?

Will check it tomorrow and see if it still has the amonia pong.

**Goblin** · 22nd July 2009, 16:24

Amonia smell has gone. Might have been sterilizer residue in the wash.

As you were.

**slofox** · 22nd July 2009, 16:29

Originally Posted by Goblin

Might have been sterilizer residue in the wash.

I doubt this actually - sterilizer is usually metabisulphite and would smell sulphurous, not of ammonia.
I reckon it is the nutrient myself. If the ferment goes through OK and the smell disappears, I would not be worried.

**gatch** · 22nd July 2009, 16:40

I use chlorine based steriliser, it fucks shit up !

All I've ever used is still spirits turbo yeast classic and plain old chelsea sugar in the 25kg sacks. Consistantly produce 4-4.5l @ 88-90%

**Goblin** · 22nd July 2009, 17:03

Yeah, been using the Still spirits yeast since ages ago and have had this happen before. First time was the first ever brew I did and IIRC ended up chucking it out and starting again. This time it seems to have fixed itself. Was a really strong amonia smell as soon as I added the yeast, but seems to have sorted itself.

Will see how distilling goes.

Thanks for the help guys.