Random Questions...

[Nightbard]

Has anyone had success using the 15 gallon Emergency (food grade) barrels for first fermentation? I would need one of the pumps or an auto siphon big enough but that is the only serious complication I have come up with.


Also I know most meads are bottled in clear glass but would there be any issue with aging in a cask? I was wondering if there would be a way to add a rustic woodsy taste by aging in oak or walnut for instance.

 

[Seamonkey84]

I don’t see why not, people use the 25gal food storage barrels (trash cans) for primary. Aging in oak barrels are ideal, but expensive. There are also risks of leaks, and oxidation plus the loss to evaporation. Most use oak products in their carboys or during fermentation, such as cubes.

 

[bernardsmith]

Your call, of course, Nightbard, but "food grade" does not in itself mean that the plastic is suitable for storage of both acidic liquids and alcohol - both act as solvents and can leach chemicals from the containers. I would want to be certain that the container was manufactured to be able to store ethanol and low pH liquids. It's one thing to store vegetable oils or water and quite another to store alcohol.

 

[madscientist451]

The blue barrels have been used for fermentation purposes for many years (not by me) but if you are making mead the raw materials are pretty expensive, so perhaps it would be worth the money to invest in a decent fermenter like a Spiedel.
Commercial meaderies age mead in oak barrels quite often, but at the homebrew level, oak spirals, chips or similar products are recommended.

 

[Nightbard]

Commercial meaderies age mead in oak barrels quite often, but at the homebrew level, oak spirals, chips or similar products are recommended.

Are there specific requirements for what types are useable or specific places to get them (other then a limber yard)?
Would they need to be removed from the mead after a certain time?

Sorry guess I am still at the figuring out what can be used and when stage. My husband just wants to throw it all in a water jug...

 

[bracconiere]

i've used them for beer....or something very similar to one of those.

 

[madscientist451]

Are there specific requirements for what types are useable or specific places to get them (other then a limber yard)?

Here's an HBT article from last year:

https://www.homebrewtalk.com/emulating-bourbon-barrel-aging.html

Chips, spirals and similar items can be found at your local or online homebrew supplier.

 

[Solstice Meadery]

Your call, of course, Nightbard, but "food grade" does not in itself mean that the plastic is suitable for storage of both acidic liquids and alcohol - both act as solvents and can leach chemicals from the containers. I would want to be certain that the container was manufactured to be able to store ethanol and low pH liquids. It's one thing to store vegetable oils or water and quite another to store alcohol.

Actually...."The term, “food grade,” refers to the materials used in equipment. To be defined as food grade, materials need to be non-toxic and safe for consumption. ... For example, if a food grade silicone o-ring is exposed to hot or acidic food products, no harmful chemicals can leach out of the silicone into that product"

I think you'll be fine.

 

[bernardsmith]

Always happy to learn new things. Thanks.