Basilisk
Active Member
Hey everyone!
So the first time I brewed cider, when I racked it to a secondary container, we just used a clear vinyl tube as a siphon, and just sucked on the end to get the siphon going. After that, I read somewhere here that it's a great way to get infections, so you shouldn't do it with your mouth.
First of all, when they say that, how do they think it will happen? I mean, I sterilize the tube first, and then my lips are on the outside of the tube where the cider will never touch, and it's creating a vacuum, so none of my breath even goes into the tube. Is it really that bad to use your mouth to start it?
I created a little device that should be completely sterile to use if you sterilize it first. Basically, it's a rubber stopper at the end of a long metal rod that you insert in the tube before putting the other end in the liquid, and then pull to start the siphon. However, it's kind of a pain in the ass.
I found this video https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2-F_RBWVxmk that explains how to make a nice one, but it basically seems like it has the same problem as starting it by sucking it, except worse because you're actually blowing your breath into it.
How do people who do this very carefully actually do it? Is there some sort of fancy expensive product I'm supposed to buy?
Also, if I get an infection, will I certainly know from the taste or smell of my brew? Or would it be more of a subtle thing with off flavors?
Thanks!!
So the first time I brewed cider, when I racked it to a secondary container, we just used a clear vinyl tube as a siphon, and just sucked on the end to get the siphon going. After that, I read somewhere here that it's a great way to get infections, so you shouldn't do it with your mouth.
First of all, when they say that, how do they think it will happen? I mean, I sterilize the tube first, and then my lips are on the outside of the tube where the cider will never touch, and it's creating a vacuum, so none of my breath even goes into the tube. Is it really that bad to use your mouth to start it?
I created a little device that should be completely sterile to use if you sterilize it first. Basically, it's a rubber stopper at the end of a long metal rod that you insert in the tube before putting the other end in the liquid, and then pull to start the siphon. However, it's kind of a pain in the ass.
I found this video https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2-F_RBWVxmk that explains how to make a nice one, but it basically seems like it has the same problem as starting it by sucking it, except worse because you're actually blowing your breath into it.
How do people who do this very carefully actually do it? Is there some sort of fancy expensive product I'm supposed to buy?
Also, if I get an infection, will I certainly know from the taste or smell of my brew? Or would it be more of a subtle thing with off flavors?
Thanks!!