unorthodox bottling methods
 

I've just added homebrewing to my ever-growing list of hobbies... but this means I've got a few tricks...

for example... I'm working on some alternative bottling solutions:
http://fc08.deviantart.com/fs31/f/20...caryPotter.jpg

which will soon be fired and slip-cast into set molds of 6, then I'll add pivots for Grolsch-type flip top stoppers.

Also:
http://fc07.deviantart.com/fs31/i/20...caryPotter.jpg

which I'll also slipcast in plaster set molds of 4. They'll be corked-and-wired shut. Probably will end up custom-glazing all of them.

Does anyone know if clay or porcelain will negatively effect beer flavor?

I'll post some pictures when I get done with the molds and get some of these bad boys glazed.

Alternately... if anyone's in the market for a hand thrown ceramic tap tower? ... I could use the $$ to get started on my steampunk kegerator. :)

cheers.

first of all, thumbs up for your creativity and originality!!!

(disclaimer: talking out of logic, not experience)

Now, I never used clay... but I do know a thing or two about it since my neighbor is a potter.
Correct me if I'm wrong, but I believe that clay is porous. it evaporates liquid that defuses through the surface, hence I imagine its no the best sanitary solution. Another point is that clay should be very hard to sanitize, plus it can absorb your sanitation solution. It will be a shame to use your great artwork for only a single batch, and not being able to refill.

that being said, if you'll do an internal glazing, you should on the safe side. porcelain should be a good solution as well

They look cool!!!! How are you going to pressure test them? It'd be a shame if they became home-made bottle bombs...

I'm no expert, but I'm assuming that they are going to glaze and fire these so make them smooth, shiney, and non-porous before actually filling them with beer.

I'd probably not spend a ton of money on them, but they would be cool to show off on those special occassions. Maybe if you were doing ren faires or period re-enactments or something too. :rockin:

Very nice. Let us know if they work. I would defiantly pressure test them in a safe environment first though.

Yes I would agree and 3rd the pressure test. Also how are you going to glaze the inside? I would imagine the rough clay surface would not be good for sanitizing as mentioned.

But VERY NICE work!'If not for bottling you could alwasy use them for serving?

A loooong time ago I used to make japanese Shakuhachi bamboo flutes, one way to glaze the inside of a vessel (or tube) is to fill it with glaze, let it sit for a bit, then swirl it around to coat, then pour out...I imagine that that would work here as well.

(kinda like sanitizing a carboy)

I really hope they hold up to the pressure test..they're bitchin'

Even if they can't hold beer pressure, could you imagine bottling you apfelwein or mead in those bad-boys?

Great idea! I'd be very interested to see if they will indeed hold pressure.

:mug: Wow, I must say I'm envious of your talent! Truly bitchin' pieces of artwork. Imagine pouring something (I'm thinking cider/apfelwein) out of one of these for someone! I think it adds to the presentation, thus enhancing the product within. You may end up with a bunch of homebrewers ordering pieces from you! Congrats!

Very nice job. Hope your idea works out.
Are you perhaps the hand model for the movie Ghost? :D