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Did you know you could make cheap alcohol from table sugar?  This is done by fermenting granulated sugar with a particular type of yeast.  It can yield alcohol that is up to 40 proof .  The steps below will show you how to make a base alcohol that can be used to make a variety of other drinks.

1.  First, obtain a packet of distillers yeast or Super Yeast .  This it is the only type of yeast that can be used to ferment table sugar and yield 40 proof alcohol effectively.  To this type of yeast a special because it contains nutrients that can support the growth of the yeast and enable proper fermentation.
2. pick a vessel.  if you want 5.5 to 6 gallon batches you will need an a 7.5 Gallon food grade bucket and lid. These work well because you can easily pour the ingredients into the bucket and stir. For smaller batches you will only need a one gallon jug.  However, you will need a drilled rubber stopper that fits the airlock and the carboy or jug. You will need to leave some space in the bucket or jug, about 1.5 to 2 gallons should be fine.  This space is for the foam and gasses that will form during fermentation. The lid to the plastic bucket should have a hold drilled in the top and be fitted with a rubber grommet that will also fit the airlock during fermentation.  The lid will also need a rubber gasket or seal to create an airtight seal between the lid and the bucket.
3. Sanitize your equipment. You will need to sanitize your fermentation bucket, airlock, and a large spoon .  If the equipment is new cleansers may not be needed.  When sanitizing use in agent such as iodophor, that is made for brewing and winemaking.  All equipment needed is available at any home brewing or winemaking shops.  To fill the fermentation bucket to the top with sanitizer. remember to sanitize the lid and air lock
4. Determine how much sugar to use.  More sugar means more alcohol , but the yeast can only ferment a certain amount of sugar .  If you want 5.5 gallons of alcohol you will need no more in an 17.5 pounds of sugar. The packet of yeast will indicate how much sugar can be used.
5. Mix the sugar and warm water.  in a large metal potFoot , using your spoon , dissolve the sugar into the warm water.  You may use other tap water or bottled water.  fill the pot to 5.5 gallons With water that is about 90 degrees .  to avoid mixing in the bucket because it can cause scratches that may harbor bacteria rendering the bucket impossible to sanitize.  Once all the sugar has been dissolved , pour the solution into the plastic bucket .
6. Add the yeast.  Open the yeast packet and pour the contents into the sugar and water solution .  Stir if desired to homogenize.
7. Put the lid on your bucket.  Tightly push the lid onto the bucket to form an airtight seal.  This may prove to be difficult and they require some leverage .
8. Attach the air lock to the lid.  Push the air lock into the lid. Next, add clean water or vodka  to the inside of the air lock so carbon dioxide  can be released from the fermenting  solution and air can be kept out.
9. Allow the mixture to ferment.  the ambient air temperature should be between 70 and 80 degrees.  if the  temperature is cooler a device may be needed to ensure the proper fermentation Temperature .  it usually takes about two to ten days for the yeast to ferment the sugar and produced alcohol.  time varies depending on type of yeast used and how much sugar was added.  The more sugar the mixture contains the longer it will take to completely ferment .  You make noticed the air lock bubbling a lot during active fermentation  .  The bubbling will slow as fermentation slows and will stop when all or most of the sugar has been fermented.
10. Clarify  your  fermented liquid. Once fermentation is complete, you will want to use a fining agent like isinglass or a mixture of kieselsol and chitosan to remove suspended yeast and other materials. After adding the finings, you want to reseal your fermenter with the lidin and  the air lock and let the liquid clarify for 2-3 days.
11. Siphon off the alcohol.  carefully pour the alcoholic liquid into an airtight container. It will last about a month in this type of container .  If you would like it to last longer it must be bottled.

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