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brewsbrothers · 10-21-2009, 09:00 PM

Is there ever a time when making hard cider naturally ex. with out yeast that you would not use an airlock/vapor lock??

McKBrew · 10-21-2009, 09:38 PM

Not sure what you mean.

Trying to make cider without yeast? Are you looking to naturally cultivate some sort of yeast?

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cvstrat · 10-21-2009, 09:40 PM

Airlocks cost a few bucks and keep out oxygen, dust, and other junk. The actual need for an airlock can be debated, especially with beers undergoing a vigorous fermentation (as the CO2 being produced will rest on the beer protecting it from oxygenation) but honestly I can't fathom purposely not using an airlock as it removes a lot of potential for stuff falling into your cider.

McKBrew · 10-21-2009, 09:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cvstrat

Airlocks cost a few bucks and keep out oxygen, dust, and other junk. The actual need for an airlock can be debated, especially with beers undergoing a vigorous fermentation (as the CO2 being produced will rest on the beer protecting it from oxygenation) but honestly I can't fathom purposely not using an airlock as it removes a lot of potential for stuff falling into your cider.

That would have been my answer, but the without yeast part threw me off. Still confused.

brewsbrothers · 10-22-2009, 12:55 AM

What i was asking is i dont have any tubing and dont live near any kind of home brew store really and was curious what was possible to do with out the typical cork top vapor lock?

cvstrat · 10-22-2009, 01:07 AM

Ok you could use aluminum foil and just lightly form it over the opening. However I'm not sure why you don't order one online.

**Nurmey** · 10-22-2009, 01:16 AM

Your issue with not using an airlock is that fruit flies really like cider and carry the bacteria that makes vinegar. They could easily turn your hard cider into apple cider vinegar.

**Pumbaa** · 10-22-2009, 02:18 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by brewsbrothers

What i was asking is i dont have any tubing and dont live near any kind of home brew store really and was curious what was possible to do with out the typical cork top vapor lock?

use a balloon or UNLUBED condom and poke a hole in the top with a pin

McKBrew · 10-22-2009, 03:42 AM

You could buy some tubing at the local Home Depot and build an airlock. Search for blow-off tube and you'll get some ideas about how to make it work.

HalfPint · 10-22-2009, 03:48 AM

I'd just put foil a piece of sanitized foil over the top. Or make an blow-off tube like the guys are saying above. I buy all of the stuff for my blow-off tubes form Lowes or HD. I'd just be worried about extended aging/secondary fermenting without an airlock. I think during primary ferm you wouldn't have a problem b/c so much gas is keeping everything out, but when the ferm isn't so vigorous, nasties can get it.

RDWGAAL = relax, don't worry, and get an air lock!
J