HDPE vs Glass

[305guy]

Is there any advantage that glass has over HDPE (high-density polyethylene) for a secondary vessel? I have a 2.5gal batch in primary right now, and was thinking of transferring it to a 2.5gal water jug (same material as you get 1gal water jugs in).

 

[kevmoron]

Oxygen permeability may be an issue depending on the thickness and density. Also, with any plastic there is always a concern over any scratches that might harbor microbes.

 

[flyangler18]

The most cited reason for using glass as a secondary is zero oxygen permeability. HDME has a relatively high level of permeability which can lead to the tell-tale cardboard flavor in the beer. That said, oxidation flavors take substantial amounts of time to be noticeable, far longer than the average HB batch sticks around.

 

[flowerysong]

Depends on how long your secondary will be. HDPE (which, despite what some people think, is not the same as the PET which Better Bottles are made of) has high enough oxygen permeability that it's not really well suited to long-term conditioning. At typical beer secondary times it's not really a huge concern, but if you're bulk aging a mead or wine glass is definitely the way to go.

 

[305guy]

Thanks. Per your comments, I think I'll make one half-hearted go at finding a 2.5-gal glass container, and will just use the HDPE if I don't find anything.

 

[billtzk]

Depends on how long your secondary will be. HDPE (which, despite what some people think, is not the same as the PET which Better Bottles are made of) has high enough oxygen permeability that it's not really well suited to long-term conditioning. At typical beer secondary times it's not really a huge concern, but if you're bulk aging a mead or wine glass is definitely the way to go.

PET (e.g. Better Bottle) is also fine for bulk aging.

 

[flowerysong]

Well, yes, but that's not really germane to the discussion of HDPE vs. glass.

 

[billtzk]

Thanks. Per your comments, I think I'll make one half-hearted go at finding a 2.5-gal glass container, and will just use the HDPE if I don't find anything.

You can get glass carboys and PET Better Bottles in 3 gallon size. You can take up additional space to reduce headspace in your carboy with sanitized glass marbles, if necessary.

If you go the Better Bottle route, note that they use a different size bung than the glass carboys do. I think it's a number 10 sized stopper.

 

[billtzk]

Well, yes, but that's not really germane to the discussion of HDPE vs. glass.

It seemed likely that the scope of your comment pertained to the choice of HDPE vs glass given the context. Yet you also mentioned PET and Better Bottles yourself, which provide the OP another option. Regardless, it is germane to a discussion of the available options for bulk aging, which is the part of your comment I highlighted.