What is your experience with Fermaid?

[Chalkyt]

I have sometimes added DAP at about 0.5g (1/10 teaspoon) per gallon (5 litres) halfway through fermentation to ensure complete fermentation, or sometimes even lower SG if stalled when using S04 (a high nutrient demand yeast).

Small quantities of Fermaid (repackaged into 100g packets) have become available here in Oz. What is everyone's experience with Fermaid compared with DAP? The data on Fermaid O suggests that the organic YAN may not "ensure complete fermentation in difficult situations", however Fermaid AT does contain some inorganic YAN (i.e. from DAP) which will overcome this issue.

I have been quite happy using DAP, but the addition of Thiamine etc in Fermaid seems to be a good idea and as mentioned above, Fermaid AT is readily available in small packs here. From what I can see, Fermaid claims that organic YAN is 2.5X more effective than inorganic YAN (i.e. which you get from DAP). DAP is about 20% YAN whereas Fermaid AT has only 12% YAN (but possibly 2.5X more effective = more or less, a bit better per gram than DAP).

I suppose my maths is correct, however in any case, comments and experiences of others using Fermaid would be appreciated before I jump in the deep end. i.e how much do you use, is your cider any "better", etc.

Cheers!

 

[Maylar]

I have Fermaid-O and K and DAP. I use O for step feeding high gravity meads, per the recommendations of the mead geeks. I've used -K with cider and honestly don't see a difference between that and regular DAP. One teaspoon per gallon at pitch has always worked. I figure that Claude Jolicoeur uses DAP, so...