First time kegging and have a few questions

[RLewis15]

Well I will be kegging my first batch of beer tomorrow evening and I just have a few questions before I start.

I have a standard pin lock keg setup from keg connection with a 5# tank.

I will be cleaning and sanitizing with Iodiphor solution. I will make sure to soak all connectors, valves and the dip stick too. I will then rinse in hot water.

My main question is as follows: The beer I am brewing requires the addition of different berry flavors and needs three weeks to mellow out after kegging/bottling. I was planning on doing natural carbonation. I understand that you use half the amount of priming sugar. If I decide to do natural carbonation, should I pressurize and purge after filling just to make sure there is a great seal? If so, what PSI should I bring it to before purging.

If I were to do force carbonation would I need to let it sit in the keg for 3 weeks then pressurize the keg fully? (No addition of priming sugar)



I guess my question is, what's the best way for me to go about this. Thanks!

 

[Yooper]

Iodophor isn't a cleaner. so, use a cleaner like oxyclean and THEN rinse, and sanitize with diluited Iodophor, and don't rinse after the Iodophor!

After you fill the keg (yes, use 1/2 the regular amount of priming sugar), give the keg a big shot of co2 (like 30 psi) and purge a couple of times and do it again. Finish with a shot of co2. I like to take a spray bottle of soapy solution (like star-san, but dish soap/water is fine) and check for any leaks.

Then, you can set it in a warm place and it will be carbed up in 2-3 weeks.

If you're force carbing, you stick it in the kegerator at 10-13 psi for one to two weeks, and it'll be ready.

 

[RLewis15]

The guy at my local HBS told me Iodiphor is a cleaner. He also told me Oxyclean would pit stainless steel.

 

[Yooper]

The guy at my local HBS told me Iodiphor is a cleaner. He also told me Oxyclean would pit stainless steel.

Well, if he was wrong about the Iodophor....................

 

[RLewis15]

Haha that's what I thought!

After I do the purging cycle, you said finish with a shot of co2. What PSI should that be?

 

[Yooper]

Haha that's what I thought!

After I do the purging cycle, you said finish with a shot of co2. What PSI should that be?

Some of my kegs leak around the top if I don't give it about 30 psi. So, I'd give it a nice bit shot like that.

 

[RLewis15]

Thanks for the help Yooper. I think I'm ready to go.

 

[RLewis15]

I have a really dumb question

After the last shot of c02, do I leave it in there for the 3 weeks? or let it out right away just so it seals

 

[RLewis15]

Anyone? I don't wanna leave it under high pressure if it's not supposed to be.

 

[Yooper]

Anyone? I don't wanna leave it under high pressure if it's not supposed to be.

Leave it. You want it to stay sealed! The co2 will gradually absorb into the beer, but it should be carbing up in the meantime so the lid should stay sealed .

 

[RLewis15]

I owe you a beer Yooper. You're the man.

 

[Yooper]

I owe you a beer Yooper. You're the man.

Um, thanks?!?!

 

[FastAndy]

Um, thanks?!?!

Uh oh....... does that happen a lot Yooper?

 

[Yooper]

Uh oh....... does that happen a lot Yooper?

Yeah, all the time. Don't worry about it! I'm just teasing anyway. It's better than being called "bro".

 

[RLewis15]

Haha that was a thank you beer. Not a pick up beer.

 

[Yooper]

Haha that's was a thank you beer. Not a pick up beer.

I think you're making it worse. Now, I'm not only "da man", I'm unattractive enough to not warrant a pick up beer.

What next?

 

[RLewis15]

Haha I'm just gonna stop now.

 

[Yooper]

Haha I'm just gonna stop now.

Good idea! I was waiting for the "you're too old for me anyway" to make me feel better.

 

[RLewis15]

This whole thread took a turn. I'm so confused haha

 

[RLewis15]

Oh wow. Just realized what I have done haha I'm so sorry.

Shouldn't have assumed you were "the man"


This whole thread seems so much worse now. Just go back and read it and keep in mind I thought you were a guy

 

[Yooper]

Oh wow. Just realized what I have done haha I'm so sorry.

Shouldn't have assumed you were "the man"


This whole thread seems so much worse now. Just go back and read it and keep in mind I thought you were a guy

I know- that's why I was teasing you. :cross:

I'm a small middle aged woman, about 135 pounds, and a grandmother to boot. That's why I was laughing so much. I am hardly "the man"! And you probably WOULDN'T offer me a pick up beer. But I still had to tease you a little bit anyway!

 

[RLewis15]

Well you're the coolest grandma ever then.