I just completed my first batch of beer, which is now fermenting. I've been reading the instructions for the next steps i.e. siphoning and bottling and have some questions:
First, my manual says to fill the siphon hose with water to begin the siphoning process. Won't this added water end up in my bottling bucket? If so, I'm assuming that I need to use my good water?
Also, the manual says to stop filling the bottles when the foam reaches the top. Once the filler is removed, the bottle should be filled to about the "shoulder" of the bottle. As far as I can tell, this leaves about 2 to 3 inches of empty space. I understand that I must leave room for the CO2, but will the beer expand to fill the bottle like a purchased beer? In a purchased beer, the beer level is near the top fo the bottle - how does this happen?
I am thoroughly terrified of bacteria after reading my instructions. I get it - sanitation is key, but does anyone have a good method for cleaning everything. My kit came with a sanitation powder, but no instructions on how to use it. Would anyone recommend bleach instead?
Finally, what water should I use. My manual cautions against "city water". I live in a city and I'm sure my water is as bad as it comes. We use a Brita and the water coming out of it tastes good. Is this good enough? I've already decided to use spring water in the next batch, but I'm wondering if I ruined my first.
Thanks.
First, my manual says to fill the siphon hose with water to begin the siphoning process. Won't this added water end up in my bottling bucket? If so, I'm assuming that I need to use my good water?
Also, the manual says to stop filling the bottles when the foam reaches the top. Once the filler is removed, the bottle should be filled to about the "shoulder" of the bottle. As far as I can tell, this leaves about 2 to 3 inches of empty space. I understand that I must leave room for the CO2, but will the beer expand to fill the bottle like a purchased beer? In a purchased beer, the beer level is near the top fo the bottle - how does this happen?
I am thoroughly terrified of bacteria after reading my instructions. I get it - sanitation is key, but does anyone have a good method for cleaning everything. My kit came with a sanitation powder, but no instructions on how to use it. Would anyone recommend bleach instead?
Finally, what water should I use. My manual cautions against "city water". I live in a city and I'm sure my water is as bad as it comes. We use a Brita and the water coming out of it tastes good. Is this good enough? I've already decided to use spring water in the next batch, but I'm wondering if I ruined my first.
Thanks.