ScottM

Recipes 

As I read a lot of threads, I'm noticing that a lot of people are doing some 1 gal experimental recipes. That inspired me to do a 1 gal mead, and I've got plans for a 1 gal wild fermentation of a local cider. So my question is what is the best technique I should use for racking these small batches?

In my 5 gal beer batches I use a racking cane, syphon hose and bottle filler. I put the cane in the bucket, fill the tube and bottle filler with water, then use gravity and suction to start the flow into a sauce pan that I'll dump. That loss in volume not a big deal in a 5 gal batch, but in a 1 gal batch the racking cane would be sticking out the top and I'd lose a noticeable volume.

I'm assuming that simply pouring it into the next 1 gal container would result in excessive oxygen exposure, and potentially ruin the batch, correct?

SeamusMac

Recipes 

Depending on how well-stocked your LHBS is you could purchase a mini auto-siphon, which are made specifically for use with 1 gallon jugs. They're great to have and don't require priming like your setup.

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Primary: Edwort's Apfelwein
Primary: Brewingcentres Pale Ale
Primary: Brewcraft - Cheap 'n' Shiddy Bavarian Wheat

Kegged: Brewcraft - Cheap 'n' Shiddy Bavarian Wheat
Kegged: Brewcraft - Enhanced Dutch Lager
On Tap: Brewcraft - Irish Stout

ScottM

Recipes 

Both the local stores I go to are pretty well stocked. The one does more mail order, than walk in retail, so if he doesn't have it I'm sure he could get it. I looked up the prices online and it looks like they run between 9 and 13 dollars. Not bad, so maybe I'll see about picking one up in the near future.

No responses about pouring between containers, huh? That must be a really bad idea. What if I was able to insert the end of a funnel into a rubber tube. Run the tube to the bottom the secondary and rest the funnel on the rim of the jug. Then pour from the primary down the side of the funnel. The tube should eliminate splashing in the bottom of the secondary, and as long as I'm careful it shouldn't disturb the sediment in the primary.

Tusch

Recipes 

Well pouring is a bad idea, think insta-oxidized. And using a funnel wouldn't be any better, the vortex created in a funnel will actually be adding even more oxygen to your brew before it enters your safe tubing section. Basically, you don't want to pour your brew unless its into the primary or into the pint a few months down the road.

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Meads: Hababero and Sarrano Capiscumel, Show Mead possibly getting split and flavored, and 12 gallons of Bochet Deliciousness
Ciders:3 Ciders with differing additives TBD, Strawberry/Apple Cider
Wine: Black Cherry Vanilla Port

ScottM

Recipes 

I should have figured pouring was a bad idea, from the lack of responses. Thanks for the info.