What's killing my yeast?

January 5, 2014 | Oshkalaboomboom

[Oshkalaboomboom]

I'm making some cheap wine. When I say cheap I mean one step above Pruno. Right now I'm just getting down the basics, collecting equipment and experimenting with different concoctions. My first try was apple juice, sugar and bread yeast which actually came out quite well. I have 2 bottles of it sitting in the fridge now waiting until my 5 litre box of Blush runs out before I start drinking it. The main reason I chose apple juice first was for the 128 ounce bottle. Now that it's done I'm using the bottle to make other wines 64 ounces at a time then using the 64 ounce empties for storage.

Which brings me to the problem. I bought 2 bottles of Ocean Spray Cherry Juice Cocktail for 81 cents a bottle and 2 bottles of Kroger Cranberry Strawberry Juice Cocktail for 62 cents a bottle (both brands on closeout and both for the bottles more than what's in them). The Ocean Spray is doing okay but the Kroger seems to be killing the yeast and doing little to no fermenting. I'm trying to figure out what could be the culprit. The main difference between the Ocean Spray and the Kroger is that Kroger uses high fructose corn syrup while the other uses cane or beet sugar. They both have fumaric acid and ascorbic acid and the Kroger actually contains 22% juice compared to 15% for the Ocean Spray. One has about 112 grams of sugar per litre and the Kroger has 140. I've added around a cup of sugar to each, which in theory should bring them up to around 10-12% ABV if they ferment well. Do you think the corn syrup is messing with the yeast? I've put yeast in the Kroger bottle twice and both times it foams up, fizzes for a while then dies out. I'll probably end up pouring it down the drain but I would like to figure out if there is anything I should avoid next time I see juices on sale.

[Polynikes]

Here is some reading material. Altho it is more for harder stuff than wine similar principles apply
http://homedistiller.org/forum/index.php?sid=682e8eae878f5e7bc205cc6859314d74

http://homedistiller.org/forum/viewforum.php?f=46

http://homedistiller.org/forum/viewforum.php?f=61

[Oshkalaboomboom]

Thanks. I joined that forum. It looks like I can learn a lot there.

[Polynikes]

Yes you can. Read and study and with some work you will be the hit of the party. LOL I joined a while back, lots of helpfull tips techniques etc. I like the different recipes and have varied my methods accordingly. I usually have good results The safety angle is stressed a lot due to the nature of the product so you don't inadvertently cause a fire or make your self sick.

[SisterK]

I wish to make wine as I cannot eat all the grapes that I can grow.
Does your grandmother use an airlock or open crock?