Bottling Procedural Question

[Mmenges]

In the past I've always used Mr. Beer kits. I've always measured the sugar out and added to the bottle as per the instructions contained in the Mr. Beer kit. I purchased a new 5g kit which is much nicer than Mr. Beer and the rep at my LHBS said that all I would need to do is dissolve the sugar in a couple cups of boiling water and add to the wort which has been fermenting.

My question is that previously, when I added the sugar to the bottles in the Mr. Beer kit they almost seemed to start carbonating right away. Will I be losing carbonation by adding to the wort as suggested by my LHBS rep? What are the procedures that others on this site have followed? Thanks in advance for everyones help and sorry for the noob question. Just wanted to make sure I get this right.

 

[Revvy]

No, bulk carbing is a better method, because it will result in even carbonation across your entire batch of beer.

In the beginning most kits call for between 4.5 and 5 ounces of corn sugar, which will run you between 2 and 2.5 volumes of co2....but as you get more into brew different styles you can look into carbing by style, many styles are meant to have less carb and many to have more carb (like belgians) then you are used to. SO you will see different amounts of corn sugar to use.

So you'll actually have much more control over your carbonation.

One hint, get a 20 dollar digital kitchen scale at target or other big box store and measure your sugar by weight, rather than volume. You will fine better control that way.

There are many hints and tips on bottling in my thread https://www.homebrewtalk.com/f35/revvys-tips-bottler-first-time-otherwise-94812/

 

[eljefe]

Did you use a recipe or a pre-made kit for your recent brew? Typically, you add sugar that has been boiled in water to a "bottling bucket". You then add the wort to the bucket, stir very gently to mix the sugar water throughout the wort and then start bottling. The carbonation happens in the bottle a day or two after being capped so you won't lose anything.

If you used a pre-made kit, there should have been a packet of sugar for you to use. If not, please let us know some specifics of your recent batch so we can guesstimate how much sugar you need. Please note, you should not use table sugar for this step. Your LHBS should have the right sugar and may be able to advice you on how much you need (it varies by style).

Good luck

 

[Zwan05]

how long is the best amount of time for bottle conditioning

 

[Revvy]

how long is the best amount of time for bottle conditioning

The 3 weeks at 70 degrees, that that we recommend is the minimum time it takes for average gravity beers to carbonate and condition. Higher grav beers take longer.

Stouts and porters have taken me between 6 and 8 weeks to carb up..I have a 1.090 Belgian strong that took three months to carb up.

And even carbonation doesn't mean that they will not still be green and need more time to condition....

Everything you need to know about carbing and conditioning, can be found here Of Patience and Bottle Conditioning. With emphasis on the word, "patience."

 

[Zwan05]

hm what about at 65 degrees? my house is never kept at above 65

 

[Revvy]

hm what about at 65 degrees? my house is never kept at above 65

Then it will just take longer.....

 

[Mmenges]

It was a pre-made kit that came with 3/4 cup or 4oz of corn sugar to mix. The main concern I had was losing carbonation and stirring the sugar/boiled water mix with the wort. I was concerned that I would be losing carbonation and exposing too much oxygen to the wort.

Sounds like I'm on the right track, I can't begin to thank you guys enough for the advice and I can't wait for the next batch!

 

[eljefe]

You shouldn't have any issues with aeration if you stir gently. I actually "layer" the sugar/water mixture in. I pour in about a fifth of the mixture as I am siphoning in the wort. I also use one of these which seems to help blend in the mixture without requiring a lot of agitation:

View attachment paddle.bmp

 

[malkore]

you shouldn't even have to stir. dissolve your sugar in 1/2 cup of boiling water. pour in bottle bucket. rack beer into bucket and it'll mix in teh sugar water quite well.

if you do stir just do so very gently, no splashing = no oxidation.