deranged_hermit
Well-Known Member
hi all... i am preparing to brew my first batch of beer with an 'Irish Red Ale' kit, made by Midwest Supplies. i have a homebrewing book (for dummies) and have lurked on these forums for a month now learning about how to brew. i have a few questions before i start my first batch. i plan on using Clorox Bleach (unscented) as my sanitizer. and i have read that i should only use 2 oz. for every 5 gallons to sanitize with. the bottle says to use 3/4 cup for every gallon. how much would you all suggest i use to sanitize my equipment. i'd appreciate any procedure tips as well... ie time requirements, locations, and temperatures.
my second question concerns bottling. i went to my local liquor store and asked if they have any returnable bottles, or if he knew of any brewers that use them (so i could buy the beer and reuse the bottles). he said they didn't have any and that the major breweries dont use returnables anymore. does anyone know what brands i CAN buy and reuse instead of ordering $25 worth of bottles?
finally, i have a question regarding the 3-piece airlock. do i fill the airlock with water before using? up to the holes on the removeable inner plastic cup? also, do i keep the cap on? there are several tiny pin-holes on the cap that i'm guessing is to allow CO2 to escape while keeping bacteria and dust out of the airlock.
thanks in advance!
my second question concerns bottling. i went to my local liquor store and asked if they have any returnable bottles, or if he knew of any brewers that use them (so i could buy the beer and reuse the bottles). he said they didn't have any and that the major breweries dont use returnables anymore. does anyone know what brands i CAN buy and reuse instead of ordering $25 worth of bottles?
finally, i have a question regarding the 3-piece airlock. do i fill the airlock with water before using? up to the holes on the removeable inner plastic cup? also, do i keep the cap on? there are several tiny pin-holes on the cap that i'm guessing is to allow CO2 to escape while keeping bacteria and dust out of the airlock.
thanks in advance!