Here's a dumb question

[Pinchecharlie]

Why can't you just pore from a carboy to a sample tube? Why do you have to use a wine thief? is this because of large size of carboy or something to do with oxygen ? Sorry just haven't seen it explained yet. Thanks charlie

 

[mdindy]

you can if you want, it is just inconvenient due to the size and weight, you also do not want to splash the wort and risk oxidation

 

[bernardsmith]

a baster works just as well and is not quite as expensive as the thief, but apart from helping to prevent unnecessary oxidation and displacement of the lees every time you lift the carboy to pour out your sample, you are also risking dropping the carboy and losing months of aging... The less you need to manhandle 1- 6 gallons of mead or wine or cider the fewer problems you have ..

 

[bmwr75]

I use a sanitized turkey baster. Works great for me.

 

[Matrix4b]

I use a sanitized turkey baster. Works great for me.

Ditto

 

[dmtaylor]

I pour mine. Works fine.

 

[fuelish]

Sanitized baster here, as well....fits all my glass from 1 gallon and up...lives with my supplies and NOT in the kitchen

 

[CGish]

Sanitized baster here, as well....fits all my glass from 1 gallon and up...lives with my supplies and NOT in the kitchen

What? You don't like turkey fat and seasonings in your beer?