tackett

Recipes 

So, I want to know how to get a sample from a tap less plastic bucket.

I would think removing the lid would be a bad idea? But I don't see any other way.

How do you bucket people do it? I can see how a carboy wouldn't be a problem since the neck area is so small.

Old_E

Recipes 

I've done it plenty of times. Just sanitize everything and do it as quickly as possible. I wouldn't do it too often, either, just once to make sure fermentation is complete.

FWIW - I never do it anymore, just out of laziness. 3-3 weeks in, I just assume it is done, and it always is.

GASoline71

Recipes 

Rip the lid off and check away... no probs. Like mentioned... don't do it over and over and over.

I like using buckets, so I can just drop a sanitized hydrometer right in the bucket to take gravity readings.

Gary

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gcdowd

Recipes 

No worries on removing the lid, I do it all the time. I use a wine thief (I would suggest getting one) or you could use a turkey baster. I just gently dip in the thief and extract the wort. I try to disturb the CO2 layer as little as possible. I have yet to have an infection. Knock on wood!

jonboygentry

Recipes 

I just crack mine just enough to get the wine thief in. But I don't do that many gravity readings. 3 weeks and its ready to bottle. If you plan on doing a lot of samples, get yourself a wine thief. Sanitization is key!

SledgeH

Recipes 

I've used a sanitized wine thief or a sanitized measuring cup in the past. But Old E is right on target. Leave it be for a few weeks and you won't have to worry about constantly dipping into it.

JimRausch

Recipes 

No port for an airlock? I draw out of that using a 35cc syringe with tubing attached.
If you sanitize well, you should be able to crack the lid and draw a sample without much worry. Starsan in a spray bottle comes in handy for these between-batches sanitation.

TyTanium

Recipes 

Dude, relax and take the lid off. The beer will be fine.

Yes, oxidation. Worth being conscious of. There's only so much we can do to prevent it. Taking the lid off a few times isn't any worse than the process of going to a bottling bucket.

tackett

Recipes 

Thanks guys.

I have a theif coming.

It would be nice to have a lid like one of those paint buckets where you can just unscrew a small cap.

Balue

Recipes 

I drilled a one inch hole in my bucket lids and use a stopper and airlock just like on a carboy, when I need a sample pull it out and use thief. Much easier to remove a stopper then pry those tight ass lids off plus I think it disturbs it less over all.

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