OK so don't secondary ferment! But now What?

[slym2none]

Brewing is a hobby so money will be spent no matter what...everyone just has different opinions on what to spend it on! Personally, there's no way I would still be brewing if I was bottling...WAY too much of a PIA for me. Once you experience the ease of cleaning and filling one container vs 50 plus capping, there's no going back haha...plus you get fully carbonated beer 48hrs later if you force carb (as well as full control over the vol CO2). I brew almost monthly (36 batches in 30 mths brewing) and fill my 5lb CO2 tank once per year. Costs about $18 to fill I think? Once you invest in the keg set up it's really not bad to upkeep.

My opinion is still valid, no?

I just see so much hate on bottling. But when I voice it, I get backlash.

But it won't stop me from expressing it where I can. Note, I don't go into kegging-problem threads & tell people they wouldn't have those problems if they bottled. I wait until someone asks the question where I can reasonably voice my opinion.

And now I have done so.

 

[Kee]

Spend your money how you wish,doesn't mean the rest of us need to follow suit.
O.P. Said no secondary asked what he could do I suggested kegging it..

Do you also have a problem w/ people driving ?
I assume you ride a bike everywhere so you can save money for brewing there too..

I choose to spend some of the extra I make.
Keep bottling,if that's what you enjoy then that's fine,I'd rather spend the time it takes bottling to do anything else.

A keg transfer takes me less than an hr including sanitizing,purging and cleaning after I fill.
If I so choose,I spent more of my money not brewing on a counter pressure filler so I can hook up to one of the kegs I bought and fill some bottles or a growler for a party.

My "life",my money,my choice.

P.s.- I ferment in and transfer from a stainless conical that wasn't cheap.

One way is not "better" than the other. Both have advantages and disadvantages. I do both.

 

[slym2none]

Spend your money how you wish,doesn't mean the rest of us need to follow suit.

And the same can be said of people who suggest kegging. "Doesn't mean the rest of us need to follow suit."

I am only offering my opinion.

Do you also have a problem w/ people driving ?
I assume you ride a bike everywhere so you can save money for brewing there too..

Now you are just being silly.

 

[thunderwagn]

My opinion is still valid, no?

I just see so much hate on bottling. But when I voice it, I get backlash.

But it won't stop me from expressing it where I can. Note, I don't go into kegging-problem threads & tell people they wouldn't have those problems if they bottled. I wait until someone asks the question where I can reasonably voice my opinion.

And now I have done so.

I feel your bottling love :fro: I actually enjoy bottling day

 

[TexasDroughtBrewery]

Honestly, I agree that everyone can have their own opinion and both keg and bottling have advantages and disadvantages.

Personally, I have never bottled the thought of it turned me off and I really liked the idea of having draft beer on hand at the house. :rockin: But I have ran into a few snags and serious learning curves on the way its not all roses until you know what your doing (just like anything).

I have saved a few bottles here recently to give it a try maybe a couple of six packs and put the rest in the keg just to see if there is a flavor difference and to experience that part of the hobby I hear so much debate about.

 

[ballsy]

My opinion is still valid, no?

I just see so much hate on bottling. But when I voice it, I get backlash.

But it won't stop me from expressing it where I can. Note, I don't go into kegging-problem threads & tell people they wouldn't have those problems if they bottled. I wait until someone asks the question where I can reasonably voice my opinion.

And now I have done so.

I was agreeing with both sides....everybody has their own reasons in all aspects of brewing from equipment to technique...you choose to bottle b/c you'd rather not spend extra $$ on kegging set up. Nothing wrong with that. My reasoning to not bottling is due to excessive time and effort spent with it, I had money I could throw towards used kegs, picnic taps, and a used freezer on craigslist so I did. The one thing I do miss from bottling is that the batch lasted a lot longer than the cold draft beer I now have in my garage

 

[Brews-Lee]

Looking for some advice for my specific situation: I am fermenting in essentially a bottling bucket (7.9g bucket w/spigot), and it is fairly opaque so it is a bit difficult to see inside. Also, when I transferred the boiled wort into the bucket/fermenter on brew day, I was lacking a strainer, so all the hops & hot break material was transferred into the fermenter as well. (Details of the brew, aal-grain IPA, 1.068 OG, w/ 5oz hops.) Would transferring to a secondary help much? The spigot is low enough that a bunch of the trub will likely come through when transferring...in my guess anyway. Also, when using a fermentor w/spigot to transfer, does tipping help at all? (Doesn't seem like it would really.)

You input is appreciated!

For the record, this is what I am using to ferment (with spigot attached)
http://www.homebrewing.org/30L-HDPE-Fermenter-79-gal_p_5834.html

 

[ZmannR2]

Honestly I think I'll do both as I only will buy 1 5 gallon keg and any extra beer I brew I'll just bottle.

 

[hlmbrwng]

Have people here found that they have problems keeping the grub from being siphoned when they have a low-flocculant yeast?

 

[TWAL]

 

[thunderwagn]

:beard:

 

[TWAL]

That's why it's a suggestion not a demand.

 

[slym2none]

You wouldn't get the backlash if you're response wasn't a little jab at what other people chose to do w/ their life or money.

Person asks a question. I am not allowed to answer? Yes, yes I am. Not a jab when someone asks for opinions.

Carry on!

 

[slym2none]

That's why it's a suggestion not a demand.

That doesn't even make sense.

I'm done here. Have at it if you want, again - opinions were asked for, & I gave mine.

 

[Brews-Lee]

Just re-posting this question to bring it to the current page...
---


Looking for some advice for my specific situation: I am fermenting in essentially a bottling bucket (7.9g bucket w/spigot), and it is fairly opaque so it is a bit difficult to see inside. Also, when I transferred the boiled wort into the bucket/fermenter on brew day, I was lacking a strainer, so all the hops & hot break material was transferred into the fermenter as well. (Details of the brew, aal-grain IPA, 1.068 OG, w/ 5oz hops.) Would transferring to a secondary help much? The spigot is low enough that a bunch of the trub will likely come through when transferring...in my guess anyway. Also, when using a fermentor w/spigot to transfer, does tipping help at all? (Doesn't seem like it would really.)

You input is appreciated!

For the record, this is what I am using to ferment (with spigot attached)
http://www.homebrewing.org/30L-HDPE-...al_p_5834.html

(Thanks again!)

 

[Pkrd]

Looking for some advice for my specific situation: I am fermenting in essentially a bottling bucket (7.9g bucket w/spigot), and it is fairly opaque so it is a bit difficult to see inside. Also, when I transferred the boiled wort into the bucket/fermenter on brew day, I was lacking a strainer, so all the hops & hot break material was transferred into the fermenter as well. (Details of the brew, aal-grain IPA, 1.068 OG, w/ 5oz hops.) Would transferring to a secondary help much? The spigot is low enough that a bunch of the trub will likely come through when transferring...in my guess anyway. Also, when using a fermentor w/spigot to transfer, does tipping help at all? (Doesn't seem like it would really.)

You input is appreciated!

For the record, this is what I am using to ferment (with spigot attached)
http://www.homebrewing.org/30L-HDPE-Fermenter-79-gal_p_5834.html

I ferment in 10L plastic jerry cans, with spigot. Initially I bottled straight from the spigot but found I got less trub and more consistent carbonation using a bottling bucket(those last few bottles got a lot of yeast). I used to put a block of wood under the spigot to keep the trub away too, this might help you now.
An auto siphon is a huge help for transfer (both from kettle and to the bottling bucket).

 

[Brews-Lee]

I ferment in 10L plastic jerry cans, with spigot. Initially I bottled straight from the spigot but found I got less trub and more consistent carbonation using a bottling bucket(those last few bottles got a lot of yeast). I used to put a block of wood under the spigot to keep the trub away too, this might help you now.
An auto siphon is a huge help for transfer (both from kettle and to the bottling bucket).

I had planned on transferring to a bottling bucket regardless of whether or not I transferred to a secondary fermenter. My question really pertains more to whether or not I would see much benefit in doing a secondary in this particular case.

 

[Stillraining]

Looking for some advice for my specific situation: I am fermenting in essentially a bottling bucket (7.9g bucket w/spigot), and it is fairly opaque so it is a bit difficult to see inside. Also, when I transferred the boiled wort into the bucket/fermenter on brew day, I was lacking a strainer, so all the hops & hot break material was transferred into the fermenter as well. (Details of the brew, aal-grain IPA, 1.068 OG, w/ 5oz hops.) Would transferring to a secondary help much? The spigot is low enough that a bunch of the trub will likely come through when transferring...in my guess anyway. Also, when using a fermentor w/spigot to transfer, does tipping help at all? (Doesn't seem like it would really.)

You input is appreciated!

For the record, this is what I am using to ferment (with spigot attached)
http://www.homebrewing.org/30L-HDPE-Fermenter-79-gal_p_5834.html

This answer is for the OP as well.

I didn't look at your bucket link but "all" my buckets are bottling buckets so technically I do exactly what your asking. I dont use a racking cane either and I don't really care how much junk from my boil kettle gets into my primary. I have a Bazooka screen on that and what ever gets through gets through.
So if I don't use a racking cane and Im not concerned with what gets in my fermentation bucket what do I do?
Well I also over brew a bit..5.5 gallons to be exact....that is my bottling target so I have a bit to wast if I care to... I then lean my bucket back just a tad as others have suggested except I lean it backwards the other way away from the valve maybe a 1/2" is all. Then I just take a section of sterilized hose and stick on the bucket valve and let the whole bucket drain into another clean bottling bucket after pulling maybe 1/2 to a full bottle and tossing it, just to make sure things are flowing clean....Why do I do this you might ask...because when I stir my priming sugar in I don't want to disrupt all the yeast and trub I let settle out for 2 weeks....That's the only reason. I could use tablets and forgo even this step but I don't like messing around with them and possibly missing or double tabing a bottle.
What very little yeast I get in my finished bottles doesn't bother a thing unless you shake the bottle to disturb it. Then the beer can be a tad cloudy. I just pour slow and leave an ever so tiny bit of dregs in the bottle to be rinsed out.

I'm all about two things 1) Simplicity and 2) Getting down to as few things touching my beer as possible.
I do still have one step that could be eliminated ..but any infections I have ever gotten has happened before bottling, not during or in the bottle itself.. so Its working just fine.

 

[TWAL]

Person asks a question. I am not allowed to answer? Yes, yes I am. Not a jab when someone asks for opinions.

Carry on!

What was the question you were asked let alone answered ?
You're only response in this thread has essentially been directed at me.
I didn't see you offer any helpful advice,just chimed in to mention that kegging was a waste,opinion yes but nobody asked for it.
It is a bit of a jab to those that keg as you apparently view it as a waste of ones money,something I think we're all capable of spending the way we see fit.
Did I P.M. you randomly and say it's time to throw out your bottles and start kegging?
Did anyone ever say to quit bottling? No,No they did not...

 

[Brews-Lee]

This answer is for the OP as well.
...

Thanks for that. Question: do you use either Irish Moss in the boil, or gelatin in the fermenter (do you use a secondary fermenter)?

 

[Stillraining]

Thanks for that. Question: do you use either Irish Moss in the boil, or gelatin in the fermenter (do you use a secondary fermenter)?

Nada.

 

[Kampenken]

Just read the first page and I'm surprised at how many start high and slowly lower. When I used a bucket (in conical now) I would push the cane down to the bottom (gently and slowly when approaching the bottom) and then pull up a bit, THEN start racking. The amount I pulled up depended on:
Did I filter into the bucket? If so, up a 1/2" or less, can even be on bottom!
If I dry hopped direct (not in muslin bag or paint strainer bag) I used to do that, then I'd pull up about an inch or so.
You just keep watch on the tube, if it gets cloudy pull up, as you get near the end, you push down until it gets cloudy.

As for the poster on p1 who said that's what the space on the bottling bucket below the siphon is for, I say Baloney! Use a dip tube. Oh yes, make one before you bottle your first beer, read up on it here, it is one of the best bottling tips ever!

Cheers!

 

[slym2none]

Done with you long ago.

 

[ThomasPaine]

Have people here found that they have problems keeping the grub from being siphoned when they have a low-flocculant yeast?

Just bought a filter because I'm sick of it. I know bending the dip tube or making a floating one will help. I will see how I like the filter.

 

[cjbalough]

Unless i have a ton of turb, I just drop the autosiphion to the bottom once I get it started.... It will create a divot in the turb then all clean clear beer - if you leave it be. When bottling, I just label the last few bottles as such, as they tend to have a bit more sediment...

As for the primary only vs secondary debate, I have made good to excellent beer both ways.....also have made ok to bad beer both ways.....lately I have tended towards the single fermenter out of laziness and the desire to keep things simple stupid - KISS. I use secondary if I need to free up a fermenting bucket, or If I know it will be hanging out there for a while (have had a bad beer experience after letting one sit on the yeast for a coupple months)

 

[jignji]

I have found that the curve at the bottom of your carboy will make the very center have a lot less trub. You should be able to just hold it steady right above trub line.

 

[smurfjuice]

I also use a 2ndary, and i bottle ... i feel so cheap ... :smack:
Also where can i get one of those clips for the auto siphon ?? ... :beard:

 

[andy6026]

I also use a 2ndary, and i bottle ... i feel so cheap ... :smack:
Also where can i get one of those clips for the auto siphon ?? ... :beard:

You can probably get one at any LHBS, or order it online from any one. They're really cheap and very heplful. I must have done 15-20 batches without and you're standing there holding the thing while you could be doing something else. I guess you could call it the 'hands free' method of siphoning.

I also secondary , but I have switched to kegging and if it's something you're pondering, I well recommend it!

 

[ncbrewer]

Looking for some advice for my specific situation: I am fermenting in essentially a bottling bucket (7.9g bucket w/spigot), and it is fairly opaque so it is a bit difficult to see inside. Also, when I transferred the boiled wort into the bucket/fermenter on brew day, I was lacking a strainer, so all the hops & hot break material was transferred into the fermenter as well. (Details of the brew, aal-grain IPA, 1.068 OG, w/ 5oz hops.) Would transferring to a secondary help much? The spigot is low enough that a bunch of the trub will likely come through when transferring...in my guess anyway. Also, when using a fermentor w/spigot to transfer, does tipping help at all? (Doesn't seem like it would really.)

You input is appreciated!

For the record, this is what I am using to ferment (with spigot attached)
http://www.homebrewing.org/30L-HDPE-Fermenter-79-gal_p_5834.html

I transfer all the trub from the kettle to the fermenter. After siphoning to the bottling bucket, it doesn't look like enough trub left to go up to the spigot - so I think you'll be ok.

But just in case, maybe you could keep your fermenter tilted away from the spigot just a little while it's fermenting to end up with less trub on the spigot side of the bucket.

Another option - on bottling day, open the spigot and run any sediment into a waste container until it runs clear.

(I haven't tried exactly what you're doing, so I'm only making guesses.)

 

[Brews-Lee]

I transfer all the trub from the kettle to the fermenter. After siphoning to the bottling bucket, it doesn't look like enough trub left to go up to the spigot - so I think you'll be ok.

But just in case, maybe you could keep your fermenter tilted away from the spigot just a little while it's fermenting to end up with less trub on the spigot side of the bucket.

Another option - on bottling day, open the spigot and run any sediment into a waste container until it runs clear.

(I haven't tried exactly what you're doing, so I'm only making guesses.)

Yeah, I have it slightly tilted now, but there is a lot of trub and some is already partially covering the spigot...so, like you said, I had figured that I would release some (on bottling day) as waste, prior to transferring into the bottling bucket.