WillPall
Well-Known Member
Is there any way to sanitize/sterilize your priming sugar without putting it in water and boiling? Not that it's any problem, I'm just curious.
I'm not making a recommendation, but at this point, the beer is finished and there is alcohol in it, so I'm thinking the risk of infection is rather low, but why even leave that to chance?
Mixing your priming sugar w/ a pint of water and boiling is the best method to make sure that it's completely sanitary, and I can't really think of another way to achieve that state.
I just dump half in the bucket as I start to rack and the rest half of the way through.
I would actually say the sugar itself probably doesn't need to be sanitized by boiling. Like with salt I'm guessing theres few beasties would survive in it. Having your sugar dissolved in water sure makes it easier to mix into your beer without having to stir the crap out it though. Hot water makes the sugar dissolve more easily, plus boiling it will drive out any oxygen that could oxidize your beer. Just my amateur guess.
Personally I have a 2 cup pyrex measuring cup. I fill it with about a cup of water, weigh out my priming sugar charge, microwave til its at a decent boil and just leave it in with the door closed until I get all my equipment setup and the like, then add tobottling bucket and rack on it.
I don't really cool mine off in a bath anymore either. I just have it rolled into my bottling process that it is off the flame for 10 or more minutes while I'm finishing up my bottle sanitization .
I used to worry about that too, but someone pointed out that even 2 cups of water is going to be rapidly cooled by 5 gallons of beer.
You guys aren't worried about the hot water possibly melting the plastic ale pail? That's the only reason I cool down the sugar solution.
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