Question on Apfelwein?

I tried to search through all the pages and couldn't find it so I just thought I would ask. I am planning on making a batch and was wondering I have a 6.5 gal BB and I didn't know if I could do just a 5 gal batch b/c of all the headspace room. What does everybody think, should I go for it or do a 6 gal batch? If so how much more corn sugar to use for 6 gal? Thanks

Headspace is not a problem, carbon dioxide from fermentation will quickly displace the air in the better bottle. (They max out at 6 gallons BTW, not 6.5.) Personally though, I'd just make a 6 gallon batch! Add an extra .4 lbs of dextrose...the amounts are not super critical though, I would just eyeball half of a 1lb bag.

Thanks!!!!!!!!!

I have one Question to add.
Why do I keep getting suckback on my 1G carboy of apfelwein?
I do have temp issues in the house. but have had suckback 3 times now it is in week 2.

1. It's plastic and you're touching it
2. It's as you said, cold/heat contracting/expanding (would only really happen if fermentation is completed, which would be odd at 2 weeks since mine is still off-gassing or fermenting at 30+ days....unless you have ungodly bad temp swings...)

Either way, Solution = 3 bubble air lock. Don't fill more than up to 1 bubble on each side and suckback = impossible

I also made a 5g batch in a 6.5 gallon carboy, I didn't realize till 2 weeks later that I could of done a 6.45g (lol, right to the brim almost) batch and been fine and didn't feel like driving to the not so local LHBS to get more corn sugar. (gonna just buy 5 lb next time, bought a scale)

OK more details...

1 Gal Glass Carboy.
3 piece airlock W/Vodka
no clue about if fermentation is done.(first brew thats not Mr.Beer)
Temp Change >10 Deg F( heater on fritz)

I pulled the inner piece to reset the level and am hoping that fixes that.

Have you witnessed the suckback, or is the airlock level just low? Vodka can evaporate pretty quickly.

BlindLemonLars said:

Have you witnessed the suckback, or is the airlock level just low? Vodka can evaporate pretty quickly.

Click to expand...

yes suck back witnessed... airlock mid part touching the bottom with nearly full vodka.

I just did a 5 1/2 gal batch of apfelwien in a 6.5 carboy, came out fine. used 2 lbs of corn sugar and 1 pk of yeast