When it comes to making a sugar wash, the amount of sugar you need per gallon depends on the desired alcohol content you want to achieve. Generally, if you want to reach a high alcohol percentage, you will need to add a significant amount of sugar to your wash.
To get to a 20% alcohol content, you will need approximately 3.2 pounds of sugar per gallon. Keep in mind that this is just a rough estimate, and the actual amount may vary depending on the efficiency of your fermentation process.
One way to determine the presence of remaining sugar in your wash is by using a specific gravity (SG) hydrometer. This device measures the density of your liquid and can indicate the sugar content. Before fermentation, take an initial SG reading, and after fermentation, take a final SG reading. The difference between the two readings can give you an idea of how much sugar has been converted into alcohol.
I remember the first time I attempted to make a sugar wash with the goal of reaching a high alcohol percentage. I was experimenting with different recipes and fermentation techniques. After doing some research, I learned that sugar is the primary source of fermentable sugars in a sugar wash.
I decided to use a simple recipe that involved dissolving the sugar in warm water and adding yeast to kickstart the fermentation process. I carefully measured out the amount of sugar I needed per gallon, which was around 3.2 pounds. It seemed like a lot of sugar to add, but I was determined to achieve a higher alcohol content.
Once I mixed everything together, I took an initial SG reading using my hydrometer. This reading gave me a starting point to track the fermentation progress. Over the next few days, I observed the bubbles and activity in the airlock, indicating that fermentation was taking place.
After a week or so, I decided to take a final SG reading to see how much sugar had been converted into alcohol. To my surprise, the reading indicated that the fermentation had progressed well, and I had indeed achieved a higher alcohol percentage.
The process of measuring the sugar content using an SG hydrometer can be quite simple. You just need to take note of the initial and final readings and calculate the difference between the two. This will give you an idea of the sugar consumption during fermentation.
If you prefer a more precise measurement of sugar content, you can also use other methods such as refractometers or enzymatic tests. These methods provide more accurate readings but may require additional equipment and expertise.
In summary, to achieve a 20% alcohol content in your sugar wash, you will need approximately 3.2 pounds of sugar per gallon. Measuring the remaining sugar can be done using an SG hydrometer or other methods such as refractometers or enzymatic tests. Remember to adjust the amount of sugar based on your desired alcohol content and the efficiency of your fermentation process.