Absolute limit for storing apfelwein in secondary?

[atromic]

My wife and I are moving out of the country on friday, potentially for up to a year. There is tons that we need to do, and unfortunately one of those is to bottle 15gal of apfelwein that has been in primary for 3 months or so.

If we rack it into secondary, will it still be alive when we come back? It will be stored at cellar temperatures and can have the airlocks topped off periodically.

 

[Revvy]

It doesn't die

Mine sits a minimum in secondary for a year before I even think of bottling it.

You'll have the best apfelwein you ever tasted when you come back. You should be aging it that long.

Stay safe

 

[WIP]

Think about getting a solid bung. Maybe put a strip of duct tape over the bung so it doesn't pop out if there is a temp change.

 

[RobWalker]

Bottles - fantastic. Secondary - I would put it under a sterile airlock to prevent any pressure buildup. Vodka won't evaporate so try that - you don't want an explosion on your hands.

And for gods sake, take a few bottles with you when you transfer!

 

[WIP]

Vodka evaporates faster than water and sanitizer. However, a solid bung doesn't evaporate nor let pressure build up. Within a few weeks after fermentation is done, the bulk of the co2 is gone anyway. I prefer a long secondary before bottling anyway. Bottom line, it will be great if you leave it as long as air doesn't get in.